The first picture that springs to the mind when you think of braces is that of a metal device sticking onto the teeth and very horrifying to look at. But when your dentist recommends it, either for you or your kid, because of some orthodontic flaw like crooked teeth, flawed jaw line, bite problems (overbite, open bites, cross bites) then you know there’s no escaping to it. However, there are a couple of things that you will need to know about braces before settling for any particular kind.
What all do I need to consider before choosing braces for my teeth? Firstly, depending on the severity /nature of your dental flaw, your dentist will recommend you what will suit your need best. In other cases, there are many factors that you will need to consider before opting for braces. As braces are mounted on your teeth, the first factor that you will need to consider is the visibility aspect of it – would you be comfortable with noticeable or unnoticeable one?
With a number of alternatives to choose from, you will find braces of varying costs – some affordable, while some very expensive.
Another important factor to ponder on is the amount of time that you will need to use the braces to get your problem fixed – are you looking for a treatment that will give the desired results in a short span of time or if duration is not your priority as long as the problem is fully taken care of.
What are the different types of braces? What are its pros and cons?
The following are the most common types of braces used –
- Traditional Metal Braces
The most familiar braces that we come across, traditional metal braces have come a long way from looking like ominous metal mouth to relatively smaller metal brackets. By dint of new technology in orthodontics, traditional metal braces have now become far less invasive than they used to be. The archwires used in these modern brackets rely on the body’s natural heat to straighten teeth faster.
Pros: Effective, affordable, and easy to maintain
Cons: Noticeable
- Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are close kin of metal braces. Like metal braces, they come with the same wire and bracket design, except that the brackets are made of ceramic or of a transparent material, so that the braces meld with the natural colour of the teeth.
Pros: Comparatively inconspicuous than the metal braces
Cons: Expensive, slightly difficult to clean
- Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are exactly the same as traditional metal braces with a one major difference – that they are attached at the back of the teeth. They make a good option for those who would prefer their braces hidden.
Pros: Unnoticeable
Cons: Expensive, difficult to clean, not effective in severe cases
- Invisalign
Invisalign are bespoke, transparent teeth aligners that are replaced after every 2 weeks after the teeth are aligned desirably. Coming in a series of 18-30 aligners, these braces make an apt choice for those who don’t want any tell-tale signs of their orthodontic application.
Pros: Invisible, do not necessitate any restrictions on food / beverage intake
Cons: Very expensive, not effective in severe cases, takes longer to get results, not made for children
At the end of the day, it all boils to your comfort, budget, and effectiveness of the treatment. Consider all the above carefully before choosing on the type of braces.