When you think of the dentist, the first thing that pops into your mind probably isn’t braces, yet it is one of the most common treatments people see the dentist for. They can be life changing for someone who has crooked teeth and is embarrassed, or even for kids who can’t eat correctly because of how their mouth formed. Dental braces don’t just make your teeth look pretty, they are such a common treatment because of the wide variety of oral problems they fix.
Braces correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites. Sometimes teeth grow in such a way, or someone has such a severe overbite that they can’t eat or speak well. They are amazing for correcting developmental issues in young children’s mouths so they can grow up with healthy teeth, jaws, and self-confidence.
There are so many varieties of braces now because of the wide varieties of problems they solve and the number of people that need them, at any point in their life. Innovations in braces technology mean that more people can have access to braces and have more options to choose from. Here are some available varieties of braces:
Traditional Metal Braces
We have all seen these, they have been made fun of in TV shows, most of our friends had to wear them in elementary school, they’re not the prettiest option. But, they are the strongest option for fixing malformations and aesthetic issues resulting from someone’s teeth coming in incorrectly.
Ceramic Braces
These look different than traditional braces, but they are really extremely similar. They use the same bands and wires as traditional braces but are made from ceramic so they are less noticeable and blend into your teeth. These may be a good option for those shy about having all that hardware in their mouth or older teenagers that are nervous about getting braces.
Clear Plastic Braces
These are braces such as Invisalign® or ClearCorrect® that we’ve all seen on commercials. They are marketed towards adults mostly because of their inconspicuous nature. They use removable clear plastic trays to gently nudge your teeth into place over a long period of time. The downside is they lack the amount of corrective power of the previous types of braces, but they are convenient and discreet, and you are able to remove them from time to time.
To learn more about your options for orthodontic braces, call Liang Orthodontics in Potomac, Maryland, today to schedule a consultation with our orthodontists, Dr. Liang and Dr. Liang.