Beautiful teeth make us feel more confident. And confidence makes us smile more.
Are your not-so-perfect teeth preventing you from smiling? Fortunately, there are many solutions to achieving straighter teeth and a beautiful smile.
If you’re considering getting braces to straighten up your pearly whites, let’s explore the different types of braces so you can speak with your dentist – with an understanding of the procedure and how the different types of braces work – to determine which option is best for you.
Why Should I Get Braces?
There are many reasons why people get braces. Braces can help correct crooked or crowded teeth, incorrect jaw position, overbites or underbites, gaps between teeth, and disorders of the jaw joints.
If left untreated, these issues can cause tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and earaches, as well as problems while speaking, biting, or chewing. These issues can also affect a person’s self-esteem.
Braces aren’t just for teenagers anymore. Anyone over the age of 10 who has orthodontic problems can benefit from braces.
Types of Braces for Teeth
Until recently, when people thought of braces, they thought of traditional metal or ceramic braces that many wore as teenagers. While traditional braces may be the solution for many people, there are also wonderful alternatives available.
Depending on the condition of your teeth and what you’re hoping to achieve, your dentist can help recommend which option is right for you. To help you make an informed decision on what to choose, let’s compare the different types of braces available today:
Metal Braces
When talking about traditional braces, metal braces are probably the ones that come to your mind. They require special brackets that are fastened to your teeth. A thin metal wire is then connected to each bracket, going across the teeth to gently pull them into place.
The brackets and wires are constructed from high-quality stainless steel. At each dentist visit, the wires and brackets are tightened in order to gently move your teeth into their proper positions. Patients can customize their braces using tiny elastic bands that come in many different fun colors.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in that they require special brackets that are fastened to your teeth, as well as thin wire that is connected to each and then tightened at each visit. This style of braces is often chosen by patients who are looking for an option that brings a little less attention to their smile.
Ceramic braces use a transparent material for the brackets that is less noticeable than metal. However, the brackets for ceramic braces are somewhat bigger than metal brackets, and therefore they tend to break more easily. This is why ceramic braces are usually done on adult patients, and only on the top front teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is a wonderful alternative to traditional metal or ceramic braces. It is a popular choice among adults and teenagers alike.
With Invisalign, you can have a gorgeous smile without having to wear traditional metal or ceramic braces. Invisalign offers patients straighter teeth while being virtually unnoticeable.
Invisalign uses smooth, clear, custom-made plastic aligners rather than brackets and wires. In addition to being invisible, Invisalign aligners can easily be removed when you’re eating, so you don’t have to worry about getting food stuck or breaking the brackets or wires.
You can also remove the aligners if you have a special occasion or are taking photos. And because Invisalign is removable, brushing and flossing is much simpler than with braces.
Since Invisalign is clear, many people feel more self-confident wearing it, since others won’t be able to tell you’re wearing it. Since there’s no metal involved, Invisalign tends to be much more comfortable and gentle on your mouth, and it requires fewer trips to the dentist throughout your treatment.
Trusted Dentist in the Twin Cities
Are you ready to have a beautiful smile? Dr. Steven Hagerman of Family & Cosmetic Dentistry of Minneapolis/St. Paul and his team are experts in providing dental and orthodontic care to patients of all ages. He is an expert in Invisalign and in all types of braces and cosmetic dentistry, and he will be happy to help give you that smile you’ve always wanted.
To schedule an appointment or consultation and to receive the utmost in advanced, personalized care, please call our office today at (651) 646-2392 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you smile brightly again!