Not
everyone is born with perfectly straight, perfectly white teeth. In
fact, the people with naturally flawless teeth are the minority.
Protruding teeth, overbites, and teeth gaps are actually more common.
Usually, these aberrations are not noticeable or cause only minor
discomfort. In some cases however, they need correcting.
Enter
orthodontics - a branch of dentistry that focuses primarily on the
study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites). Thanks to the
advancement of technology, orthodontists everywhere are able to
provide quality dental care for these abnormalities through
the use of braces. There are different kinds of braces, each with
their own pros and cons.
Metal Braces.
These braces are the most
common and any orthodontist can provide this system.
Pros –
They're
the cheapest to buy and the easiest to install and maintain.
The cheeks and gums may be irritated at first, but they will
eventually adapt. Modern metal braces now make use of colorful rubber
bands to keep the wire attached, so the patient can have a choice of
color.
Cons – These
are the braces that started the insult “metal mouth”. They're the
most noticeable, not to mention the most unsightly when not properly
taken care of. They've been proven to clinically cause tooth decay
and shortening of tooth roots.
Ceramic Braces.
These
braces are made of ceramic alloys. They're transparent, giving them
an edge over traditional metal braces in the aesthetic department.
Pros – They
have that cosmetic appeal. People – especially adults – are able
to discreetly correct their abnormalities. The ties are made of clear
elastic or white metal. They are noticeable only at close distances
or only when drawn attention to.
Cons –
Orthodontists tend to charge higher for these because they cost
more to purchase and take more sessions to install. In addition, the
clear elastic wires tend to stain, especially if you smoke or drink a
lot of coffee. Ceramic is also brittle and not as shock-proof as
metal braces. They break and chip easily, and replacing them is
tedious and expensive.
Invisalign.
These braces are clear plastic molds that act as aligners to
straighten your teeth. Your orthodontist records impressions of your
teeth, and invisalign labs use digital technology to make a set of
clear retainers based on these impressions.
Pros – They're
practically invisible. Unless you point them out to people, no one
will notice. They can also be manually removed for brushing and
eating, and you don't need your orthodontist to put them back in.
Cons – This is
the most expensive option. Because of the process and technology
needed to create the braces, orthodontists tend to charge a lot more,
even compared to ceramic braces. The braces also hinge heavily on the
self-discipline of the patient. They must wear the braces for no less
then 20-22 hours each day, or else the corrective process will be
completely disrupted.
When this happens, a
new set will be needed, incrementing the cost. Also, these braces are
made of clear, hard plastic, which makes them very difficult to
locate if not kept in the recommended containers.
At the end of the day,
braces are still the best way to correct any malocclusions we have,
ensuring optimal dental health. The trick is finding the best
orthodontic treatment for
you.
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