There are many types of braces on the market, but most fall into one of five categories. Read on to learn more about the five different types of braces on the market and which one might be right for you! In this article, you will know why it’s essential to figure out which type of braces best suits your specific orthodontic need.
What are the different Types of Braces?
There are five major types of braces:
- Traditional braces
- Clear aligners
- Invisalign (clear)
- Lingual braces
- Fixed retainers
It’s important to talk to your orthodontist about what treatment will work best for you based on how you feel about your current smile and how much time you want to put into therapy. Orthodontists most commonly recommend traditional braces or clear aligners. Clear aligners are suitable for mild cases; traditional braces work best for severe cases.
Lingual (hidden) braces are ideal in certain situations. Fixed retainers are a backup to your other treatments but can be replaced at any time with a removable retainer if you want an even straighter smile.
1) Traditional braces
These types of Braces have metal brackets attached to your teeth, with arch wires running through them. The orthodontist will adjust them frequently; if you’re getting fixed braces, you’ll need appointments every few weeks until they come off after treatment.
Traditional braces are suitable for mild to moderate cases, but some people may not be candidates because their teeth don’t correctly align
Your dentist may recommend self-ligating braces if you have a mild case, as traditional braces can be unsightly.
2) Clear (Invisible) Aligners
Clear aligners are similar to traditional braces. They use metal wires or rubber bands, but they’re invisible. This makes them a good option if you’re self-conscious about wearing traditional braces.
Clear aligners usually require two or more years to complete treatment, depending on age. Treatment also takes longer than other methods because you return to your orthodontist every week or two so he can make minor adjustments as you progress through each stage of treatment.
4) Fixed retainers
Fixed retainers are created to correct a specific kind of malocclusion, or misalignment, in which teeth are not straight but also do not cause any physical discomfort.
These may be more common than you think because sometimes people don’t even realize they have crooked teeth. Fixed retainer therapy can last anywhere from a few weeks to years, depending on the severity of your condition.
Your dentist will likely prescribe regular appointments so they can assess how your teeth are growing and determine whether it’s time to create another set of retainers.
As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions closely, fixed retainers should remain firmly in place until their intended purpose has been achieved. In some cases, however, there may be no option other than removal if new growth makes them too uncomfortable to keep wearing.
3) Lingual braces
Regarding braces, lingual braces are one of the most popular. They are also invisible or transparent braces because they can be hidden behind your teeth so that only you know you have them.
Lingual braces are specially designed to fit over your existing teeth and are held in place by small brackets attached to your back molars.
Although they are still considered removable appliances, they can often take longer than other types of braces to treat milder cases due to their adjustment schedule.
These braces aren’t suitable for everyone, and if you want traditional metal or ceramic braces, then linguals might not be ideal for you because they can be hard to clean around.
5) Invisalign
Unlike braces, Invisalign are removable, clear aligners that fit over your teeth. This alternative to traditional braces offers nearly invisible results. Invisalign uses 3D imaging and computer technology to create a series of aligners that will move your teeth into place.
Although they’re more expensive than traditional braces, they may be worth it if you have sensitive teeth or don’t want others to know you’re going through orthodontic work.
The downside with Invisalign is that it’s more time-consuming and requires yearly checkups every six months to ensure your teeth aren’t moving out of alignment again. Despite these drawbacks, patients report being satisfied with their results.
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