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A Breakdown of All the Kinds of Braces

Orthodontic treatment is a common way to correct gaps and crooked teeth to create a new smile. There are several different types of braces that an orthodontist may recommend depending on the condition of your natural teeth and your personal preferences.

Traditional Braces

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Traditional metal braces are made from stainless steel and attach metal brackets to each of your teeth using cement. A thin wire is used to link all the brackets and create pressure on the teeth, which causes them to move little by little to the desired position. Tiny elastic bands called ligatures or o-rings are used to connect the wires and brackets, which are changed by your orthodontist each time your braces are tightened. The pros of traditional braces are that they are the least expensive option, but the cons are that they are conspicuous.

Ceramic Braces

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Similar to traditional braces, the brackets of ceramic braces are a transparent ceramic material. They are less obvious than metal braces, making ceramic a popular option for adults in need of orthodontic treatment. The cons of ceramic braces are the ability of the brackets to stain your natural teeth and the higher cost over metal braces. The pros are their discreet look and their ability to correct your smile faster than clear plastic aligners.

Invisalign

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A great option for those seeking a new smile in less time without the obvious look of braces is Invisalign braces. Clear aligners are custom-made for your teeth and are worn like mouthguards. Invisible aligners are replaced every two weeks as your teeth adjust. There are several pros and cons of Invisalign, as explained by Your AZ Braces.

When it comes to Invisalign pros, there are zero food or dietary restrictions, and keeping up with oral health is far easier. Since you remove your aligners when you eat and drink, there are no hidden food particles in your braces. Since there are no wires and brackets, brushing and flossing are easy. You also have fewer and shorter appointments with your orthodontist.

There are some disadvantages of Invisalign treatment. Obviously, the less you wear your aligners, the less effective they will be. While you take them out to eat and drink, they aren’t the best option if you snack frequently. Invisalign’s other cons are difficulty speaking at first and the fact that some tooth and bite problems are too tricky to correct.

Dental Implants

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Dental implants are a permanent surgical option that may be the best option for complex cases and those missing multiple teeth. Implants have the same look and functionality as your natural teeth, and because they are permanent, you can eat your favorite foods and use a regular toothbrush. 4M Dental Implants is a full-service dental center offering a natural-looking dental implant solution that gives you a new smile free of cavities, root canals, pain, and embarrassment.

The entire team at the implant center has years of experience upholding the 4m principles of excellence and providing dental work with compassion. You can discover the pros and cons of implants at 4mdentalimplants.com
so you can make an informed decision about your smile. The dental implant center has locations in Las Vegas, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Anaheim and offers a free consultation to determine if implants are the right choice for you.

Palatal Expanders

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Correcting overcrowded teeth typically has two options, tooth extraction and palatal expansion. Modern orthodontists fit a palatal expander to your palate, which applies pressure to the upper molars, causing your teeth to move apart. As your teeth move, your palate expands, and then you can be fitted for the right type of braces to correct your teeth.

Braces have come a long way over the years. Choosing the best option for your mouth starts with a visit to your orthodontist.