There are several different types of braces that you can choose from.
Unless you are one of the rare people who was born with perfectly straight teeth than you are probably looking for a way to fix your crooked, misaligned or overcrowded smile. While orthodontic treatment has often been a right of passage for children, there are thousands of adults who’ve also opted for braces to straighten their smiles. Anyone can opt for braces no matter their age and we have a variety of orthodontics to choose from:
Traditional metal braces: These are the braces you probably recognize or picture when people talk about orthodontics; however, dental technology has evolved over the decades and now these modern-day brackets are smaller and less obvious than they once were. The wires are also sleeker and thinner, so you don’t have to feel like you have a mouth full of metal. While they are more noticeable than other braces they are also more cost-effective.
Ceramic braces: These braces still have the same brackets and wires of traditional braces; however, these braces are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic so they blend in more with your smile. These braces can often move teeth faster than other clear braces like Invisalign; however the brackets can stain more easily than their metal counterparts (so be sure to adopt good oral hygiene!).
Lingual braces: Lingual braces look just like traditional metal braces except they are cemented to the back of your teeth instead of the front. The most obvious benefit is that your braces are nearly invisible to those around you; however, they aren’t always ideal for patients who need serious dental corrections. Plus they can be a challenge to properly clean and may require more diligent oral care.
Clear braces: You’ve probably seen the commercial for Invisalign on TV. These clear, removable aligners are custom-made to fit over your mouth like a mouthguard. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and gradually shifts your teeth. It’s ideal for patients looking to hide their braces and it also allows the wearer to eat and drink whatever he wants since they are removable; however, just like lingual braces these clear aligners will not work for severe cases. Invisalign is also only appropriate for teenagers and adults, not children.
If you are interested in getting a straighter smile, we would be happy to examine your teeth and talk to you about your options. It’s never too late to get the smile you want.
