Having perfectly aligned teeth is the dream of almost every person alive, but some are just born with natural deformities that might prevent them from making this come true.
Fortunately, the evolution of science and technology allows us to have “tools” that can help us re-align everything that wasn’t perfect from the start, and that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about today.
Although one of the worst things of our childhood was wearing braces, there are so many benefits that just cannot be passed on, so parents have to insist on their children wearing these much-disliked instruments. Luckily, the designs are getting better and better as time goes by, so braces no longer have to be boring or frightening, which is something that might change the opinion of children when it comes to wearing them.
In this article, we’ll talk about the five most common types of braces, so if you are willing to learn some more, feel free to stay with us until the end. Let’s take a look.
Contents
1. Metal Braces
Source: Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics
This type is considered to be the most traditional one, and it’s made out of two core components. The bendable metal wire can be adjusted based on the current shape of the wearer’s teeth, and the metal bracket.
Out of all the age groups, this is the one that most teenagers get, and here’s why:
- They don’t cost a lot of money.
- They are very effective, and although not the most comfortable or appealing models, metal braces can get your teeth back into the ideal position for the shortest time.
- Easy to make and available in almost every dentist’s office.
2. Ceramic Braces
Source: Izadi Orthodontics
The main difference between these and the metal ones is that the ceramic version is the most unnoticeable one, due to the color being similar to the color of the teeth. So, for people who care about looks, and the braces being completely subtle, this is the best possible solution.
The ability to “blend in” inside your mouth was one of the biggest reasons why there’s such a high demand for the ceramic models, but you should know that they cost a lot more compared to the metal ones, which are probably the least expensive ones on this list. There are a few downsides that you need to know of though, and here are some of them:
- They can easily get stained if you are not very regular with your cleaning.
- They can be broken a lot easier than the metal ones.
- They do cost more than metal.
- Not as easy to get and waiting times might be larger depending on the place you’re ordering from.
3. Invisalign
Source: BlogsNow.com
For those of you wondering what the phrase means, it stands for invisible align, meaning this is the best type for those who want their braces to be subtle and undetectable.
The comfort of these models is also a big deal because according to the Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, they can feel a lot more comfortable than the metal ones for example. The best thing about it is that you can completely remove them and clean your teeth, and the braces as well. Here are the pros and cons:
- More expensive than other models
- The least visible version
- Comfortable and suitable for long-time use
- Interesting designs
If a person, especially a child, is worried about getting comments about the visibility, Invisalign is a great option, but it might cost a bit more than you’d like.
4. Damon Type
Source: OoLi Orthodontics
A relatively new type, but most modern orthodontists will be familiar with it. What’s characteristic about the Damon models is the comfort, because they don’t put a lot of pressure on the teeth, and they can be worn for a lot longer before you get “tired” of them.
This is especially useful for kids because we all know that they might complain about having to go through their day with these on, so if you are a parent, try to consider these as a possible option.
They are not the cheapest option on the market, but they do a great job, and your child should be satisfied with how they feel. Let’s look at the pros and cons:
- Less painful due to not much friction
- Much easier to keep clean
- Can cost a bit more compared to the metal or ceramic ones
- Are quite new on the market so might not be available in your local area
5. Clear and Removable Aligners
Source: Pinterest
As medicine and technology keep evolving, things in the orthodontic industry also go through a lot of changes, but it’s always for the better. Every patient likes to receive the best possible treatment, and nobody wants to stick to old-school methods while there are much more improved and sophisticate ones out there on the market.
Clear and Removable Aligners are a very modern solution for patients who need to align their teeth in a short time, while not feeling any discomfort or sacrificing looks. What’s good is that these aligners are available for kids as well, but they do tend to cost a lot of money compared to the other options on the list. If budget is not an issue for you, they are probably the best solution because you won’t have to deal with any negative comments from your child about how they look or feel with these on.
Some models of the clear aligners are so well-done that you won’t even notice that somebody is wearing them, which is quite important if you want your child to maintain a great-looking smile. The pros and cons are:
- Completely invisible
- They can fix the alignment issue pretty fast due to modern design
- Materials are of high quality
- You can remove them anytime for washing
- They do cost more money compared to the other ones that we listed above
Source: Instagram
Conclusion
Wearing braces is something that a lot of kids have to go through, but it’s always for their good because having a perfect smile is quite important as you get older. Most solutions in today’s medicine can fix the alignment problem, but some options offer better looks, and some are designed for maximal comfort. Some models offer the best of both worlds, but they do tend to cost a lot more, so unless you are on a budget, they might be the best option available. It’s up to you to decide.
