Braces are a common orthodontic treatment method to resolve dental and orthodontic problems. They can help fix several problematic dental issues, from misaligned teeth to overbite and underbite. Many people, including adults, get dental braces to improve their smile and the performance of their teeth. They can also improve oral health, reducing your chances of developing tooth decay, plaque or gum disease.
One reason for the increasing popularity of orthodontic treatment is the wide variety of options. Traditional metal braces are still common and help effectively improve the look and feel of your smile. However, other corrective orthodontic techniques are quickly becoming more popular.
How braces work
Traditional metal braces were one of the original methods to correct misaligned teeth. Dentists attach small, metal brackets to teeth using safe adhesive glue. Each brace is connected to the next with a wire.
Traditional braces shift teeth over time. They place consistent pressure on teeth to gradually move them into a better position. Dental professionals adjust and tighten wires over time, which ensures that teeth are moving into the correct positions.
Metal braces typically take between 12 and 36 months to fully work. The exact treatment period will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issue. It’s important to avoid hard or sticky foods during a treatment period, to prevent dislodged brackets.
Downsides of traditional braces
Traditional metal braces have been one of the most popular orthodontic correction methods for a long time. While they are highly effective in many circumstances, they do have some disadvantages and potential risks.
Here are a few challenges you might encounter:
- Appearance: Many people feel self-aware when wearing them. They can be quite noticeable and may impact your appearance, or the amount of confidence you have in yourself.
- Diet restrictions: Certain foods can damage or dislodge braces and make it difficult to enjoy sugary foods during treatment.
- Discomfort: Components like wires and brackets are common in this form of traditional treatment. These items can cause discomfort or soreness, particularly after new adjustments.
- Root absorption: In some cases, pressure can shorten the roots of your teeth. Over time, this can lead to long-term damage that is difficult to reverse.
- Soft tissue damage: The metal can irritate the mouth and cause sores, particularly in sensitive areas like your gums.
Others avoid traditional braces because of the long treatment period. Unlike some alternative forms of orthodontic treatment, traditional braces are usually applied for one or more years. This timeline for treatment is too long for some people to withstand.
What can you get besides braces?
There are several orthodontic options besides traditional braces. These alternatives can help you overcome many different types of orthodontic issues.
Alternatives include retainers, clear aligners, and veneers. You might also consider fast, lingual, or ceramic braces. It’s important to discuss each option with an orthodontist before moving forward with treatment of any kind.
Retainers
Retainers are orthodontic devices worn over natural teeth. They help you maintain the position of your teeth after treatment. Some people wear a retainer only temporarily to stabilize teeth. Others regularly use a retainer to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original places. Retainers can be removable, fixed or clear.
A retainer will help prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment. They preserve the results of orthodontic treatment, helping you enjoy the benefits of any corrective dental solution you use.
Despite their usefulness, retainers are notoriously difficult to clean. Just like natural teeth, they can also accumulate plaque and bacteria. This buildup can create problems like bad breath and plaque if you don’t address it early on. It’s important to clean retainers regularly and thoroughly to protect your oral hygiene.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners use transparent braces to adjust your teeth into new positions. They’re a popular alternative to the metal variety, particularly for people with mild overcrowding who prefer a more discreet form of dental correction.
Clear aligners are extremely difficult to see, even if you’re looking for them. They are ideal for adults and professionals who might feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit seamlessly over teeth. Many people enjoy clear aligners for their more comfortable fit and feel.
Despite their advantages, clear aligners aren’t for everyone. They can be expensive and typically require a certain amount of discipline to be effective. Patients must wear aligners for a certain number of hours per day. You will also need to switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks. This requires a commitment to your treatment plan and to any instruction provided by your orthodontist.
Fast braces
Fast braces promise accelerated results when aligning teeth. They work differently than other dental devices, moving the root and crown of each tooth at the same time. This reduces treatment timelines and provides a particular appeal for people who want the fastest possible fix.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces use metal brackets and wires attached to the back of the teeth. They are ideal for patients who want to achieve straighter teeth while hiding unsightly items like brackets, wires and bands.
Many people like lingual braces for their minimalistic look. The pieces attach to the back of the teeth, not the front. From the front, people using this form of orthodontic treatment appear normal.
If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand the cleaning process. Because of their location, they can be more difficult to maintain. The brackets and wires mounted to the back of your teeth are more difficult to access with a toothbrush and floss.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces use clear or naturally colored brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. Brackets are attached to the front of each tooth with a discreet rubber band or wire.
Ceramic braces offer a visibly appealing look. Brackets and wires are designed with natural tones. They blend in with your teeth and are less noticeable than other forms or orthodontic treatment.
One clear disadvantage to ceramic braces is their fragility. The brackets are made of ceramic or other materials that are more prone to chipping or other damage.
Veneers
Dental veneers fit over the front portion of your teeth. They help to conceal visual damage or blemishes without providing any additional corrective treatment. They help cosmetically improve the appearance of teeth, hiding cracks or chips behind thin shells.
Veneers also provide a fast fix for teeth that might be stained, chipped or misshapen. They help create a brighter, more even smile for patients who are not confident in how their teeth look.
Though they can correct the appearance of teeth, veneers do not correct orthodontic issues. Additionally, they don’t address bite or alignment issues that might be causing dental problems. Veneers also require you to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, which can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature and touch.
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for you
Every patient will face different orthodontic challenges. The right orthodontic treatment for you will depend on your oral health, treatment budget and preferred timeline. It’s important to first meet with a dentist who can resolve simple problems and recommend treatment for more complicated issues. An orthodontic specialist will meet with you, assess your oral health needs, and help create a treatment plan you can act on.