Different Types of Braces

The options available for those who require braces are more now than they were even ten years ago. The fact is that dental treatment that requires braces is not as awkward, painful, or extensive any longer. If you have or are planning to schedule an appointment with a braces dentist in Van Nuys to plan your braces treatment, you may benefit from doing some research first, and discovering what your options are.

The most common types of braces are:

•    Metal, or traditional, braces: These look slightly different than the mental image we get when we think of traditional braces. For many, many years these were clunky, awkward, and resulted in a mouth full of metal. These are still comprised of metal brackets and wires, but the brackets are much smaller, allowing for a more delicate, less clunky look. While these are still the most noticeable option, they are also the least expensive.

•    Ceramic braces: These are the same size and shape of traditional braces, but are either clear or similar in color to your teeth. Even the wires connecting the brackets can be tooth colored! Ceramic braces are less noticeable to others, but tend to be more expensive. The brackets are also harder to clean.

•    Lingual braces: This is a technique in which the brackets are placed behind the teeth. Because they are on the backside of your teeth, they are also less noticeable to others. Downsides to lingual braces include difficulty cleaning the brackets, longer adjustment times, and can be more expensive.

•    Invisalign: Invisalign is a series of eighteen to thirty custom-made, clear plastic aligners. These look and feel much like mouth guards. Each aligner is slightly different, therefore adding the appropriate amount of pressure to your teeth over time, in order to get the straight and in the right place. Invisalign is very nearly invisible, and can be removed when you eat and drink. Downsides of Invisalign include longer treatment, and inapplicability for anyone not considered a teen or adult, or who require more serious dental work, according to their cosmetic dentist in Van Nuys.