Braces are dental devices that orthodontists use to help straighten teeth that may be misaligned or crooked in their alignment. Often, teeth that protrude or form gaps in the teeth line may be adjusted so that a straighter line of teeth is produced.
Braces work alongside time to give patients a winning smile that makes them proud. However, braces are not just for aesthetic purposes. Some people need braces because they have disjointed jaws, under bites or over bites. If these dental issues are not adjusted or fixed with braces, they may result in pain or discomfort later.
Types of Braces Available
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are becoming more popular with people who want low cost braces that are also not very noticeable. The brackets on these braces are made of ceramic, so they are tooth colored. That helps them to blend in well. You can also get the wires in the same color so that they really blend together with your teeth. These are not as cheap as metal braces, but they are less expensive than Invisalign. Keep in mind that these braces tend to stain if you drink beverages like coffee, wine, and other highly pigmented foods.
Metal braces
Metal braces are the most common types of braces that you’ll encounter. Unfortunately, they are also quite noticeable. Today, metal braces are less noticeable than they were 10 or 20 years ago. Rubber bands accompany the metal wires and brackets, and wearers can choose the colors of their bands. Fortunately, these are the least expensive braces you can find.
Invisalign
If you want to have braces that are hardly noticeable, try Invisalign. These are trays that are molded to fit your teeth, and they generally need to be replaced once every few weeks. If you wear these braces, you enjoy the luxury of eating and drinking whatever you want. In addition, they are hard to notice, so you don’t have to worry about looking like a “metal mouth.” On the other hand, if you have serious problems with your teeth or alignment, these braces might not work for you.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are very similar to regular metal braces, but they actually sit on the inside of your teeth as opposed to on the outside. This gives them the advantage of being hardly noticeable. Unfortunately, because they sit on the inside of your teeth, they are difficult to clean and may require multiple adjustments.
Other Types
There are some other types of devices that can be used inside the mouth to adjust teeth alignment and spacing as well. For example, you may be set up to wear headgear at night, or you may be given a retainer to wear for a few hours each day.
Schedule Your Consultation
At Grace and Bowman Orthodontics in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, we offer different types of braces to help our patients get the best treatment possible. Our medical team, led by Dr. Brodie Bowman, will work with you to determine the most effective orthodontic treatment plan for your needs. Contact Grace and Bowman Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation.
