What Kinds of Braces are Available?


Depending on a patient's personal situation, there may be several different options available that they can choose from in order to create the smile of their dreams. A dentist will recommend a preferred option, but also provide other suitable methods with the advantages and potential risks explained for each individual method for their patients. Treatment costs will undoubtedly vary and this may be a deciding factor for many people. An orthodontist in Liverpool would like to stress the importance of a healthy smile and by offering finance options, people can ensure they are giving their smile the best chance at being the best it possibly can, so that there are no complications further down the line and that the teeth can last them a lifetime. Other factors also play a role, such as the timeframe, comfort and lifestyle choices which may lead a person to be more interested in one option over another. In a lot of cases, the option is clear and with complex cases, traditional methods remain the most advantageous for several reasons. 

Why so? 
The traditional teeth straightening device consists of brackets that are glued to the front surface of a patient’s teeth and wires connect these brackets. A dentist then manipulates the wires every few weeks to pull teeth into their correct position. This method gives dentists the most amount of control and therefore is the most preferred method still available for complex and complicated cases. Those who have incorrect bites, such as a crossbite or an overbite, will also need to have this method as it can manipulate the position of the jaw like other devices cannot. Advancements in research and technology do mean that the timeframe has significantly decreased over the years, meaning that patients generally do not have to wear the device for more than a year, but in exceptions, a maximum of two years. Clear brackets and tooth coloured wires have also been designed to improve the confidence of the wearer throughout their journey, making them less conspicuous and harder to see. Lingual braces may also be an option for some patients. These are attached to the backs of teeth and are therefore invisible when one smiles. By speaking to a dentist about the choices that are available with these more traditional braces, patients may be pleasantly surprised with their options. 

What are the non traditional methods? 
Different models have become extremely popular as there are quite a number of people who do not need to have all of the advantages that traditional models have to offer. Should a patient wish to simply straighten their teeth to be more aesthetically pleasing and healthier, then they can choose removable aligners to quickly and effectively produce the smile that they desire. These models are basically clear plastic trays that fit over one's teeth and are changed every few weeks to gently push the teeth into the desired position. The advantages of being both hard to see and removable, are greatly appealing factors to both adults and teenagers alike.