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Orthodontics/Braces

F.A.Q on Types of Braces

Different types of braces are used to correct the alignment of teeth. Orthodontic treatment is usually synonymous with braces. The results of braces treatment can be dramatic — beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for people of all ages. With so many types of braces to choose from, one can often get confused while selecting the right type of braces best suited for them.

Dr.Smilez provides complete information on how to choose the latest and most effective type of braces in Chennai for all age groups.

What are the different types of braces?

Which type of braces is the best?

All types of braces are equally good and provide the best results in the hands of a good orthodontist. There are multiple options available and a good brand is recommended compared to cheaper imitation braces for best results. At Dr.Smilez, we use only standard brands such as 3M, Damon Braces, American Orthodontics, etc and our orthodontists will recommend the most suitable type of braces for each patient based on the clinical condition and the complexity of tooth movement.

Types of Braces
Types of Braces

Which type of braces is more effective?

In general, most alignment problems can be corrected best with braces stuck on the outside of the teeth. The newer self-ligating type of braces is more effective than the conventional type of braces in this regard in that the treatment time is reduced. Lingual braces and Invisible braces (Clear Aligners) are not recommended for all clinical situations are most effective only for simple corrections.

How do I choose the type of braces for my teeth?

The choice of braces depends on many factors, including the complexity of the treatment required, the time frame for the entire treatment, the clinical condition of the gums and also the cost. While you can choose the type of braces best suited to your pocket, sometimes it may be necessary to opt for a different system based on the opinion of your orthodontist.

Ceramic Vs Metal: Which type of braces is better?

Ceramic type of braces is usually preferred by teens and adults who do not want visible metal showing in their smile during treatment. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored and blend in better with the natural tooth shade and are less obvious compared to metal braces. Financial preference is also considered when choosing between ceramic and metal type of braces. One can also mix and match the different type of braces such that ceramic braces is used for the visible upper teeth and metal braces is used for the other teeth.

What is the right age for Braces Treatment?

The right age is as young as 6 years! Orthodontics also includes functional and preventive orthodontics, to correct developing skeletal or dental malocclusion, and is usually overlooked. At this age, persistent habits such as thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting have to be intercepted. When treated correctly, the dental problems arising from such habits such as open bite can be easily contained. Subsequent monitoring at 7 years, 9 years and 11 years are required for every child to coincide with the eruption of permanent teeth. Developing problems can be easily prevented. This includes problems in the growth of jaws too; either too small or too big. During the growing phase till puberty, these developing growth discrepancies can be easily identified and corrected with simple appliances. Any skeletal problem after puberty can only be corrected by surgery.

Is there any upper age limit for braces treatment?

NO! Braces can be done at any age provided the gums and bone are in good health. As age advances the duration of treatment may be longer than the younger age group due to the increase in density of bone. The type of braces for adults is best chosen by the orthodontist for optimum results.

What is the success of Braces treatment?

The alignment of teeth will be successful irrespective of the types of braces. The most important phase that contributes to long term success of braces treatment is the retention phase. After alignment is complete, retainers must be worn for at least one year in order to prevent relapse. At Dr.Smilez, we always ensure optimum success and is one of the most preferred clinics for braces in Chennai.

What is the duration of braces treatment?

The duration usually depends on the complexity of tooth movement and the type of braces chosen. On average, the treatment time can range from 8 months – 24 months.

What are retainers?

Retainers are used after active braces treatment is completed. Your braces will be removed and retainers will be made which can be fixed or removable. This has to be worn for a minimum of one year.

Why should I wear retainers?

During active orthodontic treatment with braces, teeth are moved within the bone and can sometimes feel loose during this time. When the alignment is complete, teeth are moved into a new position and has to be stabilized by new bone formation. This is the period of retention. Failure to wear retainers will cause the teeth to move back to their original position.

We hope that the above information was useful to help you decide on the types of braces that are available. As you can see from the information, there are specific clinical parameters to decide on the types of braces as well as the usability of aligners. This is best left with the orthodontist to decide. Dr.Smilez is preferred as the best dental clinic for braces in Chennai due to our evidenced-based approach and best practices in the treatment

Conventional Metal Braces

Conventional Metal Braces​
Conventional Metal Braces​

Advantages

Disadvantages

Conventional Ceramic Braces

Conventional Ceramic Braces​

Advantages

Disadvantages

Damon Braces (Self-Ligating Braces)

Self-Ligating Braces
Self-Ligating Braces
Damon Braces
Damon Braces

Advantages

Disadvantages

Invisible Braces/Clear Aligners

What are aligners?

Aligners are clear, transparent sequential set of trays that fit snugly onto your teeth and effect tooth movement in stages. Aligners are made using CAD/CAM technology to custom design your smile. So here there is no need for any attachment to the teeth, no need for wires or rubber bands! And they are Invisible!

Do Aligners really work?

They do! Aligners also provide the same results in alignment as braces. However, the alignment takes more time than conventional braces, especially for complex tooth movements.

Does it hurt during the process of Aligners?

Any tooth alignment involves the application of forces to move the teeth. Depending on the type of tooth movement required, the forces differ. When tooth movement happens, there is a pressure sensation on the teeth that can sometimes be perceived as pain. With invisible braces being removable, some pressure/pain is felt in the first three to four days when a new aligner is worn especially while removing and reinserting for brushing and eating.

Do I have to wear the Aligners continuously?

YES! It is recommended that each aligner be work for a minimum of 22 hours per day, without which the treatment will not be successful. The aligner is changed every 15 days or as recommended by the dentist.

Are aligners expensive?

In comparison with Braces, Invisible braces or Clear Aligners are more expensive. The high cost is due to the improved technology and predictability of the results. The cost of treatment depends on the number of aligners required which is dictated by the extent of tooth movement required.

Which is the best aligner available?

There are many providers in the current market, but treatment with aligners is best done with known brands such as Invisalign, Clear Correct, K-Line, etc. These are international brands and are more expensive than the locally available lab fabricated invisible braces. Although expensive, the results and follow up care is more predictable than the local aligners.

Additional Important Information on Invisible Braces/Clear Aligners

The thought of getting a perfect smile without the need for braces and with minimal visits to the dentist is very exciting. However, there are other challenges that may not make you the ideal candidate for invisible braces.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Patient Instructions

For more information on Invisible braces/clear aligners, please

contactus@drsmilez.com

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