Several braces are available for aligning teeth and jaws, and a few alternatives to traditional braces.
Some individuals are lucky enough to have perfectly straight teeth and jaws. Some of us benefit from braces to improve the look, and occasionally the function, of our mouths. Orthodontics braces in the teenage years can give neatly aligned and well-functioning teeth that last a lifetime. Braces later in life can be just as effective.
There are the plain metal brackets and wires most of us think of when we talk about braces. They were the standard type of brace in the 20th century, using a combination of stainless steel and titanium to move teeth into a neat arrangement. The braces are fixed semi-permanently to the outside of the teeth.
Traditional orthodontic braces continue to be used because they are very effective for treating many types of orthodontic problems. They can align individual teeth as well as upper and lower jaws. They are awkward at first, and cannot really be concealed. But teenagers wearing braces can expect to have straight teeth throughout their entire adult years.
These work on the same principle as metal braces, but they use materials that are less visible. These materials may be brittle and require some specialist skills to be applied correctly. But the end results for the teeth are as good as traditional metal braces.
These are used for individuals who are allergic to nickel in stainless steel and nickel-titanium braces. Otherwise, some individuals prefer the look of gold.
These are braces positioned behind the teeth. They are virtually unnoticeable, though they can feel more awkward for the individual wearing them. They can initially make speaking and eating difficult until the individual grows used to them. They are also not suitable for some types of orthodontic problems.
Some adults prefer lingual braces because they do not want to be seen wearing braces.
This is an alternative to braces popular with adults. Invisalign is a series of clear retainers that steadily shift teeth into a neat alignment. They are not really noticeable and can be removed for eating, making them discrete and convenient.
Invisalign is fine for many general tooth alignment problems, but not suitable for more serious orthodontic issues.
Talk to us about suitable braces and orthodontic treatment.
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