Different Types of Braces for Teeth

Your child's dentist may recommend that she needs braces to straighten out her teeth. Without correction, your child could face biting problems and severe jaw pain in the future. Luckily there are a few types of braces that you can choose from to pick the best option for your child.

Growing Teeth

Teeth tend to grow forward as you get older. They are supposed to grow evenly so that the upper teeth meet perfectly with the lower teeth, providing your mouth a pain-free and most efficient way to chew. Unfortunately, people's teeth do not always come out that way. Some teeth have an overbite, where the upper teeth are too far forward and the lower teeth are too far back. People with underbites have lower teeth that are too far forward and upper teeth that are too far back. Crooked teeth or an open bite can also cause problems not only with eating but with speech as well. In these cases, braces may be recommended.

Braces

What braces do is prevent your teeth from growing forward, forcing them to straighten out. This is accomplished by applying tension on certain teeth using arch wires and in some cases rubber bands to apply constant pressure on the teeth. As your teeth move, the gums become disconnected from them. Your body then develops additional bone to support your teeth in their new position. After a period of time (about two years) your teeth can straighten out and the braces can be removed.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are considered the strongest type. They are the traditional braces that most dentists recommend. Older versions were brackets that covered the entire tooth, but more modern metal braces have smaller brackets. Although metal braces are very strong, they have a distinct disadvantage with comfort. The metal can sometimes cut the cheeks. Technological developments are making the brackets smaller and smaller, reducing the costs of the already increasingly inexpensive braces.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are also known as "tooth colored" braces. They brackets are made of composite material that is very strong. Although they do not stain, the clear rubber bands are sometimes subject to staining if the wearers drink lots of coffee or frequently eat dark-colored spices like curry. Ceramic braces are usually more expensive than metal braces and sometimes need to remain on the teeth longer. However, they are very effective and can be almost as strong as metal braces.

Invisalign Braces

Invisalign braces are custom-made plastic trays, usually for people with minimal teeth problems. Invisalign braces are clear and almost unnoticeable on the wearers. They do not stain and are pretty easy to clean. However, if you lose your braces you can expect to pay a lot of money for replacements. Invisalign braces cost as much as traditional braces, so you don't want to pay for them twice.

Resources

• Types of Braces