How Can I Decide Which Type Of Braces Is Best For Me?

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR YOUR AGE
Smiles are one of the first things people notice about each other and if you are not comfortable with it, then you may not be grinning as much as you should be. An orthodontic treatment can help straighten your teeth and improve your dental health at any age. Ideally, orthodontics are done when a person is an adolescent or teen since their mouth is still malleable and it’s easier to fix a misaligned bite. However, more adults in Cary, NC are considering orthodontics if they didn’t have them as a child or if they didn’t wear their retainers long enough (yes, it was important to wear it). Luckily, there are more options today in orthodontic treatments, including aligners that are removable and clear so most people won’t even know that you’re wearing them. At DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads, our experienced team offers several modern orthodontic treatments to help you or your kid get a straighter smile. If we don’t provide the treatment you want, we can refer you to a terrific orthodontist in Cary, NC.

WHY SHOULD I GET BRACES?
Crooked or overlapping teeth don’t only hurt your self-confidence, but they can also damage your dental health. Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean correctly, which can result in problems like chronic bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. When your jaw and teeth are not properly aligned, it can result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Severe dental misalignment can also result in speech impediments. These are some of the reasons why getting braces is not just about improving your smile, but also your dental health. To decide whether you or your child require orthodontics, schedule a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist in Cary, NC.

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OPTIONS
During your consultation, your dentist or orthodontist will use digital x-rays and other methods to evaluate your bite. They will determine what type of dental malocclusion you have (under bite, overbite, open bite, or crossbite) and also the degree of your misalignment. From there, they can review treatment options and costs to help you pick which is best for your needs and goals. After you have selected an orthodontic treatment, they can customize your treatment plan and estimate the length of time you will need to wear orthodontics. After your initial appointment to have your braces put on or to get your first set of aligners, you will need to schedule appointments every 4 – 6 weeks or as recommended for progress checks and adjustments.

  • METAL BRACES
    The most popular and usually least expensive option to straighten your teeth is with traditional metal braces. A metal bracket is adhered to each tooth with a metal wire connecting them all to bring the teeth into position. Children (and adults if they’d like) can pick from a variety of elastics to give their brackets a little pop of color.
  • CLEAR ALIGNERS
    One of the most popular choices for adults, clear aligners can be removed to eat and brush your teeth. The least visible of all orthodontic treatments, a custom-made series of clear aligners gently move the teeth into place. A set of aligners is generally worn for two weeks before you move to the next set.
  • LINGUAL BRACES
    A newer option, lingual braces are made custom to be placed on the back of your teeth. They cost more than metal or ceramic braces and are more complicated to apply so a skilled orthodontist is suggested. They can be irritating to your tongue and cause some problems with speech while you are adjusting to your new braces.
  • SELF-LIGATING BRACES
    Also known as damon braces, self-ligating braces are much like traditional metal braces, but they don’t use elastics. Self-ligating braces use a special mechanism to hold the arch wire in place rather than elastics, which may snap.
  • CERAMIC BRACES
    Ceramic braces usually cost more than traditional metal braces, but they match your enamel so they are not as visible. Even though they are made with a strong ceramic material, they are more fragile than metal braces and patients need to be mindful about staining food and drinks, especially tea, coffee, berries and tobacco products.

WHAT TO DO AFTER BRACES
No matter which orthodontic option you pick, you’ll be happy with the outcome and freedom when it’s over. While the biggest part of your treatment is over, there is still some work to do. To keep your teeth in place while your gums and jaw adjust, patients must wear a retainer. In the beginning, you will need to wear your retainer as much as possible, removing it only to eat and brush your teeth. Over time, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend only wearing it at nighttime. It’s important to wear your retainer as long as you are told to avoid future problems. Many adults who get braces are getting them or the second time because they didn’t wear their retainer. If you or your child has trouble using a retainer, ask your dentist or orthodontist about getting a fixed retainer. A thin wire attached to the back of the upper and/or lower teeth, a fixed retainer cannot be removed or lost.
In addition to getting and wearing your retainer, you should keep your new smile bright and healthy with regular visits to your Cary, NC dentist for oral exams and twice-yearly cleanings. If you would like to make your smile look even better after orthodontics, DentalWorks – Cary Crossroads offers several cosmetic treatments, such as laser or home teeth whitening. Schedule a consultation at our office in Cary, NC to find out more about your smile makeover options.

STRAIGHTEN YOUR SMILE
If you want a healthier, straighter smile for either yourself or your family, schedule a consultation at our office in Cary, NC. Our skilled team offers several advanced orthodontic treatments to fulfill your budget and goals. Aligners or braces can help every patient boost the health and appearance of their smile.