It’s common to have crooked or misaligned teeth, but this can be pretty uncomfortable. Luckily, fixing the issue has never been easier.
You can align your crooked teeth, thanks to dental braces. These have been around for decades and date back to the 1970s. However, braces have undergone significant improvements, and many patients are now shifting from the conventional metal ones to ceramic-invisible braces.
What are the different types of braces?
If you have misaligned teeth, look no further, your options are limitless when we talk of braces. You can go for conventional metal braces, self-aligning brackets, lingual brackets, Invisalign or ceramic braces. Traditional braces feature high-grade stainless steel and attach to your teeth via an archwire. They can be silver or colorful and you can customize them by adding colored ties.
Similarly, self-adjusting braces are clear or metallic and use special clips to secure the archwire in place. With these braces, tooth movement is faster, hence no need for many appointments.
Clear braces are yet another type; they are common and favorite among many. As the name suggests, no one will notice that you have braces, and you can always choose the best hue to match your teeth’s color. Clear or ceramic braces are invisible and are excellent choices for anyone who cares about their looks.
Clear aligners are invisible and resemble mouthguards. They work as braces to straighten your teeth. Lastly, you can still go for lingual braces. These are invisible since they are placed behind your teeth. They are customized to match the shape of your teeth and are common among models, athletes, and other celebrities.
How do braces work& are they effective?
Braces are highly effective in correcting crooked teeth. They work by exerting pressure on your teeth, allowing your jaw to adapt and conform to the constant pressure. Braces feature five main parts, these are;
- Brackets
These are tiny metal or ceramic pieces placed on your teeth in the centre of each tooth. The orthodontist will carefully place them between your teeth using a special device.
- Bonding glue
This is an adhesive different from your regular glue. It’s firm and ensures that the brackets stick on the tooth.
- Bands
Bands are elastics that hold the archwire in the groove on the bracket. They can be clear or colorful are changed during appointments. Also, there are arch elastics, which are slightly more prominent, and apply pressure to your jaw to align your bite.
- Archwires
These resemble actual wires and run between the brackets to exert pressure on your teeth. They join the brackets and may be loosened or tightened during appointments. Archwires feature stainless steel and can be thin or large, depending on your needs.
- Spacers
Spacers feature rubber bands or metal rings. They may be placed between your molar to push your jaw forward and create more space at the back of your mouth. However, not everyone needs them.
Final thoughts
Braces are highly effective in correcting misaligned teeth. To get the most out of your braces, have them fitted by a professional and avoid missing your appointments. Also, understand the do’s and don’ts and avoid colored foods like coffee, tomatoes and wine.
