Types of Dental Braces

Dental braces not only improve your smile and facial appearance but also reduce the risk of caries, periodontal disease, TMJ dysfunctions, and chewing issues. 

If you have decided to get braces, visit Dr. Natalie Tung at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group in Arcadia, California, to learn more about your options and see which one is best suited for you.

Types of Braces

Metal Braces

Stainless steel braces consist of bands, brackets, archwires, and ligatures. The brackets and braces are bonded to teeth and the NiTi archwires are secured with ligatures to them. These ligatures, which are small elastic bands, are replaced every dental visit. 

Metal braces are versatile, fast, cost-effective, durable, and successful in treating challenging misalignment or malocclusion cases. 

Ceramic Braces

These tooth-colored braces made from polycrystalline alumina resemble metal braces as far as their components and function. They are ideal for patients who are worried about the less sightly appearances of metal braces.  

You can smile with confidence wearing ceramic braces as they provide a more aesthetic look. They are also more comfortable as they don't irritate the soft tissues.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to the above-mentioned types of braces but are placed behind the teeth. You will need time to accustom your tongue and adjust the way you speak and chew when wearing them. 

Lingual braces are efficient in correcting deep bite issues. 

Self-Ligating Braces

The elastic modules used with conventional braces are not required for self-ligating braces. They use a trap door to secure the archwires. Hence, they are more convenient, easy to maintain, reduce the number of required dental visits and the treatment time. 

Invisalign

These renowned invisible, removable aligners made from flexible thermoplastic are used to treat mild to moderate misalignment issues. These aligners are more discreet than braces, more comfortable, easy to use and maintain, and do not require any diet restrictions. 

Maintenance of Braces

Meticulous oral hygiene is required to maintain your teeth and your braces for the duration of an orthodontic treatment. You should: 

• Brush twice a day and rinse after every meal
• Limit your intake of carbohydrates to prevent caries
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods
• Cut hard foods like apples and carrots into smaller pieces and chew them on your back teeth
  
  

If you are still in a dilemma as to which braces are more suitable for you, schedule an appointment at Arcadia Medi-Dental Group by calling (626) 515-8090 or visiting us at 311 E Live Oak Ave, Arcadia, California 91006.