Braces are one of the most important tools in enhancing good dental health and ensuring we all have beautiful smiles. The nature and appearance of our teeth can have a lot of influence, not only on our health but also on our social and personal lives. Healthy teeth make us feel more comfortable and take away all insecurities we might have about our appearance. Moreover, they enhance the beauty of our smiles and make us feel more beautiful and confident. Braces are not only used for aesthetics, but also for improving the structure ad functionality of our teeth. Knowing the type of braces that you want can be important before you get yourself a fitting. We are here to discuss the various types of braces, their features and the impact they might have on your teeth. So, follow along and enjoy the ride.
Types of braces.
- Metal braces.
These are the most common types of braces. They are also called Traditional or conventional braces. When you hear of braces, these types are often the ones that come to mind. Metal braces are made of high-quality stainless-steel brackets, which are fixed to your teeth and connected with archwires. The brackets are glued to the surface of each tooth. These brackets have slots through which the connective archwires pass. The archwires are then covered with rubber bands. Metallic braces are usually the go-to braces for most people. They are popular with teenagers and young adults. This is because they can be brightened up with different colours which makes the braces unique and brightens the smiles.
Metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and easier to maintain. Moreover, they are the most effective in attaining movement of the teeth. Metal braces can be used to treat even the most complex cases of dental defects. The elastic rubber bands are also in a variety of colours. This makes them seem unique, as well as making them colourful. In addition to this, they are also the cheapest form of braces and the least prone to damage.
However, these braces are known to cause gum irritation and some slight injuries. They are also very conspicuous, which makes them noticeable and some people may consider this to be unattractive. These braces are fixed to the teeth, via strong adhesive material, which can be uncomfortable. Furthermore, you will need to make several visits to the doctor, for frequent readjustment. Patients with metal braces might also need to change their choice of food. This is because food particles can easily get lodged in between the tooth and the braces. They can stick there, causing plaque and other infections.
2. Ceramic braces.
These are the second most common type of braces in our dental clinics. They are also called clear braces. Ceramic braces are made of ceramic material, in a colour similar to the tooth. They have the same shape and design as the metal braces. However, they are less conspicuous. Ceramic braces use tooth-coloured or transparent brackets. They are then attached using similarly coloured or transparent wires and rubber bands.
Ceramic braces are more comfortable than metal braces. They’re also less expensive compared to other types of braces. Moreover, they have high durability and do not require frequent repair or replacement. They are also less noticeable and more comfortable as compared to metal braces. Ceramic braces typically require less time than aligners. Furthermore, they are smoother and can also be used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
Just like metal braces, ceramic braces also require one to make some slight adjustments to their diet. This is to prevent food from getting stuck in between the braces. Ceramic braces are also brittle. They may easily break when extensive pressure is applied. Furthermore, they are easily stained, hence it may be difficult to keep them clean.
3. Self-ligating braces.
They are similar to metal braces in appearance and function. They however have a different design in that they have metal doors to keep the wires in place. The metal doors are used as a replacement and a better alternative for the elastic bands. This is because the bands tend to lose their power and elasticity over time, This requires you to make several visits to the orthodontist for repairs or tightening. In the self-ligating braces, the metal doors keep the wires in place. Furthermore, they also ensure the wires keep the teeth moving faster, as compared to metal braces.
Self-ligating braces require shorter time and fewer appointments with the orthodontist. This is because the door mechanism, coupled with the sliding arch mechanism ensures the teeth are actively moving. This helps to achieve the repositioning of teeth faster and easier. These mechanisms help achieve a faster result. Furthermore, self-ligating braces are easier to maintain and clean. They also have less friction and are less uncomfortable.
However, the bracket design of self-ligating braces may offer less precision. Patients using these braces may also need to adjust their diets. These braces require patients to have special equipment to ensure proper hygiene. Additionally, they are also more expensive as compared to metal or ceramic braces. Self-ligating braces are not suitable for patients who are conscious of their appearance.
4. Lingual braces.
These are braces that are placed on the inner side of teeth. This is a specialized technique which is the least commonly used procedure in orthodontic treatment, it requires special techniques and methods for fitting. This option is restricted to certain types of cases and cannot be used in all cases, but these give a certain advantage over other methods.
The greatest advantage of lingual braces is that they are virtually invisible. This makes them suitable for people who are conscious about their appearance. Moreover, lingual are customizable, which, means you get exactly what your mouth needs. They also offer less risk of decalcification.
On the other hand, lingual braces can cause a lisp or change in speech for a period of time, before one gets used to having these braces. They can also cause skin injuries or ulcerations to the teeth. Furthermore, lingual braces aren’t appropriate for severe cases. They may also take longer times to achieve the desired results. They also need more appointments and more visits to the orthodontist. Linguals are difficult to clean well, which can lead tooth related defects such as plaque and infections.
5. Clear aligners.
These are the newest introductions in braces treatment. It makes use of clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for a perfect fit over your teeth. they are meant to be worn for about 20 to 23 hours a day. They are removed when one is having meals or cleaning their teeth. Clear aligners are delicate and require extra care. They require frequent visits to the orthodontist, in about 10 to 14 weeks.
Clear aligners are transparent, which makes them virtually invisible. They are hence suitable for people who are appearance-conscious. Furthermore, they are customized for your mouth. This ensures they are comfortable and fit well over your teeth. They are also easy to keep clean and maintain. Moreover, they are removed when having meals. Thus, you don’t need to have a dietary change just to take care of these braces.
Getting those braces.
With the great variety of braces available, it is only right that one be very careful a considerate when choosing braces. Braces go beyond just the aesthetic value, the type of braces you want should not only be dependent on how they make you look but should also provide the features that your teeth need. It is important that you get braces that are suitable for your mouth and condition. Changing braces mid-treatment can be expensive and can also affect their effectiveness. Our teeth are different from those of our friends, and so are our jaws and other facial structures. It is, therefore, not advisable to get some type of braces, just because you saw someone else with them.
For the best and most specialised braces treatment, visit Nairobi Sterling Dental clinic. The clinic is located at the Park Suite Building in Parklands. At Sterling dental clinic, we have specialists who have tons of experience in braces treatment and who will partner with you in your journey to attaining the perfect smile. At the clinic, we shall help you choose braces that are suitable and appropriate for your condition, while also complementing your appearance. We assure you quality services, and a friendly experience, that will leave you with the best smile at the end of it all.