Different types of clear braces
Unaligned or crooked teeth are known as a malocclusion and are generally considered the most typical type of dental issues by dental professionals. In some (rare) cases, surgery may be required to correct a malocclusion but luckily, more often than not, it can be easily corrected with braces.
The only difference between clear and metal braces is the aesthetics. Both clear and metal braces are highly effective for teeth alignment and generally work in the same amount of time. There are many options in the orthodontic market to choose from to repair and align various degrees of malocclusion. However, the choice is generally down to how the patient feels about wearing braces, and whether they want to show them off or hide them away.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Clear ceramic braces will substantially reduce the visibility of braces on teeth. They are often paired with white or clear elastics ties to keep the appliances as unnoticeable as possible.
Ceramic clear braces are equally as effective as their metal counterparts but are slightly more expensive. The downside of ceramic braces is that ceramics, like glass, can break easier than metal. Most orthodontists avoid placing ceramic braces on bottom teeth for this reason.
Many orthodontic companies have started to make stronger bulkier ceramics to counter this issue, however, even with this advancement; ceramic braces continue to have a higher breakage occurrence than metal.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are not always clear. They can be manufactured in either metal or clear ceramic and are called invisible because they are placed on the back of teeth instead of on the front, essentially making them invisible to anyone with a front view.
Lingual braces can be expensive and many orthodontists opt not to offer them to their patients. Many orthodontists feel that wearing braces on the front of the teeth enables a far superior treatment control than when placed on the back of the teeth, which makes Lingual braces the least popular out of the aesthetic brace options.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are custom-made clear plastic orthodontic trays. There are no metal brackets or wires, eliminating the need for elastics. Invisalign aligners are barely visible and can removed for short periods of time allowing patients to eat and brush their teeth. They take the same amount of time to correct misaligned teeth as metal and clear ceramic braces.
Invisalign is offered by most orthodontists and is a very popular choice amongst people who want non-visible braces. Although Invisalign aligners are not compatible for all types of malocclusion, you can consult your orthodontist to see if Invisalign aligners are right for correcting your malocclusion.
Now you know a little more about the different types of braces, you’re in a good position to choose the best option for you and your teeth.