Dental News

You Have Three Options if You Want Braces: Which One is Right for You?

May 5, 2017

You Have Three Options if You Want Braces: Which One is Right for You?

At California Dental Group, we’re proud to offer our clients a wide range of products and options, including numerous types of braces. There are many reasons that our patients come to us for orthodontic treatment. In some cases, they’re dealing with gapped or misaligned teeth, others have bite issues, and still others have issues related to sucking their thumb as a child. No matter what your issue is, you can count on us to thoroughly explain all your options so you can make the best decision for you.

Traditional metal braces

When you think of braces, you’re likely thinking of traditional metal braces. With this option, metallic brackets are attached to the teeth via cement. The brackets are then connected to one another with wires. The pressure applied to them forces your teeth to shift slowly and eventually they will be straighter and you’ll have a more comfortable smile.

When teeth are in the right position, the braces are removed and a retainer is worn to keep them in place – at least until the teeth have completely settled. The entire process takes about two years on average, though this can vary significantly by patient. Metal braces are generally very successful and are a very predictable way to sole issues of teeth misalignment. That said, they are bulky, noticeable, and some patients find them uncomfortable. It can also be harder to maintain good home oral care when braces are worn.

Invisalign

One of the more popular options available today are Invisalign braces. They gently move the teeth into position and have a few advantages compared to metal braces. First, they’re removable, which means you can easily clean your teeth effectively and you’ll have fewer diet restrictions. They’re more comfortable because they’re thinner and the fact that they’re clear means they’re not as noticeable.

The main downside is that while they can treat mild and sometimes moderate issues of teeth alignment, they’re not generally a good option for complicated cases.

Ceramic bracket braces

The third option are ceramic brackets braces. These are often the choice when a patient says they want the benefits of metal braces but they also want the benefits of Invisalign. Essentially, this is the same process as metal braces but the brackets are made of dental ceramic which helps them blend in with the teeth. However, while they are better hidden then metal braces, they are not removable like Invisalign is.

Find out what your best option is for orthodontics

Now you know the basic information out there about braces but remember that what works for you won’t necessarily be what works for someone else. This is why it’s important to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to set up an appointment as soon as possible. We can assess your smile and let you know which options are best suited for your individual needs. No matter what your smile looks or feels like today, there are options. Call us today to get started.

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