Go ask any child or teen about wearing braces, and they’re likely to recount the horror stories. Braces that would never come off, empty promises from the orthodontist, years without chewing gum, having to wear rubber bands, and having food crumbs stuck in brackets.
The list could go on and on and one thing is for certain: braces aren’t exactly flowers and rainbows.
With the years passing, there are more and more options out there for straightening your teeth, such as getting clear aligners in Hong Kong.
With the years passing, there are more and more options out there for straightening your teeth. With these new additions, more and more adults are choosing to get braces as well. These braces don’t have to shift your whole mouth, but they can help fill in gaps or correct that one tooth that sticks out from the rest.
You might be doing all you can for optimal dental health and corrective procedures could be the next step.
Below, we’re going to run over the five different options for straightening your teeth and making your smile bright, healthy, and beautiful.
Metal Braces
Let’s go ahead and start with the most obvious on the list: metal braces. These are the braces you know and love, the ones that dot awkward school photos and usually paired up with a goofy haircut.
Metal braces have stuck around so long for one simple reason: they work. Even though they’re ugly and give you a metal mouth, they are proven to work and function. In addition, they are the cheapest option.
Ceramic Braces
These braces are hard to see because well, that’s the point. These braces are supposed to blend in with your teeth like camouflage making it hard for anyone to notice. The brackets and wires are supposed to be teeth-coloured, meaning that most people will be unable to tell you’re wearing braces until you get face-to-face.
In terms of functionality, they’re exactly the same as metal braces. You still need to go in for regular checkups at your clear braces ohio orthodontist to have them tightened and you’re still restricted on what you can and cannot eat. In terms of cost, they tend to be a bit pricier than metal braces. Expect to wear them for the same period of time.
Lingual Braces
If ceramic braces are hiding in plain sight, lingual braces are just hiding. Lingual braces are just like metallic braces except they go on the back of your teeth.
While they are perfectly hidden, they are usually not the preferred amongst patients or dentists. They are much more difficult to apply, adjust, and clean. Plus, many patients talk about how uncomfortable they are because they restrict tongue movement and seem to have a weird fit.
They are more expensive than both ceramic and metal braces and less used overall.
Invisalign
If there was ever a hot trend in braces, invisalign would be it. These invisible, plastic retainers slide easily onto your teeth and can be applied or removed at any time. They do not restrict you from what you can or cannot eat and most people can live a completely normal life with them.
Custom made, they are shipped to you every few weeks or so to be applied again. The process is repeated again and again until your teeth are straight.
Invisalign is quite expensive, both in the upfront costs and any replacement costs. Losing them can be easier than you think.
Plus, they are not available for everyone. For those with major dental issues, invisalign is usually unavailable. Also, children cannot use them as they require a full set of teeth.
“At-Home” Clear Aligners
Just like Invisalign, these companies partner with dentists and orthodontists to prepare and oversee treatment. Unlike Invisalign, treatment is provided remotely, so you never have to leave home while getting treated. Instead, all communication with dental professionals takes place through mobile apps or web accounts, and you receive your clear aligners in the mail as you progress through the teeth straightening process.
There is, however, a noteworthy downside: this process is designed for mild, cosmetic cases only. Individuals with moderate-to-sever bite issues or other dental complications would be better off with a more traditional option, such as braces.
There has been some concern that this form of treatment could carry certain risks for dental health, since there is no in-person supervision during treatment. However, with teledentistry becoming more popular and widely accepted during the COVID pandemic, there seems to be growing support for this option.
Lumineers
While often confused with the band, Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that usually offer more in the area of teeth whitening. These ultra-thin covers are custom made for the teeth and applied with a non-invasive treatment over the course of two appointments.
Lumineers are not going to act as fast as braces to straighten teeth out, but they do help align teeth over the course of their existence. Dentists hold Lumineers in high regard due to their ease of appliance and protective nature. In addition, they are great at covering up gaps in the teeth as well as chips or small damages.
Lumineers can be pretty expensive, usually in the range of about $1,000 per tooth. They are almost always applied to adults but are more recommended than regular dental veneers. They help protect your teeth for the future and don’t need many followup appointments.
