Back in the day, there weren’t very many options when it came to braces. You either had a mouth full of metal or headgear, and neither of them was comfortable. However, with the advancement of technology, braces have been made more comfortable and more options have been added to the treatment list. Although there are more options, this doesn’t mean that every option is right for every person that comes along needing braces. Here are a few tips on figuring out what braces are best for you.
Ask Your Orthodontist
Sometimes, the option to choose may be out of a patient’s hands due to their specific circumstances. Maybe age, type of treatment, or various other aspects stand in the way and there’s only one option. Many times, choosing the perfect option doesn’t take any work on the part of the patient and can be determined by the professionals. This definitely makes it easier when it comes to choosing since sometimes that can be hard.
Do You Have Self-Control?
If you’re given the option to choose, there are four types of braces you might choose from. Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces (these are the same as traditional, they’re just tooth-colored), lingual braces (same as traditional except placed on the back of the teeth), or Invisalign (removable, clear trays). Many people flock towards the Invisalign option because it’s the most appealing. You can remove these any time you need to. Plus, they can be more comfortable, there’s an easier fitting process, even if they’re in they’re not noticeable, and there’s no awkward “food in the teeth” moments. However, these have to be worn at least 20 hours every day. Many people don’t have the self-discipline to remember to keep them in every single day. If they don’t, they’re basically throwing their money away. So, this is one big question to ask yourself as far as narrowing down your options a bit. If you know you will forget to wear the trays a lot, go for an option you can’t remove.
Is It Important that Your Braces Can’t Be Seen or Have Less Visibility?
If you truly don’t want your braces to be noticeable or seen at all and this is a deal-breaker when it comes to getting them, opt for ceramic or lingual braces. Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, they’re just placed on the back of the teeth where they can’t be seen by the public. Ceramic braces are also a great option because they are tooth-colored. Even though they’re placed on the front of the teeth like traditional braces, the material they’re made out of makes them less noticeable than traditional braces. They blend with your natural teeth better. Invisalign are also an option if you answered yes to the question above this one.
When it comes down to it, braces, in general, aren’t the most glamorous treatment. However, with technology providing more options over the years, it’s become easier and easier to make it through the treatment process without feeling awkward. So much so that even adults are opting for the treatment in larger numbers. If you’re having trouble choosing the right braces, ask your orthodontist for some guidance.
