The Ultimate Guide to Adult Braces
If you are considering having your teeth aligned, adult braces are possibly the best option. Braces refer to orthodontic devices that straighten, align, and keep teeth in position. While many people will have braces for cosmetic purposes, the health benefits of having well-aligned teeth are far-reaching. Further, people whose teeth are correctly placed are confident and physically attractive. Crooked teeth present a myriad of health risks such as:
- Jaw joint disorders.
- Overbites or under bites.
- Chewing, biting, and speaking problems.
- High risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.
- Wear of the tooth enamel.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Inability to clean teeth well which could lead to plaque.
Types of adult braces.
Metal Braces. Metal braces are popular as they are the fastest way of straightening severely crooked teeth. Unlike the past when these braces covered almost the entire mouth, modern day metal braces have small brackets and do not wrap the whole tooth. An emerging trend with metal braces is the introduction of heat activated archwires. These use the body heat to move teeth fast and with little pain.
Ceramic Braces. These are similar to metallic braces but instead have brackets that are clear or tooth-colored to make them inconspicuous. The main disadvantages associated with this option is that ceramic braces are expensive, could break easily compared to metal braces, and may stain if not properly cleaned.
Insavalign or Clear Plastic Aligners. This type of adult braces is preferred by people who want invisibility over speed. The orthodontist prepares plastic aligners that resemble a mouth guard. They must remain in place for 20-22 hours daily. They are changed every few weeks depending on the recommendation of the orthodontist. With them, a person can eat and brush regularly. They are impossible to see as they do not have wires or brackets. Unfortunately, they are not effective in severe cases of crooked teeth. In addition to this, they are expensive and easy to lose.
Lingual Braces. This type of braces are similar to metal braces but the brackets are cemented at the back of the teeth. In such a way, they are invisible from the outside. These braces are however difficult to maintain and take more time to install and adjust compared to metal braces.
Adult braces will not only improve your dental health, but also ensure that you look and feel good. There are different available options such as metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear plastic aligners. For more information, contact local professionals like those found at Straightsmiles.