Self Ligating, Ceramic, Conventional, and Other Types of Braces

dental doctor who provides dental braces services

For the most part, braces are orthodontic or dental devices that straighten crooked teeth or malocclusion. They can straighten your teeth so you don't have an underbite, scissor bite, or overbite.

Braces are positioned in the most aesthetically attractive manner possible. People with overcrowded teeth, misplaced teeth, uneven teeth, or any set of teeth that isn't functionally or aesthetically acceptable should consider them.

Braces function by utilising the teeth's natural tendency to shift and move when a gap exists. This is accomplished by applying constant pressure to each individual tooth. The bone changes shape as the teeth move and pressure is exerted. The position of your teeth in your mouth is more adjustable than you would believe.

Damon or Self Ligating Braces

woman wearing self ligating braces

In recent years, self-ligating braces have become one of the most popular types of braces. Metal braces and ceramic braces are pretty comparable. A bracket and wire system are included.

Self-ligating braces resemble standard metal braces in appearance, but instead of elastic bands, clips are used to maintain the brace's wire in place. As a result, the braces have less friction and it is usually easier for the person to keep the braces and teeth clean. 

This form of braces is similar to traditional metal braces in terms of effectiveness, and it may provide you more control over the appliance, resulting in more exact teeth alignment. They are, however, frequently more expensive and noticeable from the outside.

Pros of Self Ligating Braces

  • The smooth mechanism causes less discomfort. 
  • Need to go to the dentist less frequently 
  • Treatment time is reduced.

Cons of Self Ligating Braces

  • Not appropriate for all patients. 
  • To guarantee appropriate dental hygiene, particular equipment is required.
  • It is not totally transparent, making it unsuitable for people who are concerned about their appearance.

Ceramic Braces

woman wearing ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are comparable in size and shape to typical metal braces, but they are made of a ceramic substance that blends in with the natural colour of the teeth, making them less obvious.

This type is just as successful as traditional braces at tooth movement by moving teeth into desirable positions, but because of their colour, they are less apparent, making them a more appealing option for certain people. However, they are usually more expensive than standard braces, and if not properly cared for, they can discolour.

Pros of Ceramic Braces

  • Metal braces are less pleasant. 
  • Solution that is less expensive than other non-obtrusive dentistry options 
  • High durability—needs little to no replacement or repair.

Cons of Ceramic Braces

  • Due to the staining impact, you may need to avoid certain foods. 
  • Ceramic brackets are brittle and may break under extreme pressure.

Invisible Braces or Invisalign

woman wearing invisible braces or invisalign

Invisalign is the most unique type of braces since it uses a set of custom-made clear plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth instead of brackets and wires. Throughout the treatment time, these aligners are simple to remove and replace with the next in the series every two weeks. To attain the desired result, most people will need between 18 and 30 different aligners.

Many patients prefer this form of brace since it is nearly unnoticeable and allows them to eat and drink whatever they want. They are, however, far more expensive and can only be used to treat modest to moderate dental issues in teenagers and adults.

Pros of Invisalign

  • It's quite comfortable to wear—no pain, inflammation, or cuts in the mouth.
  • Completely transparent—nearly imperceptible to others
  • It doesn't necessitate a lengthy installation process and is suited for patients of all ages.
  • It is simple to remove
  • The cleaning procedure is simple to follow.
  • Minimum upkeep is required.
  • Treatment time is reduced.

Cons of Ceramic Braces

  • Quite costly—not accessible to all patients
  • Not recommended for people who have serious dental problems.
  • It's possible that buttons at the rear of the teeth will be required to keep them in place.
  • It is now simple and economical to achieve a gorgeous smile. Make your dream smile a reality without sacrificing your aesthetic appeal.

Conventional or Metal Braces

woman wearing conventional or metal braces

Traditional or conventional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are affixed to the teeth and allow the teeth's position to be adjusted as needed. 

Conventional metal braces now include heat-activated archwires, which are a relatively new innovation. These make use of body heat in the mouth to allow the teeth to move more swiftly and with less discomfort than before.

Pros of Conventional or Metal Braces

  • The cheapest type of braces available
  • Braces that are the strongest and most resistant to harm.
  • Suitable for a variety of dental issues
  • The most efficient orthodontic treatment
  • Colourful bands that are appealing to both children and adults.

Cons of Conventional or Metal Braces

  • Gum irritation is possible.
  • They're really apparent, and some adults can find them unappealing.
  • Regular dental visits are required for wire modifications.

Lingual Braces

woman wearing lingual braces

An American and Japanese orthodontist team first developed lingual braces in the 1970s. They resemble standard metal braces in appearance. Lingual braces have metal brackets and wires affixed to the inside of the teeth.

Because they are covered behind the teeth, this variety has the apparent advantage of not being seen by others. They are, however, less effective than regular braces and take much longer to achieve the ideal teeth alignment. Because they come into direct touch with the tongue, they may be uncomfortable for the patient. Finally, they are more difficult to maintain.

Pros of Lingual Braces

  • They are aesthetically beautiful because they are absolutely undetectable from the outside. 
  • Decalcification issues that are frequent with traditional braces are avoided. 
  • Patients who play musical instruments with their mouths, such as the saxophone, flute, or mouth organ, can benefit greatly.
  • Other forms of braces may cause more discomfort.

Cons of Lingual Braces

  • Treatment takes longer than standard braces and may cause the patient to speak with a lisp. 
  • Other braces are more pricey.
comparison of different types of braces

Visit Family Dental in Penang to Get Your Braces

When it comes to improving your facial look and bite, braces are the orthodontic appliances you can trust. It also makes dental care and oral maintenance easier to manage as your teeth gradually straighten. As a result, they can assist patients in achieving, recovering, or sustaining long-term dental health.

That being said, visit us at Family Dental to get your braces in Penang. Our international dentistry facility provides all of the brace varieties seen here at a fraction of the cost of a local dental clinic.

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