Crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth are not a new concern. In fact, Christophe-Francois Delabarre is credited with using braces back in 1819! Over the years, advancements in technology and the field of dentistry have refined the treatment, ensuring you can safely, effectively, and quickly achieve your goals for a healthy, functional bite.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, then you may be wondering about the benefits of metal braces compared to discreet alternatives, like Invisalign. Here’s the answer!
Benefits of Metal Braces
You have probably heard of a variety of different options when it comes to straightening teeth, and they all sound great in their own ways. However, when trying to determine which one is right for you, it can be a bit of a challenge. Even with so many new innovations in the field, sometimes traditional braces are still the best option for achieving facial harmony and functional balance..
1. Can Effectively Address Complex Orthodontic Issues
While minor gaps and slight crowding can be corrected with most options, more complex concerns like serious bite problems or severely rotated teeth often require metal braces to ensure long-term health.
Unlike aligners, which focus pressure on the upper portions of the teeth, brackets exert equal pressure on both the tooth and the root. This allows for the precise structural correction and greater realignment needed to achieve facial harmony and maintain the health of your jaw joints.
2. You Can’t Lose Your Metal Brackets and Wires
While the ability to remove clear aligners is appealing, it introduces the risk of misplacing them and requires strict self-discipline to meet the 22-hour daily wear requirement. Because traditional braces are anchored to your teeth, they provide a constant, 24/7 treatment without the worry of losing trays or forgetting to put them back in after meals.
This fixed approach ensures your progress stays on track without the need for constant monitoring. By searching for an “orthodontist near me,” we can decide together which route will best help you achieve functional balance and facial harmony.
3. Personalization and Precision
While you can certainly have fun with the colors of your braces, you can also select enamel-colored alternatives for a more natural look. Plus, the frequent appointments ensure your orthodontist can closely monitor the movement of your teeth and your facial development, intervening if necessary to keep them on track and support airway health.
4. Faster Treatment Time
While Invisalign is often associated with shorter treatment times, many patients face delays due to misplaced trays or inconsistent wear. Traditional braces can actually deliver results more quickly and predictably because they remain in place 24/7.
Because braces utilize consistent, controlled force to move teeth and their roots, they are often the most efficient option for those looking to close gaps or achieve functional balance without the risk of compliance-related setbacks.
Common Myths About Braces
There’s no question that correcting a crooked smile or misaligned bite enhances your life in many ways. But, unfortunately, some people are put off from getting braces because they hear a myth about orthodontic treatment online or from a friend.
But before making a decision about investing in your long-term health (or not), it’s well worth it to learn the truth about your options.
Below are common myths to be aware of to help you make an intentional choice!
1. “Braces Are Only For Cosmetic Purposes”
Clearly, braces greatly improve your appearance and enhance your self-image. But having a healthy bite is also crucial for good oral health. When your teeth come together the way they should, you’re much less likely to develop TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.
Not to mention that straight teeth are a lot easier to clean than crowded ones, which greatly reduces your chances of getting cavities and gum disease.
2. “Orthodontic Treatment Takes a Few Years”
Each case is unique, so the best way to get an idea of how long your treatment will take is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist in Newark, OH. Having said that, many people complete their treatment in 12-24 months.
3. “All Braces Are Made of Metal”
Modern orthodontic treatment includes many different options when it comes to the type and appearance of your braces. Fixed or removable, clear or opaque – you might be surprised at the different choices that can work for you.
4. “Any Dentist Who Offers Orthodontic Treatment Is an Orthodontist”
This isn’t true! Orthodontists go through years of additional training after they’ve completed dental school so they can be experts in the latest orthodontic techniques and facial development.
Some general dentists offer orthodontic treatment, but they lack expertise because they didn’t get an advanced degree. Straightening your smile is one of the best investments you can make in yourself, so it’s worth it to see a specialist.
5. “Braces Are Only For Teens or Kids”
Orthodontic treatment is a vital investment at any stage of life, and today, nearly 20% of patients are adults. While braces were once seen as a treatment for teens, many adults now choose metal braces for their efficiency and ability to improve facial harmony and proportions.
Because adults often have more complex dental histories, it is crucial to seek care from a specialist orthodontist. Our expert-led approach ensures that your treatment supports both your aesthetic goals and your long-term functional health.
6. “Metal Braces Are Painful”
Metal braces have come a long way from the bulky hardware of the past. Modern braces use smaller brackets and wires made from softer materials, significantly reducing discomfort. While you might experience slight soreness after adjustments, it’s easily manageable with generic pain relievers and usually goes away within a day or two.
7. “Braces Can Set Off Metal Detectors”
Facts: This is one of those rumors you might hear on the playground when you were a kid, and it’s totally made up. The metals used in braces are lightweight and won’t trigger airport security or other metal detectors. You can confidently travel without worrying about your braces causing a scene!
8. “Metal Braces Will Rust in Your Mouth”
Facts: Today’s braces are made from high-quality stainless steel, or titanium alloys designed specifically for use in your mouth. These materials are rust-resistant and durable, ensuring they remain safe and effective throughout your entire treatment.
9. “Getting Braces Means Giving Up Your Favorite Foods”
While you’ll need to be careful about some foods (like sticky candy or super-crunchy snacks), wearing braces doesn’t mean you’ll have to dramatically change your diet. Most foods are still completely fine, even if you need to make some minor adjustments. For example, you might need to cut apples into slices or remove corn from the cob before chowing down.
Metal braces have advanced a lot from the bulky “metal mouth” apparatuses of the past. Today, they’re more comfortable and reliable than ever before, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to achieve functional balance. If you’re ready to learn more about braces or other options, reach out to your orthodontist. They can answer your questions and help you make the most informed choice for your needs.
Retainer Options After Braces
You’re currently wearing braces in Newark, OH, and you’re eagerly anticipating the day when your orthodontist removes them. However, the process doesn’t stop there. You’ll still need to wear a custom retainer.
Since there are two main options – removable and permanent retainers, which route is best for you to take? As you read on, your local orthodontist provides the answer, and you’ll also discover why it’s so important to wear a retainer after your braces are removed.
Why Do You Need to Wear a Retainer?
When your teeth are adjusted with braces, there will be a natural tendency for them to return to the position they were accustomed to. To prevent this from happening, your orthodontist will design a custom retainer for you to wear after the braces are removed. The apparatus holds the teeth in place while bone mass grows around the new position of the tooth roots to congeal your results. The length of time you wear the retainer will be decided based on the condition of your teeth.
The Removable Retainer Explained
When it comes to convenience, the removable retainer is the front-runner. It is generally worn at night and removed in the morning, cleaned and stored until the next usage. Another perk is that it allows for easier and more frequent dental cleanings throughout the day.
The flexibility that a removable retainer provides can also become a challenge. That’s because it requires more responsibility. One potential issue that can arise is forgetting the retainer and being forced to go without wearing it for an extended period of time. Such occurrences can increase the chance of having some regression.
How the Permanent Retainer Differs
For patients who don’t want to run the risk of forgetting or misplacing their retainer and compromising their results, a permanent retainer may be a better solution. For starters, the consistency it provides has been shown to typically yield more effective results.
Here are some of the challenges, though, that come along with wearing a permanent retainer:
- It’s harder to thoroughly clean your teeth.
- Over time, a permanent retainer can become worn.
- Some patients find it to be uncomfortable, as the appliance can irritate the cheeks.
- Patients have to endure the same food restrictions that come along with wearing braces, which includes avoiding hard or sticky foods.
The Final Verdict
Since both removable and permanent retainers can provide effective results, the best way to make a decision about which method to use is to consult with your orthodontist in Central Ohio. Therefore, you can rest assured that you’ll enjoy functional, lasting results!
