My teeth aren’t straight, do I need braces?

It’s possible that braces could be used to straighten your teeth, it really depends on what sort of orthodontic problems you are having. The level of treatment relates to the specific malocclusions affecting your teeth, for example; there are some modern braces that aren’t suitable for everyone, as they are designed to work on mild misalignment, rather than severely crooked teeth. Invariably, there will be some type of dental device that can help with your condition; you will have to consult with your dentist to determine which treatment would be best suited to your needs.

What are the different types of braces available?

Broadly speaking, braces fall into two categories; fixed and removable. Patients with more severe problems tend to requires a fixed appliance, and those who have less severe symptoms may be able to benefit from newer, faster working devices. Removable braces can also help with uneven bites or jaw alignments, although they can be quite bulky and uncomfortable when used for this purpose, so the dentist may choose to combine them with a fixed appliance over the course of treatment. Very badly spaced or crowded teeth may also need to be treated with a fixed set of braces, particularly if there is a substantial amount of movement required.

How do the different braces work?

Essentially, all braces function in the same way; they apply continuous pressure at specific angles, to gradually move the teeth into a more appropriate position over a determined length of time. All types of braces work towards this aim, the only real difference is the appliances that are used to achieve the desired outcome, they can vary quite a lot, depending on the needs and budgetary constraints of the patient.  Fixed braces can often appear to work faster than removable ones, simply because they are in place and reshaping the bite at all times, even when the patient is eating and cleaning, however, this may be because removable devices can be easily neglected or deliberately removed, slowing down the treatment considerably. In fact, when correctly used, temporary devices, such as Invisalign braces or the Simpli5 system, can be even more effective than their more permanent counterparts.

The treatment time for braces can vary dramatically, depending on the type of course selected and the diligence of both dentist and patient. Some fixed braces can take three years or more to perform sufficiently, whilst more revolutionary techniques can work to a satisfactory degree after just six weeks. You should be aware that not all clinics will be trained and certified to offer the most up-to-date orthodontic technology, so it could be worth your while doing a little research into the treatments available at your local surgery. The Pearl Dental Clinic can provide all the latest dental procedures at reasonable prices, the team members are fully trained and have lots of experience with all kinds of orthodontic systems. Call today to arrange a consultation or to speak to a member of staff about your requirements.

What kind of braces could I get?

Most people who require braces will have to consider their budget to some degree, so don’t forget that some treatments might be beyond your means. That said, you should really go for the best you can afford, under the instruction of your dentist, you will see faster results and a more agreeable outcome. If money is really a problem, you could discuss some sort of payment scheme with your selected clinic, they might be able to arrange instalments for you, to make it easier on your monthly outgoings.

When choosing braces, you really should listen to your dentist’s advice; they are trained to know what’s best for you. Ask about price structure and the length of time required for each system, your dentist should be happy to talk through every aspect of your treatment before agreeing to anything.

Metal braces – ‘Train tracks’ are the most traditional type of braces; they are made up of metal wires and brackets that are fixed onto the teeth to push and pull them into a straight line. Although they are not as aesthetically pleasing as some other braces, they are still widely used and work well with extreme cases of misalignment.

Aligners – These are temporary devices that can be removed for eating and cleaning, commonly referred to as ‘invisible braces’, because they are clear shields formed from strong acrylic resin. Aligners are great for patients who have slightly crooked teeth, but they can only provide limited movement, so they are not suitable for everyone.

Ceramic braces – These are similar to the metal bracket and wire design, but they are slightly more discreet, making them ideal for adults who don’t want to wear obvious braces. They can also be used for patients who are allergic to metal.

Lingual braces – With this design, the metal brackets are attached to the back of the teeth, rather than the front, so that they can’t be seen when the patient is smiling or talking. This is a permanent kind of brace, but it’s particularly useful for patients who have dental problems that can’t be fixed with an aligner, or some similar device.

Inman Aligners – This is sort of a mixture of fixed and removable braces, because it is made up of metal components and a plastic shield that fits over the teeth. The Inman Aligner has only just become available on the UK market, so it may be hard to get hold of at the moment, but it is a very popular system already, thanks to amazingly fast and accurate results. Unfortunately, the products available right now are aimed at crowding, spacing, or misalignment that affects the front teeth on either the upper or lower jaw, so patients with more severe problems will have to look elsewhere for the time being. However, there are new designs being developed every day, which are directed at people with all kinds of dental problems, it’s just a matter of time before they come onto the market.