Cosmetic braces often correct poorly-aligned or crooked teeth. This condition is known as a malocclusion or a “bad bite.” If you suffer from this condition, cosmetic braces are an excellent way to address your issues and create the perfect smile you have always wanted.
Taking care of crooked or poorly aligned teeth provides more benefits than just improving the smile. Straightening the teeth also improves oral health since it is easier to properly take care of teeth in proper alignment than crooked teeth. Most dental professionals are capable of treating lesser teeth alignment issues, but there are specialists known as orthodontists who have the necessary training to handle more severe cases.
Are cosmetic braces for everyone?
We will decide if cosmetic braces are right for the patient after conducting an examination of the mouth. People with severe tooth alignment issues are often better off using traditional metal braces or other methods. However, most dentists often recommend traditional braces for children since these type of braces expand better as a child’s mouth grows.
Teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues are typically good candidates for cosmetic braces.
What are the benefits of cosmetic braces?
Cosmetic braces are one of the least evasive ways to restore a smile. Certain types of aligners gradually straighten teeth with time and typically come off easily when it is time to clean the teeth. That means it is a lot easier to clean the mouth when choosing cosmetic braces over conventional ones. That is obviously great for long-term oral health.
Types of cosmetic braces
1. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are a lot similar to the conventional braces that we are all familiar with. The difference is that these consist of a transparent ceramic material that makes the device barely visible. One downside of ceramic braces is the fact that the elastics keeping the brace in place tend to discolor over time and stain the teeth.
2. Damon Braces
These are becoming increasingly popular nowadays mainly because it a less invasive treatment option that requires fewer visits to the dentist. Damon braces are self-contained, using a built-in mechanism to connect to the archwires of the braces instead of elastics as is the case with traditional or ceramic braces. The lack of elastics reduces staining and makes the device easier to clean.
These braces are also known to produce faster results since they do not need to be readjusted as the teeth move.
3. Clear aligners
Clear aligners are another popular way to straighten the teeth without having to deal with some distracting device in the mouth. It involves the use of plastic mouth-guard-like aligners that we customize for the patient. People can easily remove the aligners for meals and cleaning time. With clear aligners, patients do not need to change oral hygiene habits very much.
You get a new aligner every couple of weeks as your teeth move into place. These are just a few of the devices that can be used to straighten your teeth.
Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.