The dentist in the Newtonbrook West area of North York understands the importance of perfectly aligned teeth. They help enhance your oral health and impart a pleasing smile to improve your overall health and appearance. They offer orthodontic braces for those with poorly aligned teeth and improper bites.
Let us delve into the types of orthodontic braces and what significance they hold in oral rejuvenation.
A comprehensive guide to orthodontic braces
Orthodontic or dental braces are specialized oral appliances that are permanently fixed to your teeth or worn for a specific time. These appliances straighten your teeth and correct a wide range of dental issues like:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth with gaps (diastema)
- Malocclusion
Dental braces use mild, firm, and constant pressure to shift your teeth to the desired position over time. Different braces use a unique way of working to get effective and optimal results.
The types of dental braces
There are several types of braces, which depend on the material used and the severity of your condition. These include:
Metal braces
- Metal braces use traditional steel bands, brackets, and wires to gently shift the teeth.
- Each bracket is bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth and connected by an archwire.
- These braces are aesthetically unappealing and may also harm the soft tissues, making eating and brushing challenging.
Ceramic braces
- Here, the wires and brackets are tooth-colored and seemingly blend with your teeth.
- Though they are visible, they are still less noticeable.
- But the ceramic braces are more fragile.
Lingual braces
- These are similar to traditional metal braces but are bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth.
Self-ligating braces
- Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional braces, but they do not use elastic bands.
- These braces use a built-in system to hold the archwire in place.
Clear aligners
- Also known as invisible braces.
- Instead of brackets and wires, clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays to straighten your teeth.
- Popular brands include Invisalign and ClearCorrect.
- These are changed over a few weeks and are meant to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day.
Braces serve not only to enhance your smile but also to improve oral health and function significantly. Consulting with your dentist or orthodontist will help identify the most suitable type of braces tailored to your specific oral requirements. Investing in braces yields long-term benefits, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for years ahead.
