Pros and Cons of Braces

Braces are excellent treatment options to consider for correcting dental problems like overbite, underbite, spacing, crooked or crowded teeth. The advancements in orthodontics have made it possible to avail a wide variety of braces for kids and adults. People no longer rely on heavy-duty metal or headgears to protect themselves. Today, one can opt for metal or ceramic , Invisalign or traditional , lingual or self-ligating, or otherwise, depending upon the patient’s requirement. Continue reading the article to find the pros and cons of these different types of braces.

Traditional Braces:

They work well for patients who have misaligned teeth. Severe misalignments cause the inability to chew properly, and they risk the prevalence of getting periodontal disease. They correct these problems by teeth straightening and aligning the jaw. They consist of standard metal brackets that exert considerable pressure on the teeth for correctness.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces:

• They help to straighten the teeth within less time.
• They can quickly correct the space between teeth by closing the gaps.
• Traditional braces require frequent adjustments and are highly visible.

Ceramic Braces:

These are perfect choices for adults who have complex dental problems. They take around 18-36 months to straighten the patient’s teeth and fix bite problems. They are never noticeable in pictures and work faster than Invisalign.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces:

• They are not as noticeable as metal braces and come in various colors.
• Ceramic braces are more accessible to wear than traditional braces.
• Their high-quality materials do not irritate the patient’s gums.
• They are a little expensive and less durable than metal braces.

Lingual Braces:

They are attached to the rear of the teeth, opposite the palate and tongue. They are a less common form of braces and can’t be used in cases where the patient has deep overbites. You also need a trained orthodontist to place them appropriately.

Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces:

• They are virtually invisible and can be customized as per individual needs.
• They can give a temporary lisp to patients, which might ruin their speech.

Invisalign:

Invisalign is the latest form of braces currently gaining prominence throughout the world. It is one of the most effective adult orthodontic treatments that resemble a mouth guard. The aligners have to be replaced every two weeks to check the patient's development.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign:

• Invisalign offers an invisible alternative to wires, rubber bands, and metal.
• The patient requires fewer dental visits.
• Invisalign is less effective for patients with complex dental problems.
• They also require compliance for better results.

Conclusion:

Getting braces is an ultimately personal choice, though they are never dangerous for teeth. They can protect your teeth, especially when placed correctly, but they also have some drawbacks; however, their benefits always supersede the potential risks and hazards. Therefore, consult your dentist today if you want to wear braces and make a real difference in your life.

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD, at Abar Orthodontics to learn more about braces.

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.