How to Choose the Right Type of Braces for You
According to research, over 50% of Americans aren’t satisfied with their smile. But the truth is that most people do not naturally have a picture-perfect smile, and as long as your teeth are healthy, that’s the main thing that matters. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t turn your dream of a straight, gleaming smile into a reality. Today, there are several options for braces that you can opt for to correct misalignment in your teeth and ensure a smile that you can feel fantastic about. But with so many options now available, how do you choose the right type of braces for your smile?
How to Choose the Right Type of Braces for You
Everybody will have different needs to consider when they are choosing braces. You might be on a tight budget, for example, or perhaps you want to straighten your teeth discreetly, with invisible braces. Perhaps you have an important event like your wedding coming up and want to get your teeth straightened as quickly as possible. Or, perhaps you have a serious misalignment of the teeth and will have quite a complex case of straightening to undergo. The good news is that no matter your needs, there will be a braces option available for you. For example, if you want to be able to control when and how you wear your braces and keep the straightening process as discreet as possible, night time clear aligners could be the ideal option for you.
These invisible braces are worn during the night while sleeping, allowing you to continue living as normal during the day without the need for anyone to know that you are straightening your teeth. Check out this post on clear braces vs wire braces from ALIGNERCO to learn more about this option and determine whether or not it is the right one for you. ALIGNERCO offers clear braces to suit a range of needs with affordable payment plans for those on a budget. And if you ever need urgent dental care, be sure to fix painful oral issues with these dentists catoosa ok.
Consider the Pros and Cons of Each Brace Type
Once you have determined the most important factor to consider when thinking about straightening your teeth, keep that in mind when weighing up the pros and cons of each type of braces available.
1. Wire and Metal Braces
While these braces are the most traditional option out there, the technology behind them has come a long way in recent years. Metal braces are designed from high-grade stainless steel with a bracket attached to each tooth. A thin arch wire is connected by small elastics to each bracket and is tightened periodically to apply pressure to the teeth and move them slowly into the desired position. They are the ideal choice for complex misalignment and bite issues and also typically the least expensive option; however, they are also the most noticeable.
2. Ceramic Braces
If you are concerned about your braces being highly visible when wearing them but need the kind of treatment that only traditional braces can provide for serious misalignment, ceramic braces might be an ideal alternative option for you. With this type of brace, the brackets are made from a transparent material rather than stainless steel which makes them less noticeable in your mouth. However, they can be more expensive compared to metal braces and since the ceramic is more prone to breakage, they are not often recommended for the more severe cases.
3. Clear Aligners
These types of braces are the best option for those who are concerned about appearance and would rather that people didn’t know they are wearing braces. With this option, you will have a custom-made aligner tray that is replaced every one to two weeks. You will typically wear your aligners throughout the night and in the day wherever you can, removing them for eating and drinking, oral hygiene, and special occasions. They are ideal for image-conscious patients and since they are removable, make caring for your teeth with braces easier. However, they are not typically the best option for more serious orthodontic treatment.
Find the Right Dentist
Finally, once you have decided on the type of braces that you would like, it’s time to find the right dentist. Your consultation with them will help you determine whether or not the type of brace that you want is actually the best option for you and they will be able to recommend a treatment plan to help you get the results that you want with your teeth. Before you choose a dentist, it’s worth asking a range of questions such as what type of braces they use and why, whether or not they are using the latest available technology, how many successful cases they have completed and if photos are available for you to see, and if time is an issue, whether they offer accelerated orthodontic treatment. With so many brace options to choose from, there’s sure to be an option for you. Consider your personal needs and your goals for your smile to help you choose the right type of brace.
