What are the Types of Dental Braces?

For so long, people associated orthodontics with children. Others viewed it as a way to beautify smiles, so most adults never went for it. But times have changed. More people are now aware of the issues that come with malocclusion and misaligned bites such as indigestion, jaw pain, headaches, gum disease, tooth decay, etc.

Now, scores of people are visiting our dentist in Pearland, TX, to get orthodontic treatment since they understand the value of the treatment.

Orthodontics has also evolved, and there are innovative treatments that can be used to correct a host of orthodontic problems. For this reason, our dentist near you offers various dental braces in Pearland, TX, to ensure that all our patients get the care they need.

Different Types of Dental Braces

Without further ado, let’s check out the main types of dental braces:

Metal Braces

Traditional or metal braces have been around for so many decades. They have been synonymous with orthodontics. Metal braces are the main reason most adults didn’t fancy undergoing orthodontic treatment. The metal braces used decades ago were bulky and very conspicuous.

Luckily times have changed. Metal braces are nothing like their predecessors that were used almost a century ago. Thanks to modern dental technology, metal braces boast new features, and now they are smaller, more effective, more comfortable, and have shorter treatment times.

Irrespective of these great strides, metal braces are still the go-to option for most children and adolescents. However, they are the most effective treatment and can correct a ton of orthodontic issues such as severe malocclusion, crooked teeth, spaces, etc.

They have brackets connected to a wire. The wire is attached to the braces using elastic ties that usually come in different colors that you can choose from depending on your preference. The braces are fixed to the teeth using the brackets.

Our dentist near you will keep on adjusting the wire after four to eight weeks to ensure that your teeth are moving to the new positions.

Ceramic Braces

Metal braces are very conspicuous, so ceramic braces have come in as an effective alternative. They are crafted from a clear and tooth-colored material. They operate in the same manner as metal braces. The main difference between them is that they are less visible and more discreet.

They are a fantastic choice if you cannot use lingual braces or Invisalign® because of one reason or another. Most patients who gravitate towards this option are adults and adolescents.

You should also be aware of some of the downsides of ceramic braces. They can be slightly larger than metal braces and can easily stain. But the staining is dependent on your brushing habits and the food you consume.

Self-ligating Braces

These are also excellent braces that work similarly to ceramic and metal braces. They also come in metal or ceramic material. Self-ligating braces also rely on brackets and a wire to move your teeth.

The biggest difference between them is that self-ligating braces use clips or doors to hold the wire instead of the elastic ties.

The use of the clips shortens the appointment times since they are easy to adjust. So, you can go for them if you are more sensitive to discomfort or you cannot sit still for a long period during a dental visit.

Lingual Braces

This is the least common yet most specialized orthodontic system. They need a bit more skill to fix and need an experienced orthodontist to fix them. This is because lingual braces are different from the other braces since they are placed behind the teeth.

If you are looking for very discreet braces, lingual braces will have you covered. They also offer full customization to your teeth, and they have better versatility and efficiency.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are an alternative for people who don’t want braces. They are crafted from clear plastic and use trays to move teeth. You also have the option to remove them at your convenience. Therefore, they are easier to clean, and you will also have an easier time cleaning your teeth.

Metal braces are adjusted using wires, whereas clear aligners use trays in a series. You will wear a tray for a week or so and then discard it and use the next one in the series. You will continue with this pattern until you complete your treatment.

There are many types of clear aligners, but Invisalign is the largest brand in the market.

As you can see, you are spoiled for choice. Contact us at Pearly Whites of Pearland if you wish to use any orthodontic treatments mentioned above.