Braces have gotten much better over the years, and you can choose from a wide variety of different braces these days. Some braces offer more discretion, others only work for certain types of patients, and some cost more than others. This is why you will need to look at factors like your age, the type of results that you want, and your condition before you pick a particular type of braces. Let’s take a look at the different brace types to help you tell which one would be the best for you.

Traditional Braces

Let’s start with the type of braces most people are familiar with: traditional braces. These are the braces we’ve known since childhood, and they are made of metal wires, brackets, and elastics. One of the benefits of traditional metal braces is that they can treat a very wide number of conditions. Another benefit of traditional metal braces is that they are more affordable than certain other options on the market.

Traditional braces are not perfect, however. One of the worst things about them is how restrictive they are. They are also very unsightly, which makes them not the best option for adults. If you’re looking for braces that will allow you to maintain a professional image, you need to pick braces appropriate for your age. ALIGNERCO has an informative article on metal braces teeth straightening and some of their benefits and disadvantages. They talk about when it would be too late for people to get those types of braces as well. They also enumerate a few brace options that would work for people of all ages. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a lot like traditional braces but they are not as visible. The elastics are translucent, and the brackets are made from translucent material too. The wires can also be made with tooth-colored materials which will make them barely noticeable. 

Ceramic braces offer all the benefits of traditional braces without some of their drawbacks. Like metal braces, they can treat a wider number of conditions than some of the other options out there. But, unlike metal braces, you can get them at virtually any age, and they won’t hurt your image.

With that being said, ceramic braces are much more expensive than metal braces. They also have a lot of the same restrictions. 

There are many foods that you’ll need to scratch off your diet when getting those braces. You’ll have to forget highly fibrous foods like popcorn or celery, sticky sweets, and heavily colored drinks, among others. Fibrous foods and candy are bad for braces as they can get stuck between brackets and stick to them. Colored drinks, on the other hand, can stain your braces’ elastics, which will remain that way until they are replaced, so be prepared for that.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are not braces per se, but they can be a great alternative depending on your situation. If you only have slightly impacted teeth, then invisible aligners are probably the best way to go. 

The procedure to get these is extremely simple and doesn’t even require that you see an orthodontist. They’re also much cheaper than any type of braces you can find and will be almost unnoticeable. It would take for someone who knows you personally to zoom in on your teeth to see that you have aligners on.

Aligners can get a bit inconvenient at times, however. The reason for this is that you have to take them out every time you have food, even if it’s a snack. Not only that, but you have to brush your teeth before you put them back in. This means that you may have to excuse yourself at the end of a meal so you can go to the bathroom and brush your teeth.

Another issue with invisible aligners is that they can’t treat all conditions. Only the professional you get them from will be able to tell you if you’re eligible. If your teeth are severely crooked or you have some sort of structural issue with your jaw, you should ask an orthodontist if you would be an eligible candidate for the procedure.

Lingual Braces

Last, but not least, we have lingual braces. Lingual braces are not as common as other types of braces but they have many benefits that should be considered. Lingual braces use the same method to straighten the teeth as traditional braces. The only difference is that they’re installed behind the teeth. This makes them the most discreet option of all.

You should know that these braces are also the most expensive option there is on the market. They can also be very tough to clean, can cause pain and discomfort at the beginning, and won’t be able to treat all conditions.

Now that you know a bit more about different kinds of braces, you can speak with an expert today and delve more into details about each option. Consider all of them and get as much information as you can about the procedure and what will be required of you after you have them fitted.