The Four Types Of Braces
Dental braces are designed to help straighten and align crooked teeth slowly over time. Though they all perform the same basic function, there are four main types of braces that a dentist could give you, each of which carries a different set of advantages and drawbacks with them. Understanding the differences between the available types of braces can help you anticipate what to expect.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the least expensive and the most common type of braces available on the market. However, their low price is their only notable good feature, as otherwise metal braces can be quite hard to wear. Firstly, they are extremely noticeable, though they can be colored based on personal preference. Secondly, they can cause irritation and can cut the inside of your mouth at first as your teeth begin to adjust.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made out of a white ceramic that is designed to blend into the appearance of your teeth. However, unlike metal braces, ceramic braces are not extremely durable, and can chip if you eat hard foods – meaning that you will have to make certain dietary changes. Furthermore, they require more regular dentist visits to be adjusted, which can significantly increase their cost over time.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a type of braces which are designed to be installed behind your teeth. This means that they are practically invisible, and your smile won't be visibly marred as your teeth straighten. However, lingual braces are extremely difficult and expensive to have installed and can change the way you speak (though practicing can make it easier to sounds like yourself). Lingual braces are not as effective as ceramic or metal braces are at aligning teeth, so they can't be used in all cases, and they are also extremely hard to adjust.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces seek to fix the downsides associated with lingual braces. Invisible braces are made out of a plastic or polymer that is clear and hard, and they are worn directly over the teeth. This makes them much easier to have installed, as you just have to take a mold of your teeth. However, invisible braces are extremely expensive to create, which means that they might not be feasible for all health insurance plans. Additionally, invisible braces are not ideal for altering teeth that are extremely out of alignment, as they are not able to move teeth as much as their metal or ceramic counterparts are able to.
For more information and options for braces, contact a cosmetic dentistry clinic in your area.
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