Today, you have a good selection of types of braces from which to choose. No longer do you need huge metal brackets that have been the subject of teasing for decades. Traditional metal braces are still available, but they are much smaller and more attractive. Ceramic braces, lingual braces and Invisalign® are also options for you and they are much less noticeable.
Traditional metal braces are usually made of stainless steel wires and brackets that gradually pull the teeth into the proper position. These type of braces can treat almost any orthodontic problem. They are smaller and less noticeable than in the past. These type of braces are ideal for those with moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Traditional metal braces have food restrictions such as avoiding hard or sticky foods.
Ceramic braces look the same as metal braces except that they may match the color of your teeth. They blend with your teeth and are hardly noticeable. However, you can still see the wires going across your teeth. Ceramic braces are a little more delicate than metal braces, so you need to be even more careful with what you eat. These type of braces are also stain-resistant.
Lingual braces are just like metal and ceramic braces but they are attached to the backside of your teeth. This means they cannot be seen at all because they are hidden by your tongue, hence the name. However, these types of braces can take some time to get used to as your tongue will always be hitting them. You will need to be determined with your flossing habits as they can be a bit harder to keep clean.
Invisalign® is the name of an orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth with clear, plastic trays called aligners. They are virtually invisible. Through tests, molds and imagining, our orthodontist in Dallas plans your procedure from beginning to end results. Every two weeks, you will start to use a new aligner. There are no dietary restrictions because you remove the aligner when you eat. Cleaning your teeth is easy because you remove the aligner to brush and floss. Invisalign® may not treat more severe conditions.
Whether you are a teenager or an adult, if you need braces today, you have a much wider selection from which to choose from than people had in the past. To find out what type of braces are right for you, you can schedule a consultation with our office at Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas. Contact us today!