Are you considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one? If so, it’s important to understand the different types of treatments available. Orthod Plymouth Orthodontics can help straighten teeth and improve your smile using a variety of methods. In this blog post, we will discuss all you need to know about the six types of orthodontic treatments.
#1 – Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and attached to the front of your teeth. Metal braces are strong and durable and can be used to treat a variety of dental problems.
Pros:
- Very strong and can be used to treat a variety of dental problems
- Less expensive than other types of orthodontic treatments
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable and may cause irritation to the inside of your mouth
- More visible than other types of braces, and some people may not like the way they look
Average Treatment Time:
- 18-24 months
Best Candidate:
- Patients with mild to severe misalignment or bite problems
#2 – Clear Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-colored brackets and are less visible than metal braces. They are attached to the front of your teeth like metal braces, but because they are less noticeable, many people prefer them for cosmetic reasons.
Pros:
- Less visible than metal braces.
- Can be used to treat a variety of dental problems.
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional metal braces.
- Not as strong as metal braces, so they may not be a good choice for patients with severe misalignment or bite problems.
Average Treatment Time:
- 18-24 months
Best Candidate:
- Patients with mild to moderate misalignment or bite problems who are looking for a more cosmetic option
#3 – Metal Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front. This makes them less visible than other types of braces, but they can be more difficult to clean.
Pros:
- Less visible than other types of braces
- Can treat a variety of dental problems
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional metal braces
- Difficult to clean and may cause irritation to the inside of your mouth
Average Treatment Time:
- 18-24 months
Best Candidate:
- Patients with mild to moderate misalignment or bite problems who are looking for less visible braces
#4 – Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are a popular orthodontic treatment for adults and teens. They are made of clear, plastic trays that are custom fitted to your teeth. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and are removable for eating and brushing your teeth. Some of the most popular brands of clear aligners are Invisalign, SureSmile, and ClearCorrect.
Pros:
- Virtually invisible and is removable (for eating and brushing your teeth)
- Can treat a variety of dental problems
- More comfortable than other types of braces
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional metal braces
- Not as effective for treating severe dental problems
Average Treatment Time:
- 12-18 months
Best Candidate:
- Patients with mild to moderate misalignment or bite problems who are looking for a more cosmetic and comfortable option
#5 – Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are appliances that are used to hold the space in your mouth after a tooth has been removed. They are most commonly used for children who have lost a baby tooth but can also be used for adults. Space maintainers can be removable or fixed and are made of metal or plastic.
Pros:
- Holds the space in your mouth after a tooth extraction
- Recommended for both children and adults
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable and may cause irritation to the inside of your mouth
- More visible than other types of braces, and some people may not like the way they look
Average Treatment Time:
- Varies depending on the type of space maintainer
Best Candidate:
- Patients who have lost a tooth and need to maintain the space in their mouth
#6 – Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is an appliance that is used to widen the upper jaw. It is most commonly used for children but can also be used for adults. Palatal expanders consist of metal or plastic and your orthodontist Plymouth attaches them to the roof of your mouth.
Pros:
- Widens the upper jaw
- Effective and recommended for children or adults
Cons:
- Can be uncomfortable and may cause irritation to the inside of your mouth
- More visible than other types of braces, and some people may not like the way they look
Average Treatment Time:
- Varies depending on the type of space maintainer
Best Candidate:
- Patients who have a narrow upper jaw or need to expand their upper jaw for dental work.
Orthodontist Plymouth, MA
If you are looking for an “orthodontist near me” or orthodontist Plymouth, MA, look no further than Dr. Karla Alvarado of Plymouth Orthodontics! She is a licensed orthodontist who specializes in a variety of orthodontic treatments, including metal braces, clear braces, and invisible braces in Plymouth.
No matter what your orthodontic needs are, Dr. Alvarado is equipped to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile that you can be proud of! She and our orthodontic team aim to provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere while you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our orthodontist Plymouth, Dr. Alvarado! We look forward to meeting you soon!