Different Types of Braces to Straighten Your Teeth

When you decide to get braces, your doctor will recommend the type that you need, or they may have you choose from a couple different kinds due to the different pricing as well as the type of care and appointments involved with your care. After all, you want something that also fits your lifestyle.

Traditional Metal Braces

This is probably what you think about when you think of braces. The dentist or assistant will glue metal brackets to your teeth through which they’ll thread a metal wire in the way that needs to be done so that the right pressure is applied to slowly force your teeth into the place the dentist wants them to be in.

Ceramic Braces Solution

These braces aren’t offered as much because they’re not as popular due to the cost and the problems they have with staining. They start out practically invisible, but eventually they may start looking dirty. Many patients don’t like that. You will sometimes see colored metal wires with this as well as the traditional type braces.

Lingual Braces

This is just a metal brace that is on the inside of your teeth – behind them instead of on the top. Because of this, they’re not considered as effective, but for some patients, especially those with protruding teeth and an overbite, this style may work better and be more comfortable. Some performers will get this type so that when they’re smiling in photos and on film you cannot see them.

Self-Ligating

These use a combination of metal and ceramic materials with a wire and bracket system. It is the most popular type that is used today. The good thing about them is that they use brackets with clips instead of rubber bands. They tend to have fewer spaces for food to slip into and you can get them in a variety of colors.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

You probably see commercials for something like this where you can order it yourself without the help of a dentist or orthodontist. These are not good for people with serious issues, but they can and do work well for people who need flexible treatment options and can’t get to the doctor for tightening as the system can be made in advance, and the patient switches the braces on their own.

Choosing the right type of braces needs to be a discussion you have with your dentist as well as your family due to the costs, which are often not fully covered by insurance. Most of the time, insurance pays for only a percentage of the treatment. Give us a call to book a Free Smile Assessment with Dr. Rammo to find out if braces are right for you. He is a Diamond Level Provider with Invisalign and over the years has performed thousands of treatments. During your Free Consultation, he will also go over your clear braces options for new patients including Invisalign clear aligners.