When looking into tooth realignment options for yourself, or a loved one, it can be overwhelming to sort through all of the information about metal braces and clear braces. After searching for braces near me and making an appointment with an orthodontist, it can be helpful to understand the pros and cons of both options beforehand.
Metal Braces
Metal braces have been around for decades, and most people have either had metal braces themselves or know somebody who has. Metal braces are the more traditional approach to realigning one’s teeth, and they are still the most cost effective option in most situations.
Metal braces are made of medical grade metal, and the braces used today are much less invasive and noticable than braces of past decades. Many kids with braces don’t enjoy the look or feel of metal braces, but they do have fun picking out the color of their bands during each visit.
Some orthontists offer ceramic braces, which are pretty much the same as metal braces, but are the same color as teeth. This makes them less obvious, though they are slightly more expensive than traditional braces. Plus, ceramic braces can stain relatively easily, and they often require greater care to maintain their appearance.
One final option with metal braces is to have them placed lingually. In less severe tooth alignment cases, an orthodontist may place metal braces on the inside of teeth, facing the tongue. This makes them invisible to others, but they can be more difficult to clean and maintain than front-facing metal braces.
After your orthodontist places braces on your teeth they will walk you through all of the steps you must take to clean and maintain your teeth while wearing them.
Invisible Braces
By now, most people have heard of invisible braces, or clear plastic aligners, that work to realign teeth like regular praces. Invisible braces have many advantages over metal braces, though they do come with their own set of cons.
The biggest benefit of opting for invisible braces is that they are much less noticable than metal braces. The clear plastic aligners are also removable, so there are no food or beverage restrictions like there are with metal braces.
Unfortunately, invisible braces are only available for teens and adults, so kids who need braces will have to go the metal route. Invisible braces are also easy to lose, and they tend to cost much more than metal braces. Lost aligners can be quite costly.
Finally, invisible braces won’t work for many alignment issues, and they can take longer to show results than metal braces.
In the end, many people find that the cons outweigh the pros when it comes to invisible braces, though your orthodontist can answer any questions you have and help you decide what is right for you.
Next up: a Retainer
After you finish your time with metal or invisible braces, most people will require the use of a permanent or removable retainer to keep their newly straightened teeth in place. When you reach this point, your orthodontist will also help you decide which type of retainer suits your unique situation best.
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