What are the different types of braces to take into consideration?

Teeth braces are used to correct a variety of conditions such as underbite, overbite, crooked or crowded teeth, and similar. As you may expect, with so many problems that the teeth may have, there is quite a variety of brace types. Today, you can choose from four major different types of braces, as well as custom-made braces for your specific issue. Choosing the right type will help you maximize their effectiveness and minimize your inconvenience. At Consumer Opinion Guide, we believe in providing our readers with an informed choice and have prepared an article to help you choose the ideal braces.

Different types of braces you may want to consider

If you take one look at the brace market, you will find that there is almost an overwhelming number of options. However, most of those options can be categorized in one of the following brace types:

• Metal braces
• Lingual braces
• Ceramic braces
• Invisalign

Metal braces

Adults are definitely familiar with these. They are your traditional braces and are made of high-quality stainless steel with an archwire attached to the brackets on the teeth. This method provides even pressure and helps move teeth in the correct decision. If you are looking for a tried-and-true method, this is the option for you.

Lingual braces

Next up, lingual braces (also called inside braces) are custom-made to fit the contour on the inside of each tooth. There is a wire that joins the brackets of the braces together and serves to pull your teeth into position from the inside. This bracer type is as effective as metal braces but they do take a longer time to fit. Each bracket is custom-made, after all.

Furthermore, you will require additional appointments for lingual braces and the appointments themselves will last longer. Compared to traditional braces, of course. But the results that you get from them are astounding. Lingual braces work from the inside, which means that they are virtually undetectable. The only thing that might “give them away” is the fact that some users may need to wear elastic bands, which are visible.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are somewhere between the invisibility of the lingual braces and the effectiveness of metal braces. Also called clear braces, ceramic braces can be said to be almost invisible. If you are looking for a more subtle look, ceramic braces are a much better option than their metal counterparts. You never know when you may need to take a photo or attend an important event, after all!

As for their effectiveness, they are as effective as traditional braces. The only major difference is that they are made out of tooth-colored ceramic brackets instead of metal and that their wire is white.

Invisalign

As one of the newest options, Invisalign is a brace type that offers the greatest degree of convenience. First, these braces are virtually invisible and are much more comfortable to wear. Next, there is no need to make any modifications to your diet. Lastly, you can easily remove them when you want, clean your teeth, and put them back on. The fact is that clear/transparent braces are the most convenient treatment for teeth alignment and other common dental misgivings today.

Invisalign is a series of custom plastic trays that the patient wears for two weeks. In that time, they slowly move the teeth into the preferred position. The only issue with these braces is that they can’t remedy harsh dental conditions. If they did, they might be the only brace type on the market.

How to choose among different types of braces

To choose which of these brace types is ideal for your situation, you will need to consider the following factors:

• Aesthetics
• Budget
• Dental Hygiene
• Orthodontic treatment

Aesthetics

This should be the least of your concerns if we are to speak the complete truth. Too many people have unnecessary worries about how they will look with braces on. However, this is an actual concern and if you are looking for braces based on their aesthetic, you will want to consider lingual or ceramic braces. They are somewhere between hardly noticeable and invisible.

Budget

The cost of your braces will most likely be going to have a significant impact on your selection. When it comes to cost, metal braces are the most cost-effective ones, followed by ceramic and lingual braces. For example, metal braces usually start at $1,800 and go up to $5,500. And those are the cheapest ones!

Invisalign is also a viable option, as the price starts from $3,000 and goes up to $5,000. Its price is quite comparable to other brace types, being only slightly more expensive in most cases.

Dental hygiene

All braces require the patient to exercise additional dental care. They need more brushing and flossing to ensure that your teeth do not stain around them. Therefore, before you consider purchasing a set of braces, ask yourself if you have the necessary dental hygiene discipline for them. Some children may even need to wait a bit of time before getting braces and work on their teeth brushing commitment.

Orthodontic treatment is not the same for all different types of braces

Lastly, you need to understand that you are required to wear teeth braces for long periods of time. For example, Invisalign requires the patients to wear it for at least 23 hours each day. Furthermore, you will be replacing the customized trays every two weeks, meaning that you are going to visit the orthodontist a lot more. Other brace types require you to change your eating habits, as you will need to avoid extremely chewy, sticky, and hard foodstuffs. Breaking the archwire is a possibility, after all, and if it is broken on a regular basis, the whole treatment is at risk.

The best thing you can do before considering all the different types of braces is to talk to your orthodontist at length. Have them explain the best brace type for the treatment, as well as viable alternatives.