Everyone wants a perfect smile. Children and adults alike have several very good options for achieving this.
They all include the need to wear braces.
A regular dentist will refer you to a specialist trained with cosmetic dentistry known as an orthodontist. They will be in charge of consultation and developing a treatment plan that will fix your smile.
Here are four types of braces that most patients wear.
Invisalign braces
This clear alternative mitigates the majority of the stigma attached to braces.
First, you can barely see them as they are made of a pliable plastic that fit over your teeth. In addition, the convenience factor allows wearers to take them out at every meal as well as during brushing and flossing.
The only maintenance includes rinsing them daily. This type of braces requires you to change them at regularly scheduled times. The orthodontist will review this with you from the start of the treatment.
They may not work for every type of issue that needs correction. Your orthodontist will make that decision. Finally, they represent the costliest example of orthodontic treatment.
Lingual braces
For individuals that truly want to hide the fact they are wearing braces, then lingual braces are the ones to choose.
Basically, they are fitted to the inside or back of the teeth. The same treatment plan as ordinary braces exists where the steel is adjusted over a specific time frame.
Lingual braces may cause more mouth irritation than typical braces. Patients will also encounter difficulty with brushing and flossing, and inserting and removing the small bands.
All of these issues will require diligence in exchange for the anonymity offered. The cost is comparable to traditional braces as well as the length of time they must be worn.
Ceramic braces
This type of braces is a hybrid of the Invisalign concept and the traditional metal design. Ceramic braces use a nearly clear bracket system that blends in with the patient’s teeth.
In addition, there are silver, frosted or sapphire-colored versions available as a third alternative. They attach to the archwire in the same way traditional metal braces do. Elastic bands must be worn throughout treatment. Flossing and brushing will present the typical concerns as well.
These quasi-traditional braces give patients more leeway regarding aesthetics. They are more costly than metal braces and require regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments.
Traditional metal braces
Although traditional braces are being reviewed last, they are still the most widely used and have been around the longest. In addition, they are the least expensive of any options for patients to use.
A family practice can be a convenient choice for patients to feel comfortable if braces are needed. Having a professional familiar with your dental history will make it easier to diagnose and correct the condition.
With this option, a Salt Lake City dentist or one from your area will cement stainless steel to your teeth and insert an archwire, and depending on your condition, they may add rubber bands to increase the tension.
Stick to your regularly scheduled adjustments. Depending on the condition, treatment time is the customary 18 to 36 months. Patients will need to brush and floss properly, as braces increase the risk of cavities.
There is a stigma attached to braces that has been around for generations. However, new tools are available that minimize the embarrassment and maintenance that come with wearing braces.
Talk with your dentist who can either take on the role of orthodontist or refer you to one. Once the decision is made, get ready for a straight and beaming smile.
Anica Oaks
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