When it is time to fix your teeth, gone are the days when the only option was to get traditional metal braces. These devices can be quite bulky, and they are highly visible in the wearer's mouth. That can leave the person feeling even more self-conscious than before the braces were installed.
Things are much different now. There are a handful of devices that can be used to straighten a person's smile, like clear braces, ceramic braces and lingual braces that are much less visible than traditional braces.
Here are three different types of braces that are commonly used to deal with teeth alignment issues.
Despite the fact that many new alternatives have emerged, traditional braces are still the most commonly used orthodontic devices. This is due to the fact these devices remain the most affordable way to straighten teeth. Metal braces have evolved a great deal in recent years, and newer designs are slicker than their predecessors. Patients now have the option of customizing their device with the color of the favorite sports teams or whatever else suits their personal style.
Today's metal braces are less invasive than the bulky contraption people had to wear decades ago that looked like TV antennas. Some modern traditional braces even come with improved components, like heat-activated wires that use the patient's body heat to increase comfort.
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces with only a few exceptions. Instead of using brackets made from metal, these are made out of ceramics and are customized to be the same color as the patient's natural teeth. Instead of the brackets being connected with metal wires, ceramic braces often come with clear wires, making them very hard to detect.
Clear braces are quickly becoming the most popular option when it comes to replacing missing teeth. It is a great solution for those who want to straighten their teeth without everyone they interact with being aware of their treatment.
The way these work is that the patient gets a series of aligners to wear for around two weeks at a time. Each pushes the person's teeth closer to the desired position.
Contact one of our dentists to learn more about the different types of braces.
Request a dental appointment here: https://www.yourdowntownmckinneydentist.com/ or call Sam Patel DDS, PA at (972) 638-5848 for an appointment in our McKinney dental office.
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