Types Of Braces. Which Is Best For Me?

ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile and if you aren’t sure about this, then you might not be as confident in your smile as you want to be. Braces will help align your teeth while also improving your oral health. Ideally, braces are completed when a patient is younger since their teeth are still developing and it is faster to re-shape their bite. However, more adult patients in Crystal Lake, IL are wanting braces if they did not get them when they were young or if they didn’t use their retainers. Fortunately, there are more choices now in orthodontics, like clear, removable aligners so many of your friends won’t know you have them. At DentalWorks – Crystal Lake, our staff provides a number of modern orthodontic choices that will help you or your family get a healthier smile. If we don’t have the option you would like, we will recommend a fantastic orthodontist in Crystal Lake, IL.

HOW BRACES HELP YOUR ORAL HEALTH
Overlapping or crooked teeth don’t just damage your appearance, they could also hurt your oral health. Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to brush fully, which may cause issues like cavities, halitosis (bad breath), and periodontal disease. Whenever your teeth and jaw aren’t correctly aligned, it can lead to pain in you temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Significant misalignment may also lead to speech problems. These are just a few of the reasons why getting an orthodontic treatment isn’t only about enhancing your appearance, but also your health. To find out whether you or your child should get braces, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist or dentist in Crystal Lake, IL.

CHOICES FOR YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
In your consultation, your orthodontist or dentist may use x-rays along with other tools to check your bite. They’ll decide which malocclusion you have (overbite, under bite, crossbite, or open bite) along with the stage. From that point, they will explain treatment choices and prices that will help you decide which is ideal for you. As soon as you have picked a treatment, they will personalize your treatment program and estimate how long you’ll need to have orthodontics. Following your first appointment to get your braces on or to receive your aligners, you’ll have to come back every 4 – 6 weeks or as directed for adjustments and check-ups.

  • TRADITIONAL, METAL BRACES
    The most familiar and typically most affordable method to straighten your smile is using conventional braces. A metal bracket is applied to every tooth with an arch wire connecting them to move the teeth into the right place. Younger patients (and adults when they’re feeling fun) can select from an assortment of elastic bands to give their braces an enjoyable color.
  • REMOVABLE ALIGNERS
    Among the most well-known options for adults, aligners may be taken off to clean your teeth and eat. The most discreet of all orthodontic options, a progressive series of custom-made aligners gradually move your teeth into position. A pair of aligners is usually used for 2 – 3 weeks, then you switch to another pair.
  • SELF-LIGATING BRACES
    Sometimes called damon braces, self-ligating braces are like conventional metal braces; however, the brackets do not need elastic bands. Self-ligating braces have a unique mechanism to keep the wire in the brackets instead of elastic bands, which may break easily.
  • CERAMIC BRACES
    Braces with ceramic brackets generally cost more compared to conventional braces, but they are almost invisible. Though they are made out of a durable ceramic substance, they’re more delicate than traditional braces so patients will need to be cautious about dark-colored food and beverages, such as berries and coffee.
  • LINGUAL BRACES
    Lingual braces are all custom designed to sit on the tongue-side of your teeth. Lingual braces are more expensive than ceramic or metal braces and tend to be somewhat more complex to put on so an experienced orthodontist is advised. They may be annoying to your tongue and create some issues with speaking as you’re getting used to your braces.

MAINTAINING YOUR RESULTS
Regardless of what method you decide on, you will be excited with your straighter smile as soon as your treatment is finished. Even though the principal portion of your therapy is finished, there’s still more to do. To hold your teeth in position while your jaw and gums adjust, you will should use a retainer. Initially, you’ll have to use your retainer as often as you can, taking it out just to brush your teeth and eat. As time passes, your orthodontist or dentist may move you to just wearing it when you sleep. It’s crucial that you use your retainer as long as you’re advised to prevent future issues. Many adults who have braces are wearing them again since they didn’t use their retainer as long as they needed to. In case you or your child has difficulty remembering to wear your retainer, ask about a fixed retainer. A small wire adhered to the rear of the top and/or bottom teeth, a fixed retainer can’t be lost or removed.
As well as using your retainer, you need to keep your teeth healthy with routine appointments at your Crystal Lake, IL dentist for dental examinations and bi-annual cleanings. If you wish to help your smile look better following orthodontics, then DentalWorks – Crystal Lake performs several cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening. Schedule an appointment at our practice in Crystal Lake, IL to get more information about your cosmetic dentistry choices.

A STRAIGHTER, HEALTHIER SMILE
When you’d like a straighter smile for yourself or your child, schedule an appointment at our practice in Crystal Lake, IL. Our experienced team provides a number of orthodontic treatments to meet your needs, budget, and goals. Orthodontics will help anyone enhance the appearance and health of their smile.