If you’re contemplating getting braces, you’re probably hearing that you’ll have plenty to smile about once your teeth are straightened and the experience is over. But your choices in braces are worth smiling about, too. While your parents had no choice about the matter—orthodontists fitted their patients with metal braces and only metal braces—you can now choose from different types of braces, including metal, ceramic, or Invisalign. Consider:
Metal Braces
Of the different types of braces available today, metal braces are the ones that your parents had and what most people still picture when they think of braces. Back then, metal braces were made of stainless steel, which often stained teeth. To combat this problem, today’s metal braces are made with a combination of stainless steel and nickel titanium. While the concept has remained the same—a small bracket is bonded to each tooth, and the brackets are joined by a wire—today’s metal brackets are smaller and therefore less noticeable than those of the past.Ceramic Braces
Self-conscious people from your parents’ generation probably would have given their eye teeth for ceramic braces. Among the different types of braces, ceramic braces offer a less noticeable option. While the brackets are the same size and shape as those of metal braces, they are clear or tooth-colored so that they are less noticeable. The wires are available in these subtle colors, too. Although you may have heard that ceramic braces are more likely to break than metal braces, manufacturers have improved ceramic braces by making each bracket thicker and therefore sturdier.Invisalign
If your parents had given their eye teeth for ceramic braces, they likely would not have been able to imagine Invisalign braces. These braces consist of between 18 and 30 custom plastic aligners, replaced about every two weeks, which many people liken to mouth guards. That’s a fitting comparison, because Invisalign braces are removable, meaning you take them out when you eat and brush and floss your teeth. As their name suggests, Invisalign braces are practically invisible, making them one of the most discreet types of braces available. However, Invisalign braces are best suited for patients with minor orthodontic issues, not major or complicated ones.Kapadia Can Help You Choose from These Types of Braces
You might already have a favorite among these types of braces. But before you get too swept away with enthusiasm, be sure to make an appointment with the orthodontic experts at Kapadia Orthodontics. During your free initial visit, we will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Perform a complete oral exam to determine if and when treatment is needed
- Estimate a treatment time
- Review the approximate treatment fee
- Answer all your questions
