Not too many years ago, there were very little options when it came to getting braces. You had to get heavy metal braces and unattractive headgear. Today, thanks to advancements in modern dentistry and orthodontics, there is a wide range of brace options for both children and adults. Some options are so advanced that no one else outside of the wearer will know that they have braces.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are made from metal brackets that have wires and are adhered to a person’s teeth. Advancements have been made in traditional braces to make them less obvious and less invasive. They have smaller brackets, and some have wires that are activated by a person’s body heat, thereby reducing the pain associated with their application.
Some of the pros of traditional braces include:
- Cost-effective
- Available with multi-colored bands
- Require no additional work on the part of the user
Some of the cons include:
- Painful to use and have adjusted
- Are noticeable
- May irritate a person’s gums and the inside of their mouth
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces were the first option in “clear braces” on the market. They have the same shape and the same size as traditional metal braces, but since they are made from ceramic, they have a color that matches the wearer’s teeth. So they do not stand out as much. Patients have the option of using clear wires to further reduce the appearance of wearing braces.
The pros of ceramic braces include:
- Not as visually evident as metal braces
- Produce faster results than plastic aligners
- Not as irritating to the gums and mouth as metal braces
Some of the cons include:
- Ceramic brackets can easily stain
- Require excessive maintenance to keep their “clear” appearance
Invisalign® Braces
Invisalign® is quickly becoming the most popular teeth straightening treatment on the market. It is composed of 18 to 30 clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit a patient’s teeth.
The aligners have an appearance that resembles a mouth guard. Twice a month, a patient may need to have the aligners removed and replaced as their teeth straighten.
The pros of Invisalign® braces include:
- Are completely invisible
- A patient can remove them at will
- No restriction on the food or beverages that a person can eat or drink
Cons of Invisalign® include:
- Do not work in all orthodontic cases
- Kids cannot use them
- Results may take longer than with using metal braces
When deciding the orthodontic treatment you will use to straighten your teeth, it is a good idea to sit and talk with a professional. Contact Lach Orthodontic Specialists today to schedule a consultation. Let us examine your teeth, and then together, develop a treatment program that matches your budget and lifestyle.