Braces / Orthodontics

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Whether for correction of crowded or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, known as malocclusion, different people wear braces/orthodontics for different reasons. Dental braces are a way of straightening or moving your teeth, to improve how they look and how they work. Braces move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods of time. The shape of your jaw gradually adapts to conform to this pressure.

Signs that you need braces

There are many reasons why you might want or be advised, to have braces. Some of the most common reasons are:

Overcrowded or crooked teeth
Not enough, or too much, the spacing between your teeth
Upper front teeth that stick out
Lower teeth that bite too far behind your upper teeth
Upper front teeth that bite behind your lower ones

The Best Types of Braces

Although we would all be interested in knowing the best orthodontics of them all, there is, unfortunately, no definite answer to that. This is because different types of orthodontics work and are placed differently. Some are placed in front of the teeth, while others are placed at the back. Safe to say all correct and work totally differently.

The Best Types of Braces

A while back, in fact so many years ago, braces meant large metal bands cemented around each tooth. Luckily just as every industry has grown with technology, so has the dental field. Now, orthodontics means tiny wires placed on your teeth, wires that can also be very beautifully decorated. Wait have we mentioned that there are clear ones as well? No wires, just braces that look exactly like your teeth? Well, let us get right into it. There are around 5 main types of braces. Each associated with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into consideration to decide the best treatment option for individual patients.

Traditional Metal Braces

These involve brackets and wires made of metal attached to the teeth. These kinds of braces can be altered when required. Heat-activated archwires are a new addition to traditional braces. These utilize body heat in the mouth to allow the teeth to move them more quickly and with less discomfort than was previously possible. This is the least expensive option of braces but very noticeable. However, they can be made more attractive to improve their appearance.

Ceramic

These and the traditional braces are similar in size and shape. The difference? Unlike the aforementioned type, these are made of ceramic material that blends into the natural colour of the teeth. Thus making them less noticeable. Mostly preferred by patients, this kind also allows greater freedom to drink and eat anything.

Lingual Braces

Unlike the prior 2, these types of braces are attached to the inside of the teeth. They definitely have an upper hand since they are not noticeable. However, their downside is that they are less effective as opposed to traditional braces, uncomfortable to the tongue and very difficult to clean.

Invisalign

These are the most distinct type of braces since they do not involve brackets and wires but instead utilize a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. These aligners are easy to remove and replace with the next one in the series every two weeks throughout the treatment period. Most individuals require between 18 and 30 different aligners to achieve the desired result. They are considerably more expensive and can only be used to correct minor to moderate dental problems in teenagers and adults.

Self-Ligating braces

This type of braces has similar efficacy to traditional metal braces and may increase control over the appliance, leading to more precise tooth alignment. They, however, utilize clips rather than elastic bands to hold the brace in place. Thus making it easy to clean. All these braces solve different problems. Make sure to involve a professional dental practitioner in the decision process.

The Best Types of Braces

It is a good idea to get an orthodontic evaluation by the time a child is 7 years old.

Whether to or not to go the braces way is highly dependant on the severity of your child’s dental problems.

How can I keep my braces clean?

Brush at least 3 times per day (to remove food debris and plaque).
Use a soft, round-bristle toothbrush.
Floss daily (use a floss threaded).
Use an interproximal brush if you have space between the teeth.
Brush with an electric toothbrush as an added aid (to clean the gum line, tooth surface and to clean around brackets).
Use an oral irrigator (apply an antimicrobial agent in the reservoir to help kill plaque biofilm).
Use an oral irrigator (apply an antimicrobial agent in the reservoir to help kill plaque biofilm).