Most people remember the traditional metal braces. Well, these days there are several types available that you and your orthodontist can choose from.

Whether you have protruding, crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, there’s an orthodontic solution to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Choosing the right type of braces for you requires some insight. In this post, we talk about the various types of braces that we offer here at Orthodontic Smile Studio in Kitchener, Ontario.

1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces remain a highly-effective teeth straightening option for patients with severe misalignment.

These braces consist of metal wires and brackets to reposition teeth. A bracket is attached to each tooth and joined by an archwire. Rubber bands are then used to secure the wires[MY1] .

Dental advancements have made metal braces more comfortable. They’re more lightweight and are far from the chunky metal you may have seen before.

You may feel soreness after your orthodontist tightens the archwires but this should go away within a few days. The discomfort, as well as the changes to your everyday routine, is manageable.

In addition, children can choose colorful rubber bands for their braces to make the more process more fun and increase their involvement in it.[MY2] 

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces function the same way as traditional metal braces. The only difference is that they use a transparent ceramic material for the brackets.

This makes them an ideal option for teens or adults who prefer a discreet orthodontic treatment.

Ceramic braces offer the effectiveness of traditional metal braces while making the process more comfortable for patients. [MY3] 

3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are another option for patients who prefer a less conspicuous method to improve their smile.

Lingual braces are attached to the back or inner tooth surfaces. Like the traditional braces, wires are used to link the brackets together and move teeth to their desired position.

Ceramic braces[MY4] , however, take longer to fit as each bracket has to be customized. They also require more frequent visits to the dental office for adjustments.

Keeping them clean can also be more challenging as they’re located at the back of the teeth. They’re not virtually noticeable[MY5] , but they require more work.

4. Invisalign or clear aligners

Invisalign uses a series of custom plastic aligners to move the teeth.

The aligners are virtually invisible and made of comfortable plastic. They can be removed when eating and cleaning your teeth and they don’t rub against the gums or poke the cheeks.

Every aligner is custom-made according to your treatment plan. You switch to a new one every two weeks until treatment is completed.

Many prefer Invisalign for its unique benefits. It’s suitable for patients with an active lifestyle as it doesn’t interfere with one’s daily activities. It isn’t diet-restricting and is also discreet.

Choosing the right type of braces

Aesthetic appeal isn’t the only thing to keep in mind when choosing which braces to use. Here are other factors you and your orthodontist need to consider.

• Oral health needs. Here at Orthodontic Smile Studio, we educate you on the condition of your smile to help you make an informed decision. We start with a comprehensive exam to determine which options are appropriate for your needs.

• Lifestyle. We also need to take your daily habits and routine into account. Removable or discreet devices may work better if you lead an active lifestyle or you’re in a customer-facing career.

• Commitment level. Your discipline is also crucial in identifying appropriate orthodontic treatment for your needs. Children or younger teens may not be suitable for removable devices that require a high-level of commitment.

• Budget. The cost of orthodontic treatments varies. We’re transparent about treatment costs and only recommend options that we see are right for your goals and needs. We don’t want you to compromise function for cost, so we also offer flexible payment plans to make treatments more manageable.

Consult with a Kitchener orthodontist today

Let us help you decide which orthodontic treatment to choose. If you’re interested in getting braces in Kitchener, contact our dental team today at (226) 929-8983 to schedule a consultation with our friendly orthodontist, Dr. Caley Höediono. We’re happy to hear from you and answer any dental-related questions you may have.

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