Everything You Need to Know About the Different Types of Dental Braces

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Who doesn’t admire a radiant and flawless smile? Just like everyone, I’m sure you also wish to achieve one for yourself. But how can someone get perfectly aligned teeth? It is possible now with the transformation of dental braces. With the advancement in the medical field, the innovation compared to bulky, uncomfortable metal has made things convenient and painless. Today’s orthodontic departments are changing the way we look at dental treatment issues with their unique solution.

They have been addressing the challenges in alignment and offer personalized treatment options, fulfilling the patient’s aesthetic desires. From discreet, clear aligners that blend effortlessly with your smile to classy self-ligating brackets that simplify the treatment. The options to choose from various types of dental braces are endless and can be exciting than before. Let’s get into the realm of dental treatment and learn more about these fascinating types of braces that will help you with a bright and aligned smile.

In this article, we will delve into the world of orthodontic treatment and get more insight about the types of braces and how they work to improve your teeth.

What are orthodontic braces?

Orthodontists use orthodontic braces, also known as braces, as dental devices to rectify the alignment of teeth and jaws. Many braces apply steady, cautious, and continuous pressure over time to shift teeth into the desired position. Let’s understand how these orthodontic braces work.

How they work:

The primary purpose of these braces is to fix a variety of orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, malocclusion, improving aesthetics, enhancing oral health, and improving function. Braces work through a combination of components that apply controlled force to the teeth, like:

• Brackets: These are small attachments made of metal, ceramic, or plastic that are bonded, glued to the front or back surface of each tooth. They act as anchors.
• Archwire: A thin, flexible wire that runs through the slots in all the brackets. This wire acts as a track and applies the force that guides the teeth.
• Ligatures (O-rings or elastics): Small rubber bands that hold the archwire in the brackets. Some types of braces, called self-ligating braces, have a built-in mechanism to hold the wire and don’t require these elastics.
• Elastic bands (rubber bands): To apply extra force between the upper and lower jaws to correct the bite.
• Springs: To open or close spaces between teeth.
• Headgear or other appliances: In some cases, to apply more significant force or guide jaw growth.

The process:

The archwire uses gentle but constant pressure on the brackets, which spreads that force to the teeth. Over time, this pressure stimulates a natural biological process called bone remodeling. Bone breaks down on the pressured side of the tooth and new bone forms on the opposite side. This allows the tooth to change the bone into the desired position.

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What are the different types of dental braces?

There are various types of dental braces. To understand which type is best for you, there can be subjected to a few factors, such as the type of tissue you have, the severity of your condition, and your personal preferences. Here are four types of commonly used braces for dental treatment procedures.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces involve brackets and wires, usually made of metal, which are attached to the teeth and allow their positioning to be changed as required. There has been a recent addition to traditional metal braces, which are heat-activated archwires. They use body heat in the body to allow the teeth to move more quickly and with less discomfort than was previously possible.

2. Ceramic Braces:

Ceramic braces are very similar to the traditional metal braces in size and shape. This type of brace is made from a ceramic material that blends into the natural color of the teeth, making them less noticeable to others. This also makes them a more favorable alternative for a few people. But, they are usually more expensive than traditional braces and could be stained if they are not properly cared for.

3. Lingual Braces

Image by Drazen Zigic from Getty Images

Lingual braces are the same as traditional braces, as they are made of metal. But the only catch is that these braces are attached to the inside of the teeth so that they cannot be easily seen from the outside. This type has the understandable advantage of not being noticeable to other people as they are hidden behind the teeth. However, they are less effective than traditional braces and often take longer to achieve the desired tooth alignment. 

4. Invisalign

Invisalign is unique among other types of dental braces. Because they do not include brackets and wires, but use a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth. This type of brace is preferable for many patients because they are almost invisible and allows greater freedom to eat and drink anything. However, they are considerably more expensive compared to other braces.

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Conclusion

Because of the innovation and advancement booming in the orthodontic department. Many unique solutions are coming to address various dental issues. Orthodontists can overcome many challenges because of new technologies being introduced to provide patients with convenient and painless treatment. One such transformative process is called orthodontic braces. These braces have enabled many patients to have perfectly aligned teeth to smile radiantly. There are various types of dental braces available in treatment, so now patients have a diverse choice to select the braces that suit their requirements based on their opinion or dental conditions. These braces apply pressure to teeth and jaws consistently to shift them to the desired position to give you that perfect smile. 

FAQ:

1. Which type of braces are the best?

The “best” type of braces depends on individual needs and preferences, making it impossible to declare one as superior. Traditional metal braces are a reliable and cost-effective option, especially for complex cases.

2. What is Class 3 braces?

Class 3 is the rarest type of malocclusion. Lower molars that are too far forward compared to the upper molars are characterized as contrary to class 2, class 3 malocclusions.

3. What are the 5 stages of braces?

The 5 stages of braces treatment involve an initial consultation, fitting of braces, regular adjustments, removal of braces, and finally, wearing a retainer.