Every cloud has a silver lining and misaligned teeth are no exception to this. Orthodontic dentistry can provide you with all the treatments and services you need to correct misaligned teeth, improper bites, incorrect spacing between teeth, crooked teeth, protruding teeth, difficulty speaking clearly, chewing, and many other concerns you may have.
Your teeth are some of the most notable aspects of your face and contribute greatly to your overall appearance. Orthodontic dentistry can help you repair and restore your smile, for aesthetic purposes and to improve any functional problems which, if left untreated, can lead to issues with your dental health.
Help restore the full potential of your smile today and save your teeth from suffering gum diseases and tooth decay.
As you grow older, your teeth naturally move. Although this movement is undesirable, it can be remedied using orthodontic treatment, which can be used to reposition your teeth correctly. Like many diseases, the earlier you detect any concerns with your teeth, the sooner those concerns can be treated, which in turn usually produces better outcomes.
By the time children reach the age of 12 and have sprouted enough permanent teeth, they should be taken to the dentist for an initial consultation to help identify any problems with their teeth and gums.
Types of Braces
Braces are commonplace for most teenagers and some adults, to help improve the appearance of the teeth and smile, however, they also serve some additional important purposes such as improving the function of the mouth, preventing problems including uneven tooth wear, jaw pain and headaches, and decreasing the risk of tooth decay. Patients have multiple options to choose from when deciding the type of braces they want to wear.
Traditional Metal Braces
The traditional, and usually pretty obvious, stainless steel metal braces consist of metal brackets glued to the teeth with the help of special bonding cement. The teeth are moved into their correct positions with the help of archwires and rubber bands, which are attached to the brackets.
There is an increased risk of breaking a tooth or tooth decay, especially when eating hard or sticky foods. Current styles of the metal braces are less painful and more effective at moving teeth with the help of heat-activated wires. Although these metal braces are the first thing we may notice about a smile, they are also the most effective way of treating a variety of orthodontic problems.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are functionally very similar to traditional metal braces, the difference is that ceramic braces are made using ceramic and so the colour of the braces can be matched to the natural colour of your teeth.
You can also request to have tooth-coloured wires or clear ceramic material to make the braces less obvious. This helps you avoid the obvious metal appearance in your mouth, however, they can be slightly more costly than metal braces.
Ceramic braces are as effective as metal braces and also require you to abstain from hard or sticky foods that could get stuck in your teeth and braces. The elastics and ceramic braces are, however, more susceptible to staining.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are designed to help you hide your metal braces from view. They are functionally the same as traditional metal braces, the difference being their positioning inside of your mouth.
Rather than being placed on the front surfaces of your teeth, lingual braces are placed on the inside surfaces of your teeth. This hides them from view, however, it also makes them more difficult to clean and takes more time for the dentist to adjust them, and cannot be used for the treatment of all types of orthodontic problems.
Lingual braces are relatively more expensive than other types of braces and some individuals have reported more discomfort and difficulty with their speech when wearing lingual braces.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign braces are the most different of all the braces styles and, as their name suggests, they are not visible when you smile.
Invisalign braces use a sequence of clear trays or aligners which fit over the teeth and are changed every few weeks. Each subsequent aligner is created slightly different to help facilitate the slow shifting of your teeth into the correct positions. This process, however, usually takes longer than other types of braces. Invisalign aligners can be removed to allow for eating and when cleaning your teeth.
Although Invisalign braces are relatively more expensive than most other types of braces, you are able to eat anything you wish, since the braces can be removed during meals.
Damon Braces
Damon braces use an adjustable sliding mechanism that holds and adjusts the wires, which allows the teeth to move more freely and causes less discomfort.
Damon braces do not require the use of elastic ties and overall have fewer surfaces within your mouth, which allows for easier cleaning and decreased bacterial and plaque build-up. Both metal and ceramic versions of Damon braces are available.
Which braces are right for you?
When it comes to choosing the right type of braces to help treat your orthodontic problems, there are a few factors to take into consideration:
- Severity
First, you have to determine the severity of the orthodontic problem(s) you have, with the help of the dentist or orthodontist. Traditional metal or ceramic braces are usually placed onto the front of your teeth for the treatment of severe problems.
- Cost
The amount you are able and willing to spend on braces can also be a huge determinant of the type of braces you will be fitted with. Invisalign braces are usually the most expensive types of braces, whereas traditional metal braces are usually the least expensive.
Usually, the cost of orthodontic treatments can vary based on the severity of the problem and can range anywhere from $2000 to $5000. Your dental insurance may be able to shoulder all or some of the costs of your or your child’s treatment.
- Diet
If you feel that avoiding certain foods that are sticky or hard like candy and popcorn, is something you would be unable to do, then metal and ceramic braces would not be the correct option for you. Alternatively, Invisalign braces do not involve any dietary restrictions as the aligners can be removed during eating.
- Visibility
If a mouth full of metal is something you are trying to avoid then traditional metal braces or Damon braces aren’t an option. Invisalign, ceramic or lingual braces — if suitable for treating your issue — can be worn to provide a more discrete option to treat your orthodontic problems.
- Oral Hygiene
If you wear braces, they must be kept clean and require regular attention when it comes to your oral cleaning routine. When you eat, food particles can become stuck in your braces causing bacteria build-up, which can lead to cavities.
Invisalign braces are the exception to this and do not require any extensive cleaning as they are removed during brushing, flossing, and eating. Alternatively, lingual braces can be the most difficult to clean due to their positioning.
After your braces have completed their task and your teeth are straighter, you will be expected to wear a retainer for at least a year after the removal of your braces. The retainer is worn irrespective of the type of braces worn, and is used to help ensure that your teeth remain in their new and correct positions.
When it comes to your orthodontic treatment, there is no shortage of choices and each type of braces provide their own unique set of qualities, advantages, and disadvantages. Your active orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from one to two years, so it’s important to work with your dentist to help create a plan and select a system of braces that suit your or your child’s needs and lifestyle. Understanding the requirements of each type of braces can help you make an informed decision.
To learn more about the type of orthodontic treatment and which ones could help you, call Bristol Dental today at 905-712-3409 or contact us here.
[…] using pressure to ease teeth into the proper position. There are a few more options today for this type of orthodontic treatment, including traditional braces with brackets, wires, and rubber bands, clear or white ceramic […]