Have you ever dreamt of closing gaps, aligning crooked teeth, or banishing that pesky overbite? Teeth braces, those once-dreaded metal contraptions, have evolved into different types – giving you multiple options for your dental needs.
Teeth braces aren’t just about aesthetics. Misaligned teeth can affect your bite, speech, and even overall health. Teeth braces, in their many forms, gently guide your teeth into their ideal positions, correcting gaps, crowding, and misalignments. But with so many options, from traditional metal to invisible wonders, choosing the right type can feel daunting.
This quick guide will help you understand the different type of teeth braces, so your next dental appointment can feel a lot easier.
What Does Braces Do To The Teeth?
Braces, despite their diverse appearances, share a common goal: applying controlled, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their desired positions. This pressure triggers a biological process called bone remodeling, which involves the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue around the teeth.
Types of Teeth Braces
Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
These are the most traditional type of braces, permanently bonded to your teeth throughout treatment. They use a combination of brackets, bands, wires, and elastics to gradually apply pressure and move your teeth into their desired positions.
Traditional Metal Braces: The classic choice, these are typically made of stainless steel and highly effective. They’re also the most affordable option, but can be quite visible.
Ceramic Braces: These braces offer a more discreet alternative, with brackets made from tooth-colored ceramic material. They blend in better with your natural teeth, but can be slightly more fragile and expensive than metal braces
Lingual Braces: For ultimate invisibility, these braces are bonded to the back of your teeth, hidden from view. However, they can be more challenging to adjust and may affect speech slightly.
Self-Ligating Braces: These teeth braces use a special clip mechanism to hold the wires in place, eliminating the need for elastics. This can lead to faster adjustments and potentially less discomfort.
Removable Orthodontic Solutions
For those who prefer a less noticeable option, removable aligners offer a flexible approach to teeth straightening. These clear, plastic trays are custom-made to fit your teeth snugly and are worn for 22 hours a day. Every few weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of trays that gradually move your teeth closer to their ideal positions.
Clear Aligners: Brands like Invisalign and ClearCorrect are popular examples of clear aligners. They’re a good option for mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues, but may not be suitable for all cases.
Choosing the Right Teeth Braces
The best type of teeth braces for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and lifestyle. Consulting with an orthodontist is crucial, as they can assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable option. They’ll consider factors like the severity of your misalignment, your desired timeline, and your oral health.
Are Braces Painful?
The question of whether teeth braces are painful is a common one, and the answer, like most things in life, is nuanced. While some discomfort is common, the degree and duration of pain varies depending on several factors. This includes initial application, adjustments, mouth irritation and individual sensitivity.
Where To Get Teeth Braces
You can get your braces installed at The Smile HQ in Ilupeju, Lagos. We are located at 73 Coker Rd, Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria. You can schedule an appointment ot walk into the clinic to get your braces