In Japan and other parts of Asia, wearing braces has become somewhat of a fad and status symbol amongst teens. This is at the detriment of users, where improper and unnecessary use is causing serious oral harm.
There are other healthy ways to make a fashion statement, though. It goes without saying that you should only use orthodontics at the recommendation of a medical professional. You may check out this dentist in hudgins for a better smile, and if braces are right for you.
Should you wear braces, and what types of orthodontics are there? Read ahead for more information and what each type is primarily used for.
Types of Orthodontics for Patients
As with many medical interventions, there are a variety of approaches with orthodontics. This is due to the different dental malformations and layouts a patient can have.
Each case needs proper diagnostics and an orthodontist that can plan out the right dental readjustments. This can be done through conventional metal or ceramic braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, lingual braces, and self-ligating braces.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most well-known type of orthodontics. They’re typically the most accessible in terms of cost and are efficient enough to remain an option to this day. These require elastic ties, whereas others don’t.
Ceramic braces change the material used for the brackets. However, this doesn’t change the process, which is to glue each one to the vestibular surface of each tooth. An adjustable wire is then passed through each, providing resistance and eventual movement.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are made of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin material. After making a dental impression, an orthodontist takes a thin film of the material and molds it around each tooth.
Slight modifications in thickness and structure are made to promote movement over time. Invisalign aligners are the most popular example. Before jumping in, though, you might want to check more info on Invisalign, as they’re meant for specific cases.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces sit on the lingual, or back, side of each tooth. They’re primarily for those who can’t use clear aligners but want to maintain a higher level of aesthetics.
They aren’t visible at a glance while maintaining the same functional value as conventional braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces have ligatures, a type of clamp, that hold onto the archwire. This removes the need for elastic ties. Patients still, though, need to visit their orthodontist regularly for adjustments.
Researchers found that self-ligating braces are more comfortable and easier to clean when compared to the traditional alternative, and they reduce dental visit times. These are a great option for longer treatments, like those that last for more than two years.
Picking the Right Orthodontics
While the final decision is more in the hands of your Orthodontist, it’s still important to know a bit about the different types of orthodontics. In fact, a bit of knowledge on the subject might help you push for a preferred alternative when discussing the decision.
They all serve the same purpose in achieving straighter teeth, but each is built for a specific purpose. So, make sure to consult with a certified professional before taking the next step. You can also check online for an emergency dentists for round the clock dental service.
If you found this article helpful, check out the others available on the site. There’s always something new and useful to learn!
