According to the American Dental Association (ADA), orthodontic problems like crooked teeth, missing teeth or an improper bite can cause long-term damage to your mouth and jaw. If you have problems with your bite, wearing mouth braces can help. Mouth braces exert a slow, steady pressure on your teeth to realign them over time. Thanks to advances in dental technology, wearing mouth braces is no longer the uncomfortable, embarrassing experience it was in the past. The types of mouth braces available today provide a more comfortable and discrete straightening experience.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of mouth braces. They are made out of a sturdy stainless steel material and come in traditional silver or gold-plated colors. Metal mouth braces involve the use of small metal brackets that attach to the front of your teeth with cement. They also include a metal archwire that stretches across your teeth fastened securely with tiny rubber bands. While they are the most visible, the modern design and advanced materials of today’s metal braces make them significantly less bulky.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces may be a good alternative if you are uncomfortable with the high visibility of metal braces. Ceramic braces are made out of materials that are much less noticeable than metal braces. White-colored polycrystalline ceramic braces blend in with your natural teeth. Monocrystalline alumina ceramic braces are semi-transparent for minimum visibility. You can also ask your dentist to use clear elastic bands and a frost-coated metal archwire to maintain the translucent appearance. The materials used in ceramic braces are designed to resist collecting unsightly stains. However, stains may still adhere to the cement and the elastic bands.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the least visible type of mouth braces available. Unlike metal and ceramic braces that attach to the front of your teeth, lingual braces attach discretely to the backs. Lingual braces may be an excellent option if your career or other activities would make wearing more visible mouth braces aesthetically or physically inconvenient. If you choose to get lingual braces, your orthodontist will create a specially customized set of brackets to achieve the best possible fit.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign is a revolutionary type of mouth braces that offers maximum user flexibility. Unlike metal, ceramic or lingual braces, this advanced mouth straightening system does not permanently attach to your teeth. Invisalign consists of 12 to 48 customized sets of transparent aligners that you can remove at will. This makes it easy for you to eat and brush your teeth. Invisalign offers freedom from the discomfort associated with the wires and rubber bands used in other types of braces.
Maintenance
No matter what type you choose, taking proper care of your teeth while wearing mouth braces is extremely important. Brushing and flossing your braces and your teeth will help reduce the buildup plaque and tartar. Since hard, sticky and chewy foods can get stuck in your braces, try to avoid eating these items whenever possible.
