In a world full of perfect smiles, those of us that don’t fall in line have a reason to feel like they aren’t up to snuff. If you happen to decide that straightening your teeth is the way to go, you have a decision ahead of you – the type of braces you will be using to improve your smile.
Now, not everyone qualifies for every type, so you may not have much of a choice. A consultation with your orthodontist is required, but here is a quick rundown of the types of braces available:
Traditional. Stainless steel braces are the most inexpensive types of braces. The main drawback to metal braces is that they’re very visible. They’re also known to cause irritation in the gums and cheeks while you adjust.
Ceramic. Ceramic braces are made to blend in with your teeth, but at a much higher cost. They’re built to withstand stain, but the ties can easily stain. Unfortunately, ceramic braces are much more sensitive and are prone to breaking or chipping.
Lingual. Even more inconspicuous than ceramic, lingual braces are tucked behind the teeth. The main problem with lingual braces, aside from the cost, is that they’re not ideal for most cases. These braces can also get in the way of the tongue, causing speech problems and/or injuries.
Invisible. Invisible braces are not like your conventional braces wherein you have brackets mounted to your teeth. Instead, you wear custom-fitted aligners or rubber trays for 20 hours a day, removing them only when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. The main advantage of these braces is that they require less frequent dental visits. The biggest drawback is losing the trays – replacing them can be quite costly.
If you would like to find out more about braces, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.
Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.