Dental Braces, also known as orthodontic braces, are used by a specialist dentist known as an orthodontist to align and improve the bite and position of your teeth. Braces are used generally on children or teenagers and sometimes on adults as well, in case they suffer from an overbite, an underbite, a cross bite, a deep bite or crooked teeth. These braces can help to widen or shape the jaws or to realign the teeth to obtain a perfect bite.
Metal Braces
Metal braces made of stainless steel, though expensive, are the cheapest of all braces that are currently available. Since they can stain the surface of the teeth, a more expensive option might be appropriate for you. Silver braces are also available for use. These stainless steel or silver braces consist of stainless steel or silver brackets and archwires. During the treatment, the orthodontist changes the width of the archwires as required. The brackets have ties to hold the archwires in place. The stainless steel brackets are often fortified with nickel titanium.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are self tying, as the name suggests, and don’t need bands to hold the archwire in place. Instead, they have a slot in the bracket that holds the archwire in place. Such braces cause less friction and less damage to the cheeks.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to stainless steel braces, but while the brackets of stainless steel braces are made of stainless steel, the brackets of ceramic braces are made of ceramic or plastic. These braces don’t leave stains on the surface of the teeth and are therefore, more popular than stainless steel braces. In addition, they are not obvious but blend in with the color of the teeth. Although they are as strong as stainless steel braces, they require more time for completion of the treatment and are more expensive than stainless steel braces.
Gold Braces
Gold braces are preferred by people who want to make a fashion statement or by those allergic to nickel or stainless steel. They are much more expensive than stainless steel braces but perform the same function.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are for people who want their braces to be invisible. These braces are placed on the inner side of the teeth. Since they come in continuous contact with the tongue, they aren’t comfortable, they hinder the movement of the tongue causing difficulty in speech, and they cause painful sores on the tongue.
Progressive Braces
Progressive braces are clear, removable braces that are also known as Invisalign braces. These braces consist of plastic trays that fit each tooth. They are removable braces that are adjusted every fortnight and are only to be used by teenagers with mild orthodontic problems.
Smart Braces
Smart braces have brackets with a microchip incorporated in them. The microchip measures the force applied to the interface of the tooth and bracket. Such braces greatly reduce the duration of treatment.
A-Braces
A-braces, unlike other types of braces, can be applied, removed and controlled by the user and are shaped like the letter A. Since the pressure is easily controlled by the user, there is no pain suffered.
It’s best to take the advice of your orthodontist to find out which type of brace would be most suited to your dental problems.
