Types of Braces and How They Help With the Realignment of the Teeth

A common reason why people get braces is the flawless smile that perfectly aligned teeth can give them. However, there are many other oral problems like a crossbite, spacing, and crowding that make getting braces a necessity. Many types of braces offer solutions to these problems. However, each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Following are the types of braces that help in the alignment of the teeth in different ways:

Metal braces

Types of Braces: Metal braces. Image Credit: Alex Mit / Shutterstock

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces. These are the ones that most people visualize when they think of braces. The orthodontist uses dental cement to attach brackets of the metal braces to your teeth. Using wires and tiny rubber bands, they then bind the braces together. Traditional metal braces are the most beneficial for treating severe alignment issues and overcrowding. However, many people don’t opt for metal braces because of their metallic appearance as it makes them self-conscious.

 

Self-ligating braces

Image Credit: self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces are the ones that are not tied together using metals or elastic. They are placed on teeth with special clips or brackets. These clips help the teeth move to the desired place. Teeth with self-ligating braces feel also feel more comfortable. This is because the clips used in such braces facilitate a fair amount of free tooth movement. Secondly, these braces prevent the collection of food particles. So it’s easier to keep your teeth clean while using self-ligating braces.

The most common type of self-ligating braces is ceramic braces. You can use these braces as clear, transparent braces. You can also get them coloured in accordance with the colour of your teeth. Low noticeability of these braces is the major reason why many people choose ceramic braces. However, they are much more expensive than metal braces and are not as effective in treating severe damage.

 

Lingual braces

Lingual braces on a dental mirror. Image Credit: Lucky Business / Shutterstock

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces in terms of the use brackets and wires for installing them. However, traditional braces go on the front of the teeth while lingual braces go at the back of the teeth. Lingual braces are gaining popularity because they offer the benefits of traditional metal braces while being almost invisible.

Installing lingual braces requires a very meticulous approach. It’s harder to reach the back of the teeth. The orthodontists have to rely on X-ray or other images of the teeth to develop the correct braces. They customize the brackets and wires in these braces so that the braces properly fit the patient’s mouth. To facilitate this, the orthodontist uses a customized tray to cement all the brackets simultaneously. This is different from traditional braces wherein the doctor installs each bracket individually. Lingual braces are certainly capable of correcting extreme misalignments while being invisible. On the flip side, they can sometimes cause difficulties of speech because of their contact with the tongue.

 

Beyond braces – Invisalign trays

Invisalign braces or retainer isolated on black background. Image Credit: 1989studio / Shutterstock

Invisalign trays are made of removable aligners that help in straightening the teeth without using any brackets or wires. Invisalign are exclusively made from flexible plastic called SmartTrack. The orthodontist places customized aligners over the teeth like braces. These aligners gradually move the teeth to a proper position. The biggest advantage of these aligners is that you can take them off while eating food, flossing etc.

On the other hand, Invisalign needs to be worn for 22 hours a day. That means you can take them off only while eating, drinking and flossing. These are ideal for straightening teeth but they aren’t much helpful in treating complex alignment issues.

 

Which type of braces is the best?

The answer to this question varies from person to person. Choosing the type of braces is majorly dependent on your personal preferences and priorities. For some patients, getting their teeth back in shape in the shortest possible time is the top priority. For others, having braces that aren’t clearly visible is their top priority. The comfort level and the cost are also important considerations while choosing braces. Therefore, it’s best to meet an expert orthodontist before making that decision.

Regency Medical Centre’s dental clinic offers the best orthodontics treatments in Dar es Salaam. We use quality materials and advanced technology for facilitating top-notch dental treatment. Based on the severity of the problem, our specialist orthodontics offer feasible advice regarding the right types of braces. Book an appointment with our expert orthodontic doctor here.