What are my options for braces?

Traditional metal braces have been used for years by teens and pre-teens to straighten their adult teeth as they come in. But gone are the times where braces are just for teens–many adults are using braces to get the straight smiles they’ve always wanted. And thanks to new advances in dental technologies, there are more orthodontic treatment options than before to help you achieve a straighter smile.

Braces aren’t just for teens.

Many dentists have seen a shift in the age of patients who are coming in for consultations to get braces. Many dentists report that they have seen an increase of adults opting for braces increase by 40% or more over the last decade.

What are my orthodontic treatment options?

If you are considering getting braces to achieve straighter teeth, you may be aware of traditional metal braces, but there are also clear aligners, like ClearCorrect. Since each type of braces and aligners come with their own benefits and challenges, it is important to book a consultation with the staff at Sheppard Family Dental Care to discuss the pros and cons of each and find out which type of treatment is right for you.

All about traditional braces

Traditional metal braces are what most of us think of when we hear the word braces. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are cemented on the front of the teeth, and then aligned together with wire. Clear or colored bands are placed around the brackets to hold the wire in place. If you have metal braces, your dentist will need to adjust the wires once a month to help shift the teeth. The length of time you’ll need braces depends on how much your teeth need to shift to achieve a straighter smile. On average, expect to wear metal braces for 18 to 24 months.

Dental technology has advanced throughout the years, and there are other options available besides traditional metal braces. There are braces that are made of ceramic, which are harder to see, but work exactly like traditional metal braces. The only thing that changes is the material the braces and brackets are made of. There are also options for braces to be worn on the back wide of the teeth. While this is more uncommon, it could be an option for certain orthodontic patients.

While many traditional braces patients report no complaints and are happy with how they work to straighten their teeth, there is a huge drawback to traditional metal braces, and it has to do with food limitations. Since the brackets are only held on with cement to the front of the teeth, dentists recommend avoiding hard and sticky foods, like candy, gum, and caramel, and hard foods that you have to bite into, like apples or corn on the cob, because you’ll risk breaking the brackets. Other foods that are to be avoided include popcorn, because of the possibility of biting into a hard kernel.

All About ClearCorrect Aligners

If you are looking for an alternative to traditional metal braces and want something you can wear that is practically invincible, you may want to consider ClearCorrect.

ClearCorrect aligners are a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom made for your teeth. The ClearCorrect aligners fit snugly over your teeth, and shift the teeth slightly to align your teeth. You wear the aligners most of the day and all night, only taking them out to eat or play sports. Over time, the ClearCorrect aligners help shift your teeth, making your smile straighter.

ClearConnect aligners work similarly to traditional metal braces by using pressure to slowly and gently adjust teeth. Every two to three weeks, you change out your ClearConnect aligners for the next set of aligners in the series, compared to traditional braces that require a visit to the orthodontist every few weeks.

Many people are opting for ClearCorrect aligners because they are more discreet than traditional braces, and there are very few, if any, lifestyle and diet changes that need to be made during ClearCorrect treatment.

Which type of braces are right for you?

There are some orthodontic cases that will always require the use of traditional braces, but your options for straightening your teeth are broader now than ever. The best way to determine which type of straightening method will work best for you is to visit us to discuss your options. If you are interested in braces to straighten your teeth, visit the team at Sheppard Family Dental Care for a consultation with a member of our staff to see which type of braces are right for you!