Braces are a dental technique used in cosmetic dentistry to correct misalignment issues in the teeth and jaws. They improve the appearance of teeth and smile, enhance chewing and speech functions, and contribute to long-term oral health.
Types of Braces:
Traditional Metal Braces:
This is the most common type of braces. It consists of stainless steel brackets that are bonded to each tooth and connected by a metal wire.
Every few weeks, the orthodontist tightens the wire so that the teeth move a small distance each time to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions.
Metal braces are strong, durable, and effective in achieving results, but they can be difficult to clean and are often considered less aesthetically pleasing.
Fixed ceramic braces:
It is similar to metal braces in design, but it is different in terms of the materials used in manufacturing.
The brackets are transparent, made of porcelain or ceramic, and are connected to each other with a plastic wire.
They offer good effectiveness and are less visible, making them more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces.
However, they are less durable more prone to breakage, and require a longer treatment time.
Additionally, they tend to be more expensive.
Lingual Braces:
Also known as inner braces, lingual braces are a type of fixed orthodontic appliance similar to metal braces in terms of materials and bonding technique. However, they are bonded to the inner surface of the teeth, making them invisible from the front and that makes their placement more challenging and requires a high level of skill from the dentist.
Lingual braces offer good effectiveness and are virtually invisible. However, they are more difficult to clean and may cause irritation to the tongue.
Clear Aligners or Invisalign:
These are removable aligners made of clear, custom-made plastic trays. They are designed specifically for each patient based on the shape of their teeth.
Clear aligners are popular because they are virtually invisible and can be easily removed and replaced by the patient. However, they are less effective, more expensive, and require a longer treatment time to achieve results.
Damon Braces:
Damon braces are a type of fixed orthodontic appliance that has gained popularity in recent years. They feature a unique design that replaces traditional rubber bands with special clips, reducing friction and resulting in less discomfort compared to metal braces. Damon braces are known for their durability, high effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal. However, they tend to be more expensive.
Removable braces:
A custom-made appliance that can be removed and inserted by the patient without the need for a dentist. It is often used for minor orthodontic issues and as a retainer after fixed braces treatment.
Removable braces are less effective than fixed braces and treatment time is generally longer.
The duration of the braces depends on the type of braces and the nature of the problem and ranges from 1-3 years. After installing the braces, special care must be taken to clean the teeth and avoid foods that stick to the braces and solid foods that may cause them damage.
Braces are annoying and can be painful but the results and impact they achieve make them worth it.