Five Common Types of Adult Braces

There are a handful of options available when it comes to adult braces. The concept behind these devices is the same. They all work by continually applying pressure on the wearer's teeth, gradually pushing them into the desired position.

Some of these devices are more appropriate for specific dental issues, so dentists will typically advise patients on which prosthetic is best for their condition.

Here are five common types of braces often used by dentists:

1. Metal Braces for Adults

This option for braces is commonly known as traditional braces since these are the most common type. These devices consist of two parts: metal brackets that are applied directly to the teeth and a wire that goes into each bracket and applies pressure to the teeth. Traditional braces are the most affordable type of braces, and they are also the most effective when it comes to dealing with alignment issues.

The major downside of metal braces is the fact these devices are evident in the wearer's mouth. Modern braces are not as visible as the older versions, but they still fall short compared to the other alternatives.

2. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are a popular alternative to the traditional ones. The designs are very similar, but the former has ceramic brackets – that blend in with the wearer's teeth – instead of visible metal brackets. Instead of a metal wire being threaded through the brackets to apply pressure on the wearer's teeth, the cables used for these devices are made from a transparent material.

That makes it rather hard to detect when someone has ceramic braces. The downside of this type of these is that the brackets can become stained over time, especially when they are not adequately maintained. The more stained these braces are, the more visible they become.

3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are pretty much the same with traditional ones besides one significant difference. They are installed on the interior of the person's teeth rather than in front. These devices are just as effective as traditional metal braces, but they are not visible on the front-facing part of the wearer's teeth.

They are visible when the person opens his or her mouth entirely though. This option offers a more discrete way to straighten teeth without having to worry about the device ruining one's smile.

4. Self-Litigating Braces

These consist of brackets and wires just as is the case for ceramic and metal braces. However, instead of being held in place with rubber bands, these types of braces use clips to keep the wire in place. These types of braces can be used with ceramic or metal braces, so the visibility depends on the material used to make the bracket.

These types of braces are also known to shorten treatment windows and accumulate fewer food particles and other debris.

5. Clear Braces

Clear braces, like Invisalign, are virtually undetectable in a patient's mouth. These devices are more comfortable than traditional ones, and they can easily be removed for cleaning and eating. The patient gets a series of braces, each worn for a period of two weeks. Each push the person's teeth closer to the desired position.

Want to learn more about adult braces? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!

Request a dental appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling dental office.