Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

Braces are incredibly useful, and if your dentist has recommended that you get braces, then you could probably benefit quite a bit from them. However, there are actually several different kinds of braces, so you will need to find the option that is best for you. To help you make an informed decision, here are overviews of the four most popular types: traditional, ceramic, lingual, and invisible braces.

Traditional Braces

For the basic and cheapest option, it's often best to go with traditional metal braces. They will cost less than the other options and are also useful in the widest variety of situations. Since they are made out of metal, these braces tend to be strong and capable of adjusting even the most stubborn teeth.

The biggest drawback of traditional braces is that they stand out quite a bit, so they aren't the best choice if you are looking to hide the fact that you have braces.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a lot like metal, but they tend to cost a bit more. However, they are also extremely difficult to see, which means that they are excellent if you don't want to have obvious braces. Ceramic is also pretty strong, which means that they can be used to treat many different types of misalignment.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are quite a bit different from the other choices for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are installed on the inside of your jaw rather than the outside, which means that they are practically invisible. However, this also means that they are difficult to access, which makes it incredibly difficult to fish out food particles if you get some stuck in your braces.

Their positioning also makes it very hard for orthodontists to adjust and install them, which means that you might have a hard time finding a professional that will actually help you get lingual braces. Even if you do find an orthodontist that will work with them, you should expect to pay quite a bit for the expertise.

Invisible Braces

Finally, you could get invisible braces, which are generally made of plastic. These braces are actually disposable and removable, which means that they function quite a bit differently than other options. As long as you wear them for the majority of the day, they will slowly adjust your teeth over time. Whenever you want to have a snack that wouldn't agree with traditional braces, you can remove your invisible braces, have a snack, and put them back in. As far as cost is concerned, invisible braces often tend to cost an average amount.