If you are an adult with tooth or bite issues, or you are the parent of a teenager with tooth or bite issues, you may be all too familiar with braces and what they are used for. You may only be familiar with one type of braces, but there are actually several kinds of braces. Here is a breakdown of the types of braces dentists offer their patients.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use both wires and brackets to straighten teeth and correct bites. They work because a dentist tightens the wires strung between them over time. These braces are usually made with metal brackets that are cemented to teeth and metal wires. Traditional braces are great for people who have severely crowded teeth, protruding teeth, or severe bite issues, such as overbites, crossbites, and open bites. In general, the treatment time for traditional braces can be between two and three years.
Ceramic Braces
If you need to wear braces as an adult, you may want to opt for ceramic braces because they are less noticeable. Ceramic braces use clear brackets and thinner wires that are more difficult to see, which makes them better for busy adults and teenagers.
Lingual Braces
Depending on what type of problem our dentist is trying to fix, you may be able to have lingual braces fix your issues. Lingual braces resemble traditional braces, except they are applied to the rear of your teeth rather than the front of your teeth, which means no one will know they are there except you.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a type of braces that are made of clear plastic and are removable so you can eat, floss, and clean your teeth during the day. While clear aligners are cheaper than traditional braces, they cannot be used for severe overcrowding or severe bite issues. Clear aligners also mean less treatment time for patients.
Not sure what treatment will work best for you? We can help. Give our office a call today to set up an appointment with our dentist.
If you are an adult with tooth or bite issues, or you are the parent of a teenager with tooth or bite issues, you may be all too familiar with braces and what they are used for. You may only be familiar with one type of braces, but there are actually several kinds of braces. Here is a breakdown of the types of braces dentists offer their patients.