When we think dental braces, most of us tend to think of awkward teenagers. Though children account for most of the braces population, adults can certainly benefit from them as well.
They can fix problems that were never addressed earlier in life, problems that have occurred later in life, or help in instances of cosmetic appearance issues.
There are many reasons why adults decide to get braces. Typically those reasons are misaligned teeth. They can not only affect our bite and make us self-conscious; they can also cause headaches and ear issues. Teeth can move regardless of how old we are, so you may have been fine when you were a child and just now are starting to have a problem. People are living longer, and if you have an issue with your teeth that can be fixed with braces, it really is a no-brainer to have your orthodontist take care of it for you. Why put up with crooked teeth all your life? The solution is at hand.
Braces are so much more affordable than they were years ago, and there are so many options available, it is very easy to make the decision to get braces. Let’s take a look at some of the types of braces (read about our adult braces San Diego services) that may be available to you. Please note that some may not be appropriate for your case, but your dentist will be able to help you make the appropriate selection.
Traditional braces are the braces most of us think when the word is mentioned. They are made of a metal bracket and wire system that allows for tightening over an extended period of time. This tightening brings the teeth into proper alignment.
These braces require that you watch what you eat, nothing sticky or chewy. The tightening can cause discomfort for the wearer, which can usually be alleviated with OTC medication. Teeth brushing is extremely important as to remove food debris from appliance and rubber bands placed at the back of mouth need to be maintained by the wearer.
Ceramic braces are basically traditional braces but the metal brackets are replaced with clear ceramic ones. This makes the braces less noticeable.
Invisalign braces are appliances that are placed in the mouth and over the teeth, much like a mouth guard. Invisaligns are custom made for each patient. They are difficult to see unless someone is very close to the wearer. You remove them while eating and for cleaning. They are considered much gentler than standard traditional braces as there are no wires that require tightening. Every two weeks you get a new aligner that is modified a bit from the original so the teeth can be realigned.
Lingual braces are just like traditional metal braces except the braces are applied to the backs of the teeth. They are adjusted and cared for in the same way, but they are completely undetectable. These braces can make speaking a little challenging and they may cost a bit more than standard braces due to the application technique.
There are other appliances that may work better in your circumstances, but your San Diego dentist can review all of your options with you so that you can make an educated decision.
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