The Different Types of Adult Orthodontics

Did you know that 4 million Americans wear braces? When you think of braces, traditional metal braces might come to mind. However, you might not know that there are actually several different types of adult orthodontics that you can choose from.

While all braces achieve the same goal of making your teeth straighter, you may prefer some braces over others. Keep reading and learn about the different types of braces for adults so you can make the right choice for yourself and your teeth.

Metal Braces

Metal braces have been around for a long time, and they are the classic choice when it comes to teeth straightening. The process of getting metal braces is not all that complicated, but you may need to come back to the dentist several times. To start, your dentist will apply metal brackets to the center of each of your teeth.

These brackets are the anchors of your braces, and they function to hold the wires which your dentist will attach later. The brackets are attached to your teeth with glue, so you won’t have to worry about them shifting around or falling off your teeth. Once the brackets are securely in place, the dentist will start to apply the dental wire to the brackets.

The wire is the part that really does the straightening. When your dentist first secures the wire in place, it might be uncomfortable at first. This is normal because the wire will immediately put pressure on your teeth and start the straightening process.

The Details

If the feeling of the braces is very uncomfortable at first, just remember that as your teeth move within the next few days, the braces will become more comfortable, and your teeth will become more accustomed to the pressure they’re under. The discomfort is proof that the braces are doing their job.

If the braces were too loose, your teeth would never go anywhere. You will need to go back to the dentist a few times over the months to keep straightening your wires. As your teeth shift and straighten, the wires will no longer be able to put enough pressure on your teeth to continue straightening them, which is why they need to be continuously tightened.

Usually, you will only need to wear metal braces for about a year. After that, your teeth should be perfectly straight, and you can take the braces off.

Invisalign Aligners

Many adults prefer Invisalign to metal braces for several reasons. When you go to your orthodontist in Glenview, IL, you might find that metal braces are far too bulky and noticeable. The perfect alternative is Invisalign because it does all the same work that metal braces do while being invisible.

Invisalign aligners are clear trays designed to fit your teeth and put pressure on them just as metal braces do. Because these aligners are clear, many people won’t even know that you’re wearing them. This is not to mention that these aligners are very flexible and convenient.

You can take them off your teeth whenever you feel like it. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should be taking them on and off throughout the day; otherwise, they’d never have a chance to actually straighten your teeth. You should aim to keep them on your teeth for the majority of the day, around 23 hours.

If you wear them any less, it will take much longer to straighten your teeth. The main time to take out your aligners is to eat and brush your teeth. If you eat with your aligners in, the biting motion will crush the aligners and ruin them.

Caring for Your Aligners

This is the last thing you want to happen, especially since Invisalign aligners tend to be more expensive than metal braces. It is also important to clean your teeth after eating and before putting your aligners back in. If you don’t, you will end up trapping food particles against the aligners and your teeth for an extended period of time.

This will end up causing tooth decay, and it might even end up ruining your aligners as well. Other than that bit of maintenance, Invisalign aligners are very easy to deal with, and they allow adults to be more confident while straightening their teeth.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are much like metal braces, but they have a new and improved look. Most adults don’t like the appearance of metal braces because they are big, bulky, dark, and very noticeable. However, ceramic braces are much different even though they have a very similar structure.

In particular, ceramic braces match the color of your tooth enamel. This makes them much harder to notice, although people will still be able to see that you’re wearing braces when they look at you up close. More than that, ceramic braces are much smaller and more slender compared to metal braces.

Again, this makes them less noticeable. This also makes them more comfortable to have in your mouth. Because they are so much smaller, you won’t have to deal with the braces irritating the inside of your mouth so much.

As with metal braces, you will need to have ceramic braces for about a year before you can take them off.

All About Adult Orthodontics

There are many types of adult orthodontics to choose from, and some may be better for your lifestyle than others. Metal braces are the most classic choice. Invisalign aligners are more expensive, but they are invisible and very convenient.

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but they are much more gracile and less noticeable. Contact us here to learn more about our orthodontics.

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