When you think of braces, the first thing that pops into your mind is probably a mouth full of ugly metal bits with food stuck in them. Perhaps that's why you've been putting off getting braces - you're worried about getting made fun of in school or not looking professional for work.
That's completely understandable! The 62% of Australians who want to fix their teeth likely have similar worries. And with so many people wanting better options to fix their teeth, of course, practices like Earlwood Orthodontics decided to offer their patients more choice. But, many still walk into the clinic thinking metal braces are their only option. That's why it's helpful to educate yourself about the choices available so you can pick the right option for you. And we're here to help with that!
There are four common types of braces:
Metal Braces
Metal or traditional braces are the most common type of braces, which involve applying metal brackets to each tooth and connecting them using a metal wire. The metal wire is held in place using elastic bands. This is the fun part of choosing metal braces: the elastic bands come in many different colors, so you can have fun picking the shades you like and even mixing two or more colors! The colorful band options probably make metal braces the most popular choice among children and teenagers. Plus, young people also don't need to worry about looking professional like adults do, so there's no need to invest more money in opting for a more discrete brace option.
It helps to note that metal braces are not removable and require a considerable amount of care to keep clean.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are far more discreet than metal braces since they are attached to the backside of each tooth. This kind of installation means the braces won't be visible when you smile or talk and will be completely hidden! Therefore, lingual braces are an excellent choice for adults looking to get rid of discomfort due to their tooth alignment or wanting a better smile. The Incognito Hidden Braces by 3M is a common lingual brace option offered by many practices, including Earlwood Orthodontics.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners, or Invisalign, are options that are fast increasing in popularity. These braces, like their name, are clear, and unlike metal and lingual braces, clear aligners are removable. Their removability makes cleaning and maintaining your oral hygiene a lot easier than wearing permanent braces. Invisalign is an excellent option to treat minor dental problems, but it may be less effective than the non-removable options in treating more complex cases.
Also, keep in mind that while the removability of clear aligners might seem like a huge benefit, it also means you will need to diligently wear them at the apt times to benefit from them.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, the only difference being that the brackets are made of clear material and not metal. The translucent material of the brackets blends well with the color of your teeth, making them a lot less visible than metal brackets. However, it might help to consider that the ceramic brackets may stain depending on eating and brushing habits, so it is essential to maintain them well!
That's it! Now you're all set to choose which braces you want to begin your journey to better teeth.
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