Braces Treatment
What are dental braces?
Dental braces are devices that are placed directly on teeth in order to move them. For most of us, braces are the most common method for achieving optimally aligned teeth. Aside from straightening teeth, braces are used to improve the relationship of how our teeth come together between the upper and lower jaws. Braces for tooth movement fall under the dental specialty of orthodontics which is the study and treatment of improper bites (malocclusion). Orthodontic treatment with braces is used for cosmetic as well as functional improvement in respect to teeth position.
Who should go for braces treatment ?
Braces can be for any age group, but there are ideal times to begin treatment. Now a days, it is recommended that children have an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7 to determine if early intervention is needed or beneficial. If recommended, early intervention optimizes results by taking advantage of a child's skeletal bone growth and may require two-phase orthodontic treatment. The first phase is considered interceptive orthodontic treatment as it addresses overcrowding of teeth or bite problems at an early age. Around the age of 12 or 13, second phase treatment may begin. During this phase, the alignment of all the permanent teeth is addressed using full braces.
If the window of time for two-phase orthodontic treatment has already passed, results can still be achieved with only one phase of treatment. However, if there is significant crowding of teeth, dental extractions may be required to create room for teeth to move into alignment.
Essentially, anyone who desires to have straighter teeth or improve their bite may be a good candidate for braces. A thorough evaluation with a qualified clinician is very important in determining whether one is a good candidate for braces.
What are the various types of braces ?
There are different types of braces available today. Choosing the right type depends on various considerations such as aesthetics, cost, and allergy concerns.
TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before.
Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding coloured elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.
CLEAR (CERAMIC) BRACES
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns. While they are visually less prominent, they do require more attention to oral hygiene as ceramic braces are larger and are more brittle than their metal counterparts.
For these reasons, ceramic braces tend to be used more on upper front teeth than on lower teeth.
LINGUAL BRACES
Lingual braces are braces that are bonded onto the backside or ‘lingual’ surface of the teeth allowing them to be completely hidden. Each bracket is 100% customized and fabricated just for you!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CLEAR BRACES AND CLEAR ALIGNERS ?
Clear braces are the same as traditional metal braces except that they are clear! Clear braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment.
Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are pieces of hard plastic that are designed to fit into your mouth like a mouthguard. Clear aligners are great for patients requiring minor orthodontic treatment.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES TO CLEAR BRACES ?
As with any orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose the right option for your needs and lifestyle. Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces and your orthodontist will help you determine whether they are the right treatment for you.
Advantages to clear braces:
★ Appearance Ceramic braces and clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Clear and ceramic braces offer an aesthetic alternative for patients seeking options other than traditional metal braces.
★ Confidence: Many patients who choose ceramic or clear braces feel more confident about their orthodontic treatment, especially knowing that people are focusing on their smiles rather than their braces.
Disadvantages to clear braces:
★ Cost: Ceramic and clear braces may cost more than traditional metal braces. Your orthodontist may offer convenient payment plans to help control the costs of your treatment. Be sure to talk to your orthodontist about all of your financial options.
★ Discoloration: The clear elastic ties used with clear and ceramic braces may become slightly discoloured when you drink tea, coffee, or wine, and eat certain foods or smoke. Ask your orthodontist about how you can keep your braces looking their best.
★ Treatment Time: Orthodontic treatment with clear or ceramic braces may take longer than with traditional metal braces. If you don’t mind investing a little more time in your smile, then talk to your orthodontist to find out how long your treatment time will be with clear or ceramic braces.
ARE CLEAR OR CERAMIC BRACES THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR MY SMILE AND ME ?
By talking to your orthodontist, you can decide if clear or ceramic braces are the right treatment for you. Your orthodontist can provide answers to your questions and extra information explaining the benefits of each treatment. If you would like to learn more about clear braces, ceramic braces, and all of the options available to you, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment today.
