When you hear the word ‘braces’, you could be forgiven for imagining the traditional metal brace placed over the front of a young person’s teeth. So, when your dentist tells you that you, as an adult, could benefit from orthodontics in Liverpool, you may feel slightly panicked at the idea.
However, like most things dental, the type of treatment you would benefit most from is usually not as bad as you perceive it to be, so don’t worry! This article highlights the four most commonly used types of orthodontic treatments, specifically focusing on the different types of cosmetic braces used in dentistry today.
Wire braces
The first brace that jumps to everyone’s mind when they hear the word brace, the traditional wire brace is the gold standard if you have a more complex case of misalignment in your mouth.
This brace is placed at the front of your teeth and uses a series of wires and tightening procedures to gently move your teeth into their desired position.
Invisible aligners
The famous Invisalign aligner is a great example of a cosmetic or invisible brace. Made from a flexible plastic, these groups of braces fit perfectly over your teeth and are designed to correct mild to moderate alignment issues located at the front of the mouth, such as crowding or protrusion.
Worn for an average of 12 months, invisible braces are usually removable, but have to be worn for up to 22 hours a day for you to receive the full benefit.
Lingual braces
Similar in design to wire braces, lingual braces are worn on the back of the teeth and are therefore a true hybrid of both orthodontic and cosmetic brace.
Using a series of metal wires and tightening, this brace pushes teeth forward and is used to correct moderate to severe misalignments, crowding, or gaps in between the teeth.
Clear aligners
The Inman aligner and Six Month Smiles are the most popular version of clear aligners.
While the appearance of a clear aligner is minimal, these braces can either be fitted or removable. When fitted, the brackets holding them on to the teeth are either clear or colour matched to the shade of your teeth and are usually ceramic for extra stability and durability.
As indicated in the name, the average treatment time for the Six Month Smiles is around six months, followed closely by the Inman aligner at nine months.
Overall, depending on the type of treatment you are considering, your dentist will determine which type of aligner should be used; cosmetic braces tend to be more discreet in appearance, while those used to correct more serious misalignments will be more visible. Don’t worry; with modern dental techniques and the invention of the stronger aligners, you won’t have to wear those braces for long and will have that beautiful smile in no time! If you are doubting whether it is worth it or not, have a read through some testimonials of those who decided to opt for this treatment, and see if this is something that could be for you?
