At any given time in the United States, four million people walk around with braces in their teeth. But unlike graded glasses which are more of a necessity than a cosmetic procedure, braces can help people dealing with crooked teeth to make them straighter.
In essence, braces are corrective devices developed to straighten misaligned teeth or fix the different kinds of bite, such as over, under, open, cross, and deep, among others. Braces are often placed on adolescents while their jaws are still growing so that the problems can be fixed immediately.
Traditionally, having braces is expensive, which is probably why more adults are seeking the guidance of orthodontists nowadays. The overall costs of having and maintaining braces greatly depend on the needs of the individual, particularly in what kind of correction they require and for how long they need to have it.
If you’re thinking about getting braces for yourself or your kids, you should take it upon yourself to learn about the different options you can get. There are probably other types of braces that local orthodontists can offer, but here are three of the most common kinds you can see anywhere.
Metal Braces
Out of all the three options, metal braces are the cheapest. They are also the most visible and obtrusive to your daily functions as they are semi-permanently attached to your teeth. Standard metal braces use metal wires and brackets that are molded to fit the outside curvature of your teeth.
To put this into perspective, metal brackets will be individually placed on your teeth, which will then be joined by rubber bands. This mechanism will allow your teeth to be gently guided into the right positions over the course of 12 to 36 months, depending on the guidelines determined by your orthodontist.
There can be a slight adjustment period once the metal braces are placed, particularly because you will have to adapt to having metal in your mouth. The brackets can also be uncomfortable in the beginning, but you will get used to it sooner or later.
Clear Braces
A common alternative to metal braces is clear aligners made with a mixture of plastics that can fit over your teeth. One of the most popular kinds is called Invisalign, and it uses 3D technology to create a series of custom-made trays that can gently nudge your teeth into their right positions.
Unlike metal braces with wires and brackets, clear braces are practically invisible because of the blend of plastics used. Clear aligners are also removable like retainers. Most orthodontists recommend that you remove the clear tray when you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing, unlike metal braces which are semi-permanently attached.
To put this into perspective, you will need to wear the aligner between 20 and 22 hours a day for the device to be effective, and it can take up to 12 months or more before the treatment is complete. Plus, you will have to change your aligner tray every two weeks for the treatment’s entire duration.
Lingual Braces
If your goal is to have braces that are nearly invisible to the naked eyes, then lingual braces are the answer you’re looking for. Lingual braces are like standard metal braces, but instead of being attached to the outside of your teeth, they are placed on the inside part so that they won’t be a bother to you.
Among the three options listed here, lingual braces can be the most expensive because the procedure is more delicate and time-consuming. However, it can be a worthwhile expense if it means that you won’t have to deal with feeling self-conscious when you’re speaking in public.
To put this into perspective, you will have metal wires and brackets inside your mouth, but instead of it being placed on the front, it will occupy the backside of your teeth. Having lingual braces can also give you a lisp, as the tongue needs to touch the backs of your teeth when you speak to make certain sounds. However, because the path is obstructed, your speech can be affected for a while.
Knowing your options for braces can help you make better and more informed decisions before you decide to invest in straightening your teeth. Of course, the best way to know more about this is to consult your orthodontist, especially about the procedures they can offer you.
Not all orthodontists are knowledgeable about specialized procedures, such as lingual braces, which is why you need to ask them first. Your teeth condition may also play a part in the decision-making process, so you should clear that up before choosing what you’ll have on your teeth for the next year or more.
Meta title:Say Goodbye to Crooked Teeth with These Three Solutions
meta desc; With the devices and technology available today, even crookedness in teeth can be resolved. Discover the options you have regarding braces and how you can achieve that perfectly straightened teeth.