Types of Braces
If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw, you probably know that you need braces to correct the problem. What you may not know is that there are many types of braces. Braces can be made from different materials and may even be placed in differing positions in the mouth. All of these factors can change your experience with braces.
Your orthodontist in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS can help you decide which braces are best. At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we offer many options for patients seeking braces. Every patient is different, so it’s important to have choices. Here’s what you need to know about the many options available.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are made of metal brackets adhered to the front of the teeth, connected by wires. Traditional braces move the teeth into place by putting gentle pressure on the teeth. Patients return to the dental office regularly to get the wires tightened or loosened to move the teeth into the desired position.
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also called clear aligners, are made from clear plastic material that fits snugly over the teeth. Like braces, clear aligners put gentle pressure on the teeth to move them gently into place. Clear aligners are a preferred choice for many patients because they’re hard to see and easy to take off.
Their removability means that clear aligners don’t affect what you can eat, and they also don’t affect the appearance of your smile. Clear aligners aren’t for everyone, because they only work for mild to moderate tooth alignment problems.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, on the side of the teeth facing the tongue. Lingual braces are virtually invisible, but they have some downsides. Lingual braces are more expensive than traditional braces because they’re custom-made for the wearer. However, for some patients, lingual braces are a preferred option because they can’t be seen at all.
Adult Braces
Many people get braces in their early teens, but that doesn’t mean that adults can’t get braces. It’s never too late to get braces if you’re healthy.
Some adults worry about getting braces installed on their teeth because they have concerns about feeling self-conscious. While this is always a possibility, there are many options available that can help address these concerns. For example, some adults choose to get ceramic braces on their teeth. These braces have tooth-colored brackets, so they blend in easily and have minimal impact on the wearer’s appearance.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from tooth-colored brackets and wires, making them difficult to see. While ceramic braces aren’t for everyone (they can break easily), they’re a good option for adults and people with mild corrections to make to their teeth.
Early Braces
The earlier crooked teeth or jaw alignment problems are addressed, the better. Early interventions can be used to address dental issues before they become severe, and thus require less intervention from the orthodontist. Not sure when to bring your child in for an orthodontic assessment? Consider bringing them in for an evaluation when they’re 7 or 8.
Who Needs Braces?
You may benefit from braces if you have crooked teeth, a misaligned jaw, or crowded teeth. You may notice that your teeth aren’t straight, but there are other signs to look for as well, including:
- Speech problems
- Difficulty chewing
- You bite the inside of your mouth
The only way to find out for certain if you need braces is to be evaluated by an orthodontist. Make your appointment with the orthodontists at Bulleigh Orthodontics to learn more.
Which Type of Braces Are Right For You?
There are so many choices that it’s hard to pick the right type of braces for your needs. Your orthodontist at Bulleigh Orthodontics will go over the options with you. We have a range of choices and use state-of-the-art equipment to treat our patients, so you can be sure that the braces that you get when you’re working with Bulleigh Orthodontics will be just what you need to straighten your teeth.
Why Choose Bulleigh Orthodontics for Your Braces?
Patients come to us because we have a good reputation, and a comfortable, conveniently located office, and we only use state-of-the-art equipment to treat our patients. We’re the experts in orthodontic care! Each of our professionals is trained to provide dental care with respect and compassion.
Need Braces? Contact Us to Get Started
Are you interested in getting braces in Shawnee and Overland Park, KS? Contact the professionals at Bulleigh Orthodontics to make your first appointment. We install braces for patients of a range of ages, and we install a range of different types of braces including traditional braces and clear aligners. We’ll start with an evaluation to determine which types of braces are right for you. Call today!
