With so many different braces available on the market today, it can be tough to decide which ones are right for you. The good news is, that’s what your orthodontist is here for! Hoskinson Orthodontics is here to break down the four main types of braces and their pros and cons to help you figure out which might be the best for you.
Are you in Scotia, NY, or a surrounding area needing orthodontic care? Contact Hoskinson Orthodontics for a consultation today!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Braces may be the right solution for you if you aren’t confident in your smile. Having straight teeth after braces doesn’t just improve your oral health and function of your mouth; it also boosts your self-esteem and makes you want to share your smile with the world!
Braces may be the right choice if you struggle with dental imperfections such as:
- Too much space between your teeth
- Too little space between your teeth, also known as crowding
- A gummy smile
- An overbite
- An overjet
- An open bite
Traditional Braces
Many orthodontic treatments exist, but there is a reason that traditional braces are the most common. They are created with high-grade stainless steel and held together with nontoxic dental cement and metal archwire. These are a fantastic, affordable option for the quickest results!
Pros
Most affordable
Comes in a variety of colors
Fastest treatment
Durable
Cons
Certain foods need to be avoided
Tightening and adjustments can be painful
Uncomfortable sores may occur if not cared for properly
Flossing may become more difficult
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces; however, they blend into the teeth more. These braces are made of transparent ceramic material and are less visible than traditional braces. This is the fastest discrete teeth straightening method. While they are less visible, they are more expensive than conventional metal braces.
Pros
Effective treatment for mild to severe cases
Clear and teeth-colored options to make them less visible
Faster than Invisalign®
Cons
More costly than traditional braces
The brackets can stain easily if not taken care of well enough
Less durable than traditional braces due to material
Lingual Braces
The invisible orthodontic market is growing–receiving orthodontic treatment without the look of traditional braces is possible! Lingual braces are a fantastic option for some as they are exactly like traditional metal braces, but they are attached to the back of your teeth. Below are some of the benefits and disadvantages of lingual braces.
Pros
Least painful option
Requires less adjustments from orthodontist
Invisible from the outside
Cons
Most expensive option
Speech impairment may occur
Difficult to clean
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is the only orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth unconventionally. These aligners are created using BPA-free plastic, which is far more comfortable than traditional metal braces. Adjustments come through multiple sets of clear aligners. Invisalign® braces are clear and virtually invisible, making them an excellent choice for people who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their braces. Visit our website to learn more about Invisalign®!
Pros
Practically invisible
Removable aligners let you floss and brush your teeth easily
You can take them out easily, allowing you to drink or eat whatever you’d like without worrying you’ll break them
Cons
Costly option, very expensive to replace
The treatment can take longer than traditional braces
Clear aligners cannot help a serious dental problem
Choose the Braces for Your Lifestyle
As technology improves, so do options for orthodontic treatment. Hoskinson Orthodontics created a list of the types of braces available on the market today and explored the benefits and disadvantages of each of them. Consult an orthodontist when it comes time to obtain the smile of your dreams!