The idea of teeth braces usually conjures up images of teenagers with metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth. However, tooth braces have come a long way in recent years and are much more comfortable and discreet. If you are considering getting braces, knowing all the facts is essential. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about teeth braces, including their various types, benefits, and drawbacks.

What are teeth braces?
Teeth braces are devices used to align or straighten teeth. They are usually made of metal or ceramic and bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. The braces apply pressure to the teeth over time, slowly moving them into the desired position.

Benefits of teeth braces
A properly fitted tooth brace will reduce stress on your teeth and surrounding gums, reducing the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. A properly fitted tooth brace will also increase the size or height of your teeth by up to 2 millimeters (0.08 inches). This increases their strength and stability, which can prevent them from moving out of their correct positions due to chewing or biting activities. A tooth brace also decreases crowding in your mouth, which is often a cause of misaligned teeth and poor oral health and can improve facial appearance by correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws. They can also correct an overbite when the upper jaw is too far forward compared to the lower jaw.

Types of teeth braces
Fixed braces
Fixed braces are the most common type and stay in place during the healing process. They’re made from metal or plastic and can be adjusted to fit your teeth perfectly.

Removable braces
Removable braces come in two varieties: clear aligners (which you wear for a few weeks) and complete dentures (which you wear permanently). Clear aligners are invisible and gradually shift your teeth into new positions, while complete dentures look just like your natural teeth.

Hybrid braces
Hybrid braces use both removable and fixed braces together. This allows you to conveniently remove your brace when needed but keep it in place for long-term stability.

Lingual braces
They are worn on the inside of your teeth and held in place with elastic bands. This is the most common type of brace, and it’s usually effective at preventing tooth movement. It’s also the simplest to wear, as it doesn’t require any daily adjustments or removal.

Self-ligating braces
They use a spring mechanism that tightens or loosens their band depending on how much force is applied against them by chewing or biting. This brace is more challenging to put on and remove, but it often provides longer-term stability than lingual braces.

Metal brackets
They are made from metal plates that fit over your teeth like clamps. The metal helps support and strengthen your teeth while they heal, so this bracket is usually more durable than other braces.

Ceramic brackets
They are similar to metal brackets in that they consist of multiple metal plates, but they are made of ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic brackets are just as strong as metal brackets when appropriately used, but they may only last for a short time due to their delicate nature.

There’s no doubt that teeth braces can be a great way to improve your smile. But before you decide to get them, you must research and consult a qualified dentist or orthodontist. They’ll be able to give you the best advice on whether or not braces are suitable for you and what type of braces would be best suited to your individual needs.