At first glance, people may think that there is only one type of braces. However, if you are in need of something to straighten your teeth and correct your bite, you need to know that there are different types of braces. Here are some examples of the types of braces you or your family member could get to help your teeth.
Types of Braces
If you are unsure of what type of braces you may need, we can help. Below is a snapshot of the types of braces that you may be able to wear.
Metal or Traditional
These braces are the ones that dentists have been using for decades. They consist of metal brackets that are cemented onto your teeth. Metal wires are then strung in between the brackets. These wires are tightened in a pattern to give you the smile you want. However, metal braces can be bulky and unsightly for adults.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are lighter and thinner than traditional metal braces, which means they are more difficult to see. Even though they are harder to see, they can still fix your bite or tooth problems. In general, many dentists do not put ceramic braces on children because they are not as durable as metal braces.
Self-Ligating
Self-ligating braces use different types of brackets to work on fixing your smile. Some dentists believe they can move your teeth more quickly and safely than traditional metal braces. However, this type of braces isn’t for everyone.
Lingual Braces
With lingual braces, all of the brackets and wires are behind your teeth. While this leaves the front of your teeth free from braces, not all conditions can be fixed with lingual braces because of their placement. If you qualify for lingual braces, they are a great way to get your teeth fixed without anyone knowing you are wearing braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are perfect for adults, or older teenagers who have mild tooth spacing problems or mild bite issues. Clear aligners consist of medical-grade plastic that you switch for a different set of aligners about every two weeks. While clear aligners are amazing, if you have serious issues with crooked, misspaced teeth or you have serious bite issues, these aligners aren’t going to work for you.
