The Different Types Of Braces
There are currently five primary categories/ types of braces:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual braces
- Clear aligners like Invisalign
Metal Braces
The most popular type of braces worldwide are metal or traditional braces, which have been in use for more than a century. Braces used to be highly conspicuous and big. Fortunately, braces today are very different from those from 100 years ago.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are transparent, tooth-colored appliances. They function in a similar manner to metal braces but are more covert and less obvious. Patients who don’t think Invisalign or lingual braces are suited for them but still want to straighten their teeth in a discrete and economical fashion are most likely to choose ceramic braces. These patients are mostly young people and grownups who are aesthetic-driven.
Self-ligating Brace
Self-ligating braces, which come in metal or clear/ceramic material, function comparable to metal and ceramic braces. The same braces and wire are used by them to shift the teeth. Self-ligating braces differ from metal or ceramic braces in that they do not require elastic rubber ties to hold the wire in place, instead using doors or clips.
Lingual Braces
The most sophisticated and uncommon orthodontic system available is lingual braces, which are placed below the teeth. This is because they call for a unique set of orthodontic abilities that only a select few orthodontists can master. Since lingual braces behind the teeth are not included in orthodontic training, it is up to the orthodontist to acquire the necessary skills.
Invisalign And Clear Aligners
In the past ten years, the popularity of clear aligners has increased. Invisalign, which gradually grew to be the most well-known brand of aligners, popularized them in the early 2000s.
Invisalign is fantastic for patients who had braces when they were younger and just need a “touch up,” as well as for individuals who have mild to severe dental issues such as misaligned teeth, a significant overbite, no jaw alignment issues, and open bites with gaps in their front teeth. But compared to braces, any transparent aligner system, including Invisalign, has substantial drawbacks when it comes to treating complex issues or requiring long-term care.