Most common types of braces for adults

Do you have crooked/misaligned teeth? Are you looking forward to getting braces for your teeth? Well! You can find a variety of options with your dentist today! Multiple alternatives are available, that can help straighten your teeth including braces, retainers, custom-made or fixed braces that cover the outside of your teeth and help keep them in position.

So, it is advisable to identify your dental requirements to get the best braces. The primary consideration is looking good; cost and lifestyle are the other important considerations.

The different types of braces

The moment you think of orthodontic braces, a picture of a mouth full of unappealing metal brackets and wires comes to your mind. After all, nobody likes to have braces. But braces can assist you in getting a beautiful smile if you want to look aesthetic and have appealing teeth.

Even today, many people are getting traditional metal braces, but there are several other options available nowadays based on your orthodontic requirements and budget? Modern-day braces are small, fast, comfortable, and effective to wear.

These dental braces assist in enhancing your teeth' alignment. However, each kind of braces has its advantages and disadvantages, which you must consider when deciding on the best option.

Let's discuss different kinds of braces that are available for adults

1. Conventional braces

Years ago, braces mostly comprised a metal band around every tooth for teeth straightening. Nowadays, conventional braces tightly grip the wire with a single bracket paved in front of your tooth. Then there are a few bands in the backside that support the wire.

Traditional braces are one of the most common types used across the world. Another option for conventional braces involves replacing metal wires with clear or tooth-colored ceramic. Bracket braces also hold an integral part of traditional braces and act like handles that hold the archwires that move teeth.

Advantage: Short treatment time, practical, highly affordable, and no change in speech patterns.

Disadvantage: The braces are highly noticeable even with the ceramic option. Not easy to brush and floss, and not suitable for patients having poor oral hygiene.

2. Ceramic braces

These are braces that are made up of clear and tooth-colored material. They function in the same manner as metal braces but are less noticeable. Best for those who do not want Invisalign or lingual braces but still keep a desire to straighten their teeth affordably.

Advantages: They are less noticeable and are one of the most affordable options.

Disadvantages: These braces are a little more expensive when compared with metal braces. It gets stained based on your diet and brushing habits. Even though they are not suitable for all but still an essential tool in an orthodontic tool bag. Also, the completion time is slightly more due to friction while movements.

3. Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces function similarly to metal and ceramic braces and are available in metal and ceramic materials. They depend on braces and wire for moving the teeth. The only difference between self-ligating braces and the metal brace is that the former uses clips or doors instead of elastic rubber ties to hold the wire in place instead of adjustable rubber ties. They are one of the best choices for

Patients with high sensitiveness to discomfort
Patients who cannot sit for a long time in the dental chair
Patients with developmental delays.

Advantage: Self-ligating braces have less friction and are easy to clean. It has an improved aesthetic look and has a quick treatment time.

Disadvantage: Self-ligating teeth braces need more time for adjustment. Sometimes they cause mouth sores because of the friction.

4. Lingual braces

Lingual braces are the least common orthodontic treatment in the market. They need a different set of orthodontic skills that orthodontists take time to hone. Lingual braces behind the teeth offer benefits that no other braces can. All orthodontists need to learn to become proficient.

Advantage: Suited well for adults who do not need noticeable braces but have complicated orthodontic requirements.

Disadvantage: As they are present behind the teeth, they might affect speech and irritate the tongue. Cleanliness and maintenance are also an issue. But all these symptoms go away after the patient becomes well accustomed to the braces.

5. Invisalign and clear aligners

Invisalign braces for your beautiful teeth

Invisalign teeth Aligners are clear trays changed every two weeks to allow teeth movement. They remain in your mouth for about 20 – 22 hours a day and are removed for meals and teeth cleaning.

In the last decade, clear aligners became highly popular. They were mainly popularized by Invisalign during the early period of 2000 that slowly became one of the biggest brands of aligners. The high popularity of Invisalign and clear aligners is because they are;

Clear and transparent
Easily removable
Allows easy brushing and flossing
Need few appointments in some cases

Advantage: Invisalign aligners are suitable for those who had braces at a young age and are looking for a touch-up. They are less visible and do not impact brushing and flossing. It is also ideal for most treatments for minor dental problems such as misaligned teeth, no jaw alignment, and someone with gaps in front teeth.

Disadvantage: Aligner’s fit very well but initially they will be very tight. In rare cases, the aligners may not fit correctly, which causes air traps. Your dentist may give you Invisalign chewies to close air bubbles between your Invisalign aligners and your teeth. For complex problems, lingual braces provide a good treatment option. They have limitations while addressing complex dental issues, orthopedic cases, or jaw-related issues.

Apart from the above-mentioned types of braces, the use of myofunctional appliances is also in trend. Myofunctional appliances are designed in such a way that they harness the forces arising from muscle activity or jaw growth to bring the bite plane into better alignment.

There are multiple alternatives for braces that provide the same results. However, current dentistry allows the use of braces that is more comfortable and aesthetic for the patient. So, it's never too late to have braces! Visit your nearest orthodontist or you may also opt to speak to a Dentist at India’s Largest Dental Network, http://www.mydentalplan.in/

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About the Author:

Suprithi is a Pharma Professional working as a medical content writer and previously worked as a Research Scientist and Senior Research Analyst

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