You aren't alone if you've been thinking about straightening your teeth. Dental braces are an excellent option for a straighter smile at almost any stage of life, and actually, they are becoming more common in adulthood. Several teeth straightening options are available, so you can choose the type that works best for you.
Types of Dental Braces
There are three main dental braces types: brackets and bands (also known as traditional,) lingual brackets and clear aligners. You are likely aware of the conventional method of brackets and bands, as this has been the most common type of braces for many years. These consist of metal or clear plastic brackets placed on each tooth and sometimes bands around the back molars for support. An archwire is placed through each bracket, helping to move the teeth.
Lingual brackets work similarly but are bonded to the back side of each tooth, making them more discreet.
For clear aligners, small "attachments" or "buttons" of filling material are bonded onto some teeth that help the aligners get traction and move the teeth into position. There are pros and cons to each type of dental brace, be sure to talk to your dentist or orthodontist about which type is best for you.
Reasons to get Dental Braces
Did you know those crowded or misaligned teeth could actually have detrimental effects on your oral health? Crowded and misaligned teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease, wear/chips and problems with your jaw joint. This is because it's more difficult to clean between all the nooks and crannies when there is crowding, and likely your teeth aren't biting down in the correct spots, leading to damage over time. Straight teeth, in short, promote good overall oral health. In addition, self-confidence is usually improved with a straight, beautiful smile and helps with biting, chewing and smiling.
What is the Treatment Like?
The treatment length greatly depends on how much work there is to be done and the type of dental braces used. A patient with only mild crowding may expect only to have braces for 6-12 months, while a patient with a more complicated case may need to be in treatment for 3-4 years.
Typically, the average treatment length is two years. You may experience some tenderness in your teeth and gums as your teeth shift, and this will be more common after adjustment appointments or when receiving new aligner trays (depending on what type of braces you go with.) You should expect to see your dentist or orthodontist for checks every six weeks or so. An essential part of treatment is your compliance when it comes to aligners. Because they are removable, if you don't wear your trays for the recommended hours per day, treatment will delay and take longer. This may play a role in deciding which braces are suitable for you.
If you have any questions about dental braces or believe you are a good candidate, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment.