What Are The Different Types Of Braces?
You look in the mirror and you decide that you don’t like the state of your teeth. They may be too crooked or you may have a gap between your two front teeth… and you’re too old to be spitting water out of that gap. So you want to see a New York dentist or orthodontist about fixing that.
Now that you have decided that getting braces is the right choice for you, the next question you may ask yourself is, “What are the different types of braces?”
Metal Braces: A Conventional & Effective Treatment
This is the most common of the braces. They are quite effective and people generally have to wear them for a shorter amount of time since the dentist or orthodontist controls how tight they are. If you have a complicated situation with some tricky teeth positioning, these are the standard for solving them. Expect to pay less for these over some other options.
One downside of the metal braces is that you have to see the dentist or orthodontist pretty often to get the wires tightened so that your teeth can continue to shift into the right position. It’s a necessity that can take up valuable time. Another thing is that you will be restricted from eating certain foods since they can stick on the brackets or wires. It can be difficult to fully clean them… and some people get self-conscious wearing them, especially when it comes to taking photos.
Ceramic Braces: A Less Visible Alternative
These are like metal braces, but they are made of ceramic rather than metal. They are made of a material that is much less noticeable than the other choice. People also like that. they can choose what color they are as opposed to the metal ones. If you need to take an imaging test, the ceramic braces don’t cause the problems that the metal ones do.
The downside is that they cost more and are more fragile, which causes the dual issue of possibly breaking and moving your teeth at a slower pace due to their fragility. You can stain these easier than the metal ones… and you will wind up paying more for them.
Lingual Braces: A Nearly Invisible Choice
These are braces that can go behind the teeth rather than on the front. People like these because they can seem to have a regular smile while the braces go to work literally behind the scenes. They are quite customizable, which is something that would work to your benefit.
One issue is that people tend to have a lisp for a month when first wearing them since they affect tongue placement when speaking. They also report longer discomfort, but nothing that can’t be managed with a regular over-the-counter painkiller.
Are Clear Aligners a Viable Dental Option?
The short answer is, “Yes!” This has become a go-to option for many people who want to straighten their teeth but do it in an even more discreet way than ceramic or lingual braces. It’s simple and you can still eat the foods that you love. You will get great results and many people won’t even know that you are undergoing the process.
It all begins with your getting an impression taken at the dentist or orthodontist’s office. That will be sent to the company that makes the clear aligners – Invisalign is the most well-known – and then the two will coordinate on making a series of mouthguards that will slowly but surely straighten your teeth.
You wear each tray, or mouth guard, for roughly two weeks. Be sure to follow the exact order and wear them for the 22 hours per day the dental professional tells you too – you only take them out to eat, brush your teeth and keep the guard clean. If you miss one or go out of order, it will slowly become unwearable and you will likely need to have a new set made – which will cost you.
It’s Never Too Late To Straighten Your Smile, Contact Our Dentists In Queens, NY!
As you can see, each one has pluses and minuses. Be sure to talk with your dentist about which option might work for you, and be sure to take your dental insurance and your budget into consideration. Then go get your great smile!
It’s never too late to straighten your smile. Feel free to contact our dentists In Queens, NY! Dr. Robert M. Trager, the JFK-LGA Dentist, can help. Give him a call at 718-656-4747 to make an appointment today!
Dr. Robert M. Trager
JFK Airport
Building 14 West Wing,
Jamaica, NY 11430
Phone: 718-656-4747
Website: https://jfk-lga-dentist.com
