Braces – Everything you Need to Know

Braces are a highly effective way of straightening teeth and giving patients the smile they want. Braces offer confidence and a long-term solution to crooked teeth and have been used successfully for many years. While it is most common for children to use braces, many adults successfully have this form of treatment.

Here, we look at the different types of braces available.

Metal

These have been the most commonly used braces over the last century. They are metal tracks (sometimes called train tracks) connected with a wire using small elastic bands. The metal braces are adjusted; usually, every four to six weeks, to slowly move teeth into the desired position. These braces are fixed in place and not removable until the end of the treatment when the dental specialist will remove them. They require an excellent level of oral hygiene and are visible to others.

Ceramic

Braces made from tooth-coloured ceramic material. They work the same as metal braces, but they are less noticeable. These are an excellent option for those concerned about the aesthetic effects of wearing braces. They are bigger than metal braces and can suffer staining if not looked after correctly.

Self-ligating

These braces work similarly to ceramic and metal ones. They are available as ceramic or metal and have wires. The key difference with self-ligating braces is that they have clips or doors securing the wire instead of rubber bands. This option is best suited to patients requiring easier treatment and less dental chair time.

Lingual

Lingual braces are attached behind the teeth. They are not as commonly used as other braces, as they require specific orthodontic techniques. They are invisible to others and can be designed to suit particular teeth, but you may have to search around for a specialist trained in this treatment. They can sometimes cause temporary lisping for the patient.

Clear aligners (Invisalign)

Invisalign is the most commonly used type of clear aligner. These are transparent, removable aligners that are not noticeable to others and easy to clean. They can work faster than braces and require fewer dental appointments. This is a fantastic option for people who need a minor adjustment to their teeth or people with issues such as an overbite or incorrect jaw alignment.

For information on the different braces available as well as all other dental concerns, contact Langley’s on 01344 842953.