VARIOUS KINDS OF DENTAL BRACES AND THEIR PURPOSE
VARIOUS KINDS OF DENTAL BRACES AND THEIR PURPOSE
What are dental braces?
Dental braces are also known as orthodontic cases; they are made of stainless steel. These are devices that are used to straighten misaligned teeth which results in a better dental health. Braces are usually used on teeth that have gaps, under bites, overbites, deep bites, over crowdedness or crookedness. They help in making the shape of the jaw and teeth better. Using braces for a certain amount of time as recommended by the dentist can make teeth’s appearance look better along with helping in eating and chewing food more comfortably. Braces work by putting force and pressure on the teeth to straighten them.
What are different types of braces?
- Metal fixed braces
- Ceramic fixed braces
- Self ligating braces (metal or ceramic)
- Removable functional appliances
- Clear aligners (such as invisalign)
- Retainers
How are traditional wired braces different than invisalign?
Traditional wired braces are made of stainless-steel and often with an addition of titanium. They consist of brackets through which the wire passes and the wire is secured with the help of rubber bands. Invisalign is a dental treatment that uses transparent plastic aligners. They are customised for every person via a 3D scan of their mouth. They move the teeth in small steps until the required position of the teeth is obtained. Traditional braces are not removable, only their wire and the rubber bands on the brackets can be changed but they take anything between 1-3 years to straighten the teeth depending on the severity of the problem. Invisalign on the other hand are removable and are usually used from 6 months to 2 years. Proper cleaning techniques for both of them require consistent brushing and flossing. Invisalign should be removed while eating and they should be soaked. They should be worn for about 22 hours in a day to get good results in time. Traditional braces are usually less costly than invisalign.
The benefits of traditional braces are that they are more effective for complicated and complex cases. They are less expensive and they show a good progress. Different colours of rubber bands can be used making the braces look attractive. Invisalign looks invisible as it is transparent. It is easier to maintain and more comfortable. Traditional braces usually cost less than invisalign. At Family Dental Centre we provide traditional braces starting from $3500 and invisalign starting from $5500.
Traditional braces are noticeable and can also cause irritation in the mouth of people with sensitive mucosa. Eating certain types of food can lead to damaging of the wire or the brackets. They can easily trap bacteria and are difficult to clean. The process of applying them takes a longer time. Invisalign may get lost easily as they need to be removed before eating and drinking. A person using invisalign must remember to wear it every day. It can get stained which can then be seen when it is used.
Ceramic braces vs Metal braces: Which ones are better?
Ceramic braces are not as visible as metal braces. They are usually transparent or have the colour of the teeth. They do not interfere much with imaging tests such as an X-RAY while the metal braces disrupt imaging signals and lead to false imaging results. Ceramic braces are less painful and more comfortable to use, unlike metal braces that cause irritation in the sides of the mouth and gums. Being available in any colour that’s imaginable is one of their properties that attract patients. Although, ceramic braces sound like a better option for a lot of patients but they cost more than the metal braces. Their size is larger than metal braces which can lead to improper brushing of teeth that can result in the swelling and inflammation of gums along with teeth sensitivity. They have a slow progress rate than metal braces and they might even get stained. In conclusion, even though metal braces are problematic, most of the people opt for them instead of ceramic braces as metal braces are easier to maintain and are cost effective.
Braces can be needed for different kind of teeth complications. The dentist decides the type of braces required in different individuals according to their need. The amount of time that they are used for depends on the severity of the issue.
