We all have that one thing we’re self-conscious about. For some, it’s acne that even makeup doesn’t seem to fix. For others, it’s a slouch that would give Quasimodo a run for his money! For a lot of us, it’s misaligned teeth that makes smiling a nightmare. If this is something that haunts you, you’ve definitely come to the right place. At Dental Bee, we’re all about giving people the confidence to flash a smile. Our Experienced dentists will fit you with the right braces to bring crooked teeth to tip-top shape.
In this blog, we’re taking a look at the different types of braces available and how fast they work.
Types of Braces
Traditional metal braces
These are the braces we see many of our friends and family wear. They comprise metal brackets and an archwire that are fixed to the teeth and adjusted when teeth start to turn and straighten. Colored rubber brands are used to attach the braces to the archwire. Depending on how crooked the teeth are, it can take as many as 1 and a half to 2 years to straighten them. But if the problem is mild, these trusted braces can fix them in as little as 6 months!
Lingual braces
Where traditional metal braces are fixed to the front of the teeth, lingual braces are attached to the back – on the lingual side of them. They’re nearly invisible and are a great choice for people who feel self-conscious wearing traditional braces. Even better, they can be customized to improve their efficiency and reduce discomfort. They take between 1 and 3 years to work. The downside is that they aren’t all that suitable for people with deep overbites as they can come off often. They’re also more expensive and can cause temporary lisps.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, but instead of being metal-colored, they’re clear or tooth-colored. If you don’t like the look of metal braces, you should ask your dentist if these are an option for you. They work almost as fast as traditional metal braces, don’t come in the way of imaging tests, and even come in a range of colors! On the flip side, they’re not as durable, cost more, and can cause discomfort to the gums since the brackets are larger.
Self-litigating braces
The newer cousin to traditional braces, self-litigating ones also use brackets and an archwire to straighten teeth. But instead of rubber bands, the brackets hold the wire in place through specialized slots. The brackets themselves are either metallic or clear while the wire is usually metal-colored. The braces come in two types: active, which uses a sliding spring clip mechanism to press against the wire, and passive, which uses a simple sliding mechanism that doesn’t apply force.
Self-litigating braces are easier to clean, don’t require as many dental visits, and can be more comfortable. The best part? They can reduce treatment by up to 6 months! But they do cost more, may not be as effective for fixing larger teeth, and may offer less precise movements.
Clear alligners
Used by celebrities worldwide, Clear alligners is one of the most popular types of braces, thanks to its near-invisibility and quick treatment time. Everyone from Justin Bieber to Katherine Heigl are rumored to have used them. These clear aligners are made from flexible thermoplastic that fits tightly over the teeth. They can be used to treat crossbite, overbite, and underbite problems. The treatment time is fast too, ranging from 1 year to 18 months, but results can be seen within weeks! Clear aligners is a solid choice for people who have dental issues and don’t like the look of other types of braces.
Benefits of Wearing Braces
If you’re on the fence about getting braces – whether it’s because you’re nervous about how it will look or wonder if you can devote a part of your life to wearing them – here are a few reasons why you should.
Hello to confidence
Want to smile without worrying about crooked or unevenly spaced teeth? Get braces. No more worrying about self-esteem and not being able to smile in photos. When you see your teeth being shifted into the right place, you’ll have a hard time not smiling!
Yes to clearer speech
Did you know that crooked, overcrowded, or too-spaced-out teeth can affect the way you speak? That’s because you use a lot of components in your mouth to form words, and teeth is one of them. By getting braces to straighten your teeth, you’ll be able to enunciate better and speak more confidently.
Goodbye to bone erosion
Misaligned teeth can cause the bone in the jaw to erode. How? By preventing you from chewing normally and causing you to bite your cheeks and lips, which can then lead to infections. With braces, you can get your teeth aligned, be able chew like you’re supposed to, and reduce the risk of infections.
Ready to take the next step in your dental health journey? Contact Dental Bee for an appointment with one of our many dental experts. They’ll recommend the best brace options suitable for you and be with you at every step of your transformation!
