Types of Braces
There are over 4 million people that have braces in the United States alone. If you are unhappy with your smile, or you feel like your teeth aren’t looking quite as good as you’d like them to be, it’s time to consider braces. Fortunately advancements in orthodontia have brought about new styles of braces so patient’s aren’t regulated to just one option. The three most common types of braces are: traditional, self-ligating brackets, and Invisalign. The modern braces are smaller and comfortable compared to styles from even a decade ago. With our innovative designs and patient treatment plans, we can help you finally have the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
Traditional Braces
It’s common for children to have traditional braces as they are normally the most affordable option for parents. Traditional braces are typically made with a system of brackets and wires. The brackets are designed to fit the tooth and shaped and bonded to keep them from slipping and falling. An arch wire is then used to shape the bite into the position of how it should look. The brackets and metal wire work together to place gentle pressure on the teeth, forcing them to slowly move position.
The modern brackets we use have a smaller and smoother design from the older styles. We also have thinner wires so there is less friction and discomfort for patients. We know how many people feel about the look of braces, so we work hard to try and limit how large and bulky they feel. We want our patients to still feel comfortable sharing their smiles with others.
The fun thing about braces for children is the fact that they love to place colorful elastics with then. Metal braces are still affordable and popular for patients, especially for younger patients. We do recommend parents look at all the various options available in order to choose the right braces. Traditional braces are recommended for children so they do not need to worry about remembering to place aligners in their mouth. Traditional braces are always placing force on the teeth, so it does tend to bring about faster results from other options.
Self-Ligating Braces
Unlike traditional braces that include rubber bands around the brackets, the self-ligating braces are designed to use small metal doors to hold the wires. Self-ligating braces are popular because they can speed up the alignment stage of orthodontics since there is less friction with the wires and metal doors. The metal doors are nice because they are a little easier to clean than the elastics. If there are spaces, some patients will need to have some elastic chains during treatment.
Invisalign
Adults often feel embarrassed by needing braces, so they don’t want to have the traditional metal or ceramic braces bonded to their teeth. Invisalign may be the right option for patients who want to adjust their teeth without it being visible. A fixed appliance is a great option if you don’t want to worry about dealing with brackets and wires.
Invisalign works by having a digital scan of your mouth completed to create the 3D model of your mouth and then we create plastic aligners based on our recommendations and specifications. The custom aligners will be placed over your teeth and you wear them all day and night, except when you are eating. As long as you remember to wear the aligners, they work effectively to move the teeth into proper position.
Depending upon the movement of the teeth, you normally get a new set of aligners every two to three weeks. The teeth start to shift with each set of aligners until they have finally made it to the right position. When you are finished with the treatment, you will have a beautiful smile you can share with others!
Getting Started With Braces
Now that you understand the different types of braces, we recommend contacting our office to schedule a consultation. Our experts are here to help you finally get that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of! We will sit down with you and go over the various types of braces, the amount of time in which you will need braces, and the costs. Come visit our Farmington Orthodontic or Bountiful Orthodontic office to get started on your journey to a straighter smile!
