Dental braces are devices used in orthodontics that align, straighten and help to position tooth and/or teeth with regard to patients bite, while also working to improve the dental health.
Types of Braces:
1. Metal / Traditional braces
These are the metal brackets and wires and the first thing that comes to mind of a patient on hearing the word braces. These are the least expensive type of braces available and the coloured bands give kids a chance to express themselves through a variety of colours. The major disadvantage of them is that they are the most noticeable type of braces.
2. Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend into teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable. They are more expensive than metal braces and the brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well enough.
3. Lingual braces
Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth. Their biggest advantage is that they are invisible from the outside due to their placement but they are very difficult to clean, more expensive than the regular orthodontic treatment. Also, its regular adjustments take longer time and are more difficult than with traditional braces.
4. Aligners
These are orthodontic aligners which consist of a series of custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every few weeks as per the requirement and treatment planned by the dentist. These aligners are almost invisible and the patients can eat and drink whatever they want, unlike the regular orthodontic treatment. The Major disadvantages of these aligners are that these will not work for serious dental problems and is a more expensive option than braces. Since they are mouth-guard like aligners can be easily lost.