How to Straighten Your Smile: Clear, Ceramic or Traditional Braces?

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When it is time to fix crooked teeth, gone are the days when the only option was to get traditional metal braces. These devices can look quite bulky, and they are highly visible in the wearer's mouth. That can leave the person feeling even more self-conscious than before the braces were installed.

 Things are much different now. There are a handful of devices that can be used to straighten a person's smile, like clear braces, ceramic braces and invisible braces (also called invisible aligners) that are much less visible than traditional braces.

 Here are three different types of braces that are commonly used to deal with teeth alignment issues.

 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRACES

 1. TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
Despite the fact that many new alternatives have emerged, traditional braces are still the most commonly used orthodontic devices. This is due to the fact these devices remain the most affordable way to straighten teeth. Metal braces have evolved a great deal in recent years, and newer designs are slicker than their predecessors. Patients now have the option of customising their device with the colour of the favourite sports teams or whatever else suits their personal style.

 Today's metal braces are less invasive than the bulky contraption people had to wear decades ago that looked like TV antennas. Some modern traditional braces even come with improved components, like heat-activated wires that use the patient's body heat to increase comfort.

 PROS
+They are the lower cost way to fix a patient's smile if dealing with alignment issues
+Coloured bands and brackets are now available
+Metal braces can be more effective than other alternatives
CONS
-They are very noticeable in the wearer's mouth
-Food tends to get stuck in the brackets
-Cleaning these devices can be difficult

 2. CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces with only a few exceptions. Instead of using brackets made from metal, these are made out of ceramics and are customised to be the same colour as the patient's natural teeth. Instead of the brackets being connected with metal wires, ceramic braces often come with clear wires, making them less conspicuous.

 PROS
+A more discreet option
+More effective than clear braces for certain types of cases
+Cheaper than other alternatives besides metal braces
CONS
-Costs more than traditional metal braces
-Brackets can easily become stained, making them more visible
-Requires a higher level of maintenance to keep the device stain free

 3. CLEAR BRACES
Clear braces are quickly becoming the most popular option when it comes to straightening crooked teeth. It is a great solution for those who want to straighten their teeth without everyone they interact with being aware of their treatment.

 The way these work is that the patient gets a series of aligners to wear for around two weeks at a time. Each pushes the person's teeth closer to the desired position.

 PROS
+Are virtually invisible
+Can be easily removed for meals and cleaning
+A discreet treatment is possible
CONS
-Can be slightly more pricey than other options, depending on case
-Not as effective as metal braces for some types of complex cases
-Can easily be lost when removed

 The above is a general overview. Contact a dentist to learn more about the different types of braces.

 HOW TO GET STARTED …
You don't have to let yourself continue feeling  meek due to crooked teeth. Request a dental appointment with an orthodontist or cosmetic dentist near you. Many offer a free or low cost initial consultation.




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