Traditional braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment. This option involves metal brackets that are fixed to the teeth connected by metal wires. Today’s braces are much lighter and smaller than in years past. They fix almost every orthodontic issue but can cause pain and soreness as they are adjusted. The length of time these are worn depends on your case. Patients with this system have to avoid certain foods such as hard candies, corn, gum and dark sodas.
There are also ceramic braces, which look more natural against the teeth. They consist of lightweight materials that resemble the color of a natural tooth. Much like traditional braces they are fixed to the teeth, so maintenance of this system requires patients to avoid the same foods. The ceramic materials can get stained easily, so proper oral hygiene is a must. However, patients can enjoy the comfort of this orthodontic treatment because they are less noticeable than the traditional method.
Another form of braces to choose from are lingual braces. These are not visible from the outside because they are fixed to the back of the teeth. Much like traditional braces, they consist of metal wires and brackets. Proper oral hygiene and maintenance is a must for this system because it’s harder to clean the brackets since they are placed on the back of the teeth.
The most popular form of orthodontic treatment is Invisalign. That’s because they are not braces at all. This method consists of clear plastic aligner trays that are custom fit to your mouth. You can remove them for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. They are virtually invisible which is a big draw to a lot of people. The custom rays are also easy to clean. Just brush them with warm water or with the Invisalign cleaning kit.
Talk to our braces dentist in Torrance about your orthodontic needs. We can examine your smile to determine the best treatment for you. No matter what, our dentists are here to help give you the look you want. Schedule a consultation with us today.