St. Mary’s County parents inquire about the types of braces and their differences.
Few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth, but with the help of orthodontic treatment, many people are getting there. Most people think of the dreaded and outdated headgear appliances when they’re first told they need braces, but nowadays, we are afforded the luxury of many different options to choose from to correct our teeth. Your orthodontist may recommend any of the following types of braces to help in your particular situation, so it is important to educate yourself on your options before your first appointment.
- Metal Braces – These braces consist of metal brackets made from high-grade stainless steel. The brackets are attached to the target teeth with a bonding cement. A thin wire is anchored on to the brackets with tiny elastics to connect the individual brackets. When tightened, the wire will put pressure on the teeth, allowing them to slowly move into the ideal position.
- Ceramic Braces – Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces. In contrast to stainless steel, these braces are made from a clear ceramic material to make them less visible.
- Lingual Braces – Lingual braces are traditional metal braces that are fastened on the inside of the teeth. A patient may choose this option if they are looking for a treatment that is less visible to others.
- Colored Braces – Basically traditional metal or ceramic braces, colored braces come in a variety of colors for patients who want to make their orthodontic treatment exciting and fashionable.
- Invisalign® – Invisalign® is a trending alternative to braces altogether that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Rather than correcting teeth through brackets and wires, Invisalign® employs the use of a range of clear, plastic aligners that are unique for each patient and are replaced every two weeks. These aligners resemble mouth guards and slowly move teeth into the proper position, as every new aligner adjusts your teeth one step closer to the target position. While the aligners should be worn at all times, except for eating and cleaning, patients typically don’t feel the embarrassing need to remove them as they are virtually invisible when worn.
- Clear Braces – Clear braces are another alternative for those who wish to obscure their braces but don’t qualify for lingual braces. They are similar to traditional braces but made from a transparent ceramic material.
Charles County Orthodontist Shares Things to Say to Your Children After They Get Braces
The benefits that come with having braces seem innumerable: a straighter and attractive smile, the ability to bite and chew correctly, and alleviation of headaches, jaw pain, earaches, and sleep apnea. Although having braces is extremely beneficial and common, many kids and teens still feel nervous about getting them. The day your child gets their braces may seem like the end of the world to them, but here are a few things you can say to make them feel more comfortable and reassured about the treatment.
Help with Their Self-Confidence
Adolescence is already an awkward stage, even without having to experience the transition to adulthood with braces. Your child may be feeling extra self-conscious about their braces, particularly if someone at school has been giving them a rough time. Remind them that they are still beautiful while focusing on their positive, inner qualities and strengths.
Make the Proper Food Choices
Once your child’s brackets are finally on, their orthodontist will likely brief you on new dietary restrictions that come with their new hardware. Harder food like apples, nuts, and popcorn should be avoided as they can break wires and pop brackets off teeth, requiring an extra trip to your orthodontist. Sticky food like candies, chewing gum, caramels, and dried fruit can get stuck in between brackets and cause problems as well. It can sometimes be difficult to ensure your child is following these rules at all times when they are at school or at a friend’s house, especially when they are younger. The best rule of thumb is to educate and remind your children on this topic until you feel they are responsible enough to care for their braces on their own.
Your Smile Will Be Beautiful for Life
The good thing about braces is that they’re a temporary inconvenience for a lasting and beautiful result. At times though, the pain and monthly trips to the orthodontist will leave your child frustrated and wondering why they needed braces in the first place. Keep encouraging your child and remind them that their braces will eventually be removed and that their beautiful smile and healthy teeth will be worth it.
Sequence Orthodontics is proud to offer braces and other orthodontic treatments to the children of Waldorf and Leonardtown. To inquire for more information or to schedule a consult, contact our office today.
