Orthodontic treatment is essentially a fancier way of saying straightening teeth. If your dentist tells you that you have orthodontic problems, they mean that you have irregularities with the alignment of your teeth and potentially your jaw.
Straighter teeth can give you more than just a perfect smile. They can help with issues around speaking, and eating and of course, may make you feel less self-conscious.
So, on to the solution – braces are available in a variety of different forms to help both child and adult patients achieve fantastic results on their smiles.
What are the different types of dental braces?
Dental braces types fall into two categories – fixed braces or removable braces. Both have their advantages and drawbacks. Let’s explore some of the common options in adult orthodontics:
Fixed braces
- Metal braces – also known as traditional braces remain one of the most effective treatments for gappy, crooked, impacted or missing teeth. Treatment time is roughly between 6 – 24 months. Metal braces are fixed to the teeth with a metal bracket and a special kind of glue. Since they cannot be removed (until your treatment plan ends), patients need to take extra care with maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine.
- Ceramic braces – also known as clear braces, work similarly to metal braces except they are made from a tooth-coloured material so they are much more discreet. Patients can achieve straighter teeth in 6-24 months depending on the alignment requirements. These braces are brilliant for addressing more complex issues with the patient’s bite, that may not be achievable with aligners.
- Lingual braces – these braces are fitted to the back of the patient’s teeth and that’s why they’re sometimes referred to as hidden braces. Lingual braces are an excellent solution for patients who have overcrowding and whose teeth don’t bite together properly.
- Forsus Spring – this is an orthodontic treatment for patients with an overbite. This type of brace is suitable for both adults and children and is fixed to the teeth, so it works 24 hours a day.
- Expanders – used to correct overcrowding or crossbites in children aged 8-16, expanders work to widen the upper jaw or the arch of the teeth. If your orthodontist recommends expanders, you’ll need to wear them for around 1-6 months.
Removable braces
- Temporary Removable braces – Most of the time, a removable brace is only really used for orthodontic treatment on the upper teeth. We would recommend a removable appliance in preparation for fixed braces treatment or in cases where the patient requires mild alignment alteration.
- Invisalign – out of all the types of braces, Invisalign remains hugely popular at our dental clinic. These virtually invisible aligners work to move the teeth into a straighter position in as little as 4 months. They are free of wires and instead rely on a set of clear aligners that gradually move the teeth. The Invisalign retainer can be removed for dental care and eating.
- Twin Blocks – these are a type of removable appliance that are used to correct large overbites. They work on the upper and lower teeth to reposition the teeth and jaw. Twin Blocks are usually prescribed for 9-12 months and need to be worn most of the time, however, they can be removed for eating, cleaning and physical sport.
Which type of brace is best for me?
If you’re still unsure about which brace is best suited to you and your needs, we encourage you to visit our dental practice in West Sussex and take advantage of a free consultation.
Your oral health doesn’t need to suffer as a result of orthodontic issues. Most of the time, dental surgery is not required for misalignment issues. Speak to an experienced orthodontist at Neyo Dental Specialists and we’ll help you to explore your treatment options without pressure.
Book in for Braces Treatments West Sussex
Contact the Neyo dental clinic to book your free consultation today. You can call the clinic on 01444 523143 or email us at info@neyodental.co.uk for more information.
Neyo Dental Specialists
24 Church Road
Burgess Hill
West Sussex
RH15 9AE
About Burgess Hill, West Sussex
Burgess Hill is a charming town located in the heart of West Sussex and is easy to get to whether you’re travelling by motorway or public transport.
Nestled within easy reach of major road networks, Burgess Hill is conveniently accessible via the nearby M23 and A23, making it a great location for commuters and visitors alike. Its proximity to these motorways allows for quick and convenient travel to nearby towns and cities.
