Dr. Marco Navarro and his experienced team offer many options to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! Advanced Orthodontic Studios in Dallas, Houston and Irving/Las Colinas can help you go through the options and find the best type of braces for you. Read the descriptions below of all the different types of braces and clear aligners and then call either of our offices to discuss your options with Dr. Navarro today!
TRADITIONAL BRACES
The most common type of braces is the traditional metal braces that one thinks of when braces are mentioned. Metal braces are more comfortable now than they used to be, however, they can irritate your gums and cheeks at first. After you have them put on you need to watch what you eat and avoid any hard foods that move or dislodge your braces. Traditional metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel that use metal braces to hold a thin wire in position with rubber bands placing pressure on your teeth and moving them to their desire place. You even have the option of adding some color to your smile with colored elastics (rubber bands) that will give you a unique look. These are the most inexpensive braces for adults, however, they are visible.
The most common type of braces is the traditional metal braces that one thinks of when braces are mentioned. Metal braces are more comfortable now than they used to be, however, they can irritate your gums and cheeks at first. After you have them put on you need to watch what you eat and avoid any hard foods that move or dislodge your braces. Traditional metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel that use metal braces to hold a thin wire in position with rubber bands placing pressure on your teeth and moving them to their desire place. You even have the option of adding some color to your smile with colored elastics (rubber bands) that will give you a unique look. These are the most inexpensive braces for adults, however, they are visible.
SELF-LIGATING BRACES
Self-ligating braces are made of the same materials that traditional braces are made of like the in-ovation brand. They differ from metal braces by not using elastics. The also require less appointments and place less friction on your teeth. Self-ligating braces are made of either ceramic, metal or clear brackets. They are the same size as metal braces only they use a specific clip instead of the elastics to help steer your teeth into place. The clip lessens the pressure that is placed on your teeth and also requires fewer adjustments. The clip works like a “trap door” that can be flipped or slid to secure the wire.
CLEAR BRACES
Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, are constructed of clear materials and are not as visible on your teeth as the traditional metal braces. These types of braces are perfect for those patients who have cosmetic apprehension like teenagers and adults. Even though they are less noticeable, they require quite a bit more attention to your oral hygiene as they are more brittle and larger than the traditional metal braces. Because of this, clear braces are often used more on your upper front teeth than on the lower teeth which aren’t seen as much.
Clear braces are more costly than the traditional metal braces but the benefit of braces that blend in with your teeth is worth it too many patients. You can even choose clear or white metal ties to hold the braces securely. The ties on the clear braces can easily stain especially from drinks like coffee. However, the ties are changed out at every adjustment which is usually every month. Clear braces are also easy to break or chip and require more installation time than traditional metal braces and also require more maintenance which means that that the overall treatment time and cost will increase.
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Everyone has heard of Invisalign braces but not everyone knows how they work. Clear aligners use a series of removable but comfortable trays that are invisible to straighten your teeth like braces do. Since they are removable, you can actually eat and drink without them during your treatment period and there is also less hassle with brushing and flossing your teeth. Clear aligners have no metal to irritate your mouth so are more comfortable than traditional braces. Since they are pretty much invisible, clear aligners are more costly than the other types of braces. Clear aligners are best for those that don’t have major problems with their teeth.
The rubber trays, or aligners, are custom-fitted to the individual making mounted brackets in your mouth unnecessary. The trays are swapped out every two weeks for a different aligner to slowly move your teeth to their desired place. As they put pressure on your teeth, the trays can be a little uncomfortable at first but, like any braces, you get used to them. The success of these braces depends on how disciplined you at wearing the trays as they need to be worn for a minimum 20 hours per day.
LINGUAL BRACES
Like clear aligners, lingual braces are customized to fit the shape of your teeth but they are made of metal instead of using a tray and they are uniquely created just for you. Lingual braces hide behind your teeth so they are not visible but the process to install them is complicated so they cost more than the traditional braces. Not every orthodontist can install these and you need to see an experienced and skilled professional to get lingual braces put on.
They are a popular choice for musicians that play wind instruments, actors, athletes, models and adult professionals. Lingual braces aren’t effective for those with small teeth and your tongue can get in the way of them which can cause injuries and speech issues so you will need to practice speaking if you get them.