So you just found out that you have a bite issue caused by misaligned teeth. Your next step is to consult with your orthodontist to find out more about your options for correcting this problem. Learning more about the various types of teeth braces will help you make a decision about your treatment plan and the possible impact on your lifestyle.
What are braces?
Braces, which are also referred to as “appliances,” serve the purpose of correcting issues like crooked teeth, tooth crowding, or misaligned teeth. You have different types of braces, which we’ll discuss further in this blog. They all help correct the alignment of your teeth, which makes dental hygiene much easier and prevents any jaw issues later on.
You can get braces at any age, but dentists usually start looking at this possibility at age seven.
Types of Braces
As you’ll see, there are many types of teeth braces compared to decades ago, when you only had the shiny metal set to look forward to. Your orthodontist will recommend a specific type of braces based on the dental issue that requires treatment.
Metal Braces
Also known as traditional braces, the metal type has brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth or metal bands that surround each tooth. They also have flexible archwires, which secure the brackets or bands in place. Some sets also have rubber bands or metal ties that connect the brackets or bands together while applying more pressure to help straighten the teeth.
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Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the same as metal braces but made from a different material and are far less noticeable (though not invisible). The brackets are made from ceramic, which matches the color of your tooth enamel. Plus, the wires and bands are white or clear. However, this type serves the same purpose of correcting tooth alignment, just like the metal braces.
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Lingual Braces
Likewise, lingual braces also help with jaw issues and with aligning teeth. In fact, they’re simply metal braces that are attached behind the teeth to where the brackets face inward or toward the tongue (hence, the name “lingual”). For this reason, they’re not as visible as traditional braces.
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Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces come in metal or ceramic varieties and are also less visible compared to traditional braces. They differ from other types because the brackets contain clips that hold the wires in place. Plus, you can wait longer in between appointments for adjustment, and they take less time to correct dental issues.
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Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are often referred to as Invisalign, but that is actually one brand name out of many. Clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, work like a custom-made mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. Ideally, you would wear a clear aligner for at least 22 hours, but you’ll need to remove this dental appliance when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
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What to Consider before Choosing Braces
| Factors to Consider | Traditional Braces | Ceramic Braces | Lingual Braces | Self-Ligating Braces | Clear Aligners |
| Age | 9 years to adult (In some cases, 7 years old) | Teen to Adult | 9 years to adult | 9 years to adult | Invisalign First (6 to10)
Invisalign and other brands: 11 to adult |
| Lifestyle Impact | Dietary changes (avoid hard, sticky foods) | Dietary changes (avoid hard, sticky foods) | Might cause a temporary lisp. Might cause some discomfort to tongue and gums in the beginning | Best for people with busy schedules since there are fewer appointments | Must wear the devices for at least 22 hours |
| Budget | $3000 to $7000 | $4000 to $8000 | $8000 to $10,000 | $2000 to $7000 | $5108 to $8100 |
| Treatment Goals | Correcting misaligned teeth, gaps, correction of bite issues; preventing future severe tooth and jaw problems | Correcting misaligned teeth, gaps, correction of bite issues; preventing future severe tooth and jaw problems | Correcting misaligned teeth, gaps, correction of bite issues; preventing future severe tooth and jaw problems | Correcting misaligned teeth, gaps, correction of bite issues; preventing future severe tooth and jaw problems | Best for people with mild to moderate alignment issue |
| Oral Hygiene Habits | Brush and floss after all meals; use a water flosser and an interdental toothbrush | Brush and floss after all meals; use a water flosser and interdental toothbrush | Brush after all meals; use a water flosser | Brush and floss after all meals; use a water flosser and an interdental toothbrush | Aligners need to be removed before brushing and flossing |
Tips for Living With Braces
While different types of braces require specific measures for care and hygiene, you can follow these general tips as you’re adapting to your orthodontic appliances.
- ALWAYS follow your orthodontist’s instructions for brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth clean is imperative for successful treatment and overall dental health.
- Keeping up with your appointments for professional cleaning.
- Be careful about what you eat and drink. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, along with high-acidic beverages, can damage your braces.
- Remove clear aligners when eating or drinking.
- Wear your elastics/rubber bands as recommended by your orthodontist.
- Keep up with your dental appointments for checkups and adjustments.
Conclusion
Basically, knowing that you have different types of braces to choose from gives a clearer picture of what your treatment would involve in relation to aesthetics, impact on diet and lifestyle, and of course, the cost. Plus, consulting with a highly experienced, board-certified orthodontist at Ziehmer Orthodontics also gets you one step closer to a healthy, confident smile.
