Considering the Many Types of Braces — Which One Best Suits Your Needs?

Crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and teeth with significant gaps between them are all treatable with braces. The options for correcting orthodontic problems are numerous; just as the problems they help resolve.

Earlier, parents had fewer choices for children that needed to straighten their teeth. They were limited to traditional metal braces with brackets and wires. Dramatic changes in orthodontic treatments were observed over the last two decades allowing everyone a range of different options with braces.

Over the years, the development of new treatments improving the aesthetics of orthodontic appliances has allowed orthodontics in Phoenix, AZ, to develop new therapies. However, choosing a treatment best suited for you requires time and careful consideration.

Braces Types

Unlike earlier, when the only available braces types were traditional orthodontic appliances, the choices currently available are numerous. They are:

• Metal Braces: High-Quality stainless steel helps make metal braces, alternatively called traditional braces. An archwire is attached to brackets mounted on the teeth to provide even pressure to move the teeth to their correct positions.
• Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored ceramic brackets instead of metal and wire make ceramic braces appealing for many patients. Alternatively called clear braces, ceramic braces remain unnoticeable in the mouth and are a popular choice of adults preferring a subtle appearance over metal braces. Ceramic braces are also ideal for patients that like to participate in photo opportunities and attend important events while having orthodontic appliances in their mouths.
• Lingual Braces: Alternatively called inside braces, lingual braces have customized brackets created to fit the contour on the lingual surfaces of each tooth. Wires help join the brackets to pull the teeth into position from the inside of your mouth. Lingual braces are effective as traditional braces but require more time to fit because of the customization needed for the brackets. You might also need frequent appointments with orthodontics near me, and the meetings may take more time. Lingual braces are also challenging to clean and affect speech in some patients. However, they are common among adults who are self-conscious about their appearance with traditional braces. Therefore, lingual braces remain entirely hidden except for the visible elastic bands patients wear.
• Invisalign: the latest option introduced in the 90s is Invisalign. You must wear a series of customized aligners for two weeks each to allow them to gradually move your teeth to the preferred position. The aligners are comfortable to wear without metal parts rubbing against the gums and the inside of the mouth. Besides being virtually invisible, Invisalign aligners are also removable for eating and cleaning your teeth, confirming you don’t have to make dietary changes if suitable for this option.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

The best age for braces is when all your permanent teeth have developed and you confront the problems described earlier. Orthodontic imperfections make it challenging to clean your teeth appropriately, making you susceptible to infections like tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists evaluate children’s teeth from age seven and recommend treatments from orthodontics in Phoenix when they notice imperfections.

Is 17 Too Late for Braces?

Getting braces is a matter of choice rather than compulsion. Whether you are 17 or 71, you can consider getting braces in Phoenix, AZ, to have straighter teeth and a beautiful smile. That you accept you need orthodontic treatments to correct dental imperfections and get rid of the challenges you confront while maintaining appropriate dental hygiene confirms your acceptance that you have a dental issue that needs correction to benefit your oral and overall health.

Which Option Best Suits Your Needs?

Deciding from the many options available to straighten teeth is challenging unless you visit the orthodontist near you to determine the complexity of your situation. While traditional braces suit everyone, they are not aesthetically pleasing.

Invisalign is an excellent alternative for straightening teeth discreetly. However, it is recommended for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic imperfections and not for complicated cases.

Some orthodontic appliances are more expensive than others. While dental insurance covers orthodontic treatments, you may need to verify whether some options are feasible because of their additional costs.

The cost of lingual and ceramic braces is more expensive than traditional or Invisalign. Therefore you help yourself by considering all factors besides the orthodontist’s advice before you decide on any option.

uSmile orthodontics provides different braces after evaluating your situation’s complexity. If you have orthodontic imperfections, please schedule an appointment with this practice to begin your journey toward straightening your teeth.