Are Braces Right for You?

Braces could be right for you if you desire a straighter smile. Braces are a versatile orthodontic treatment that can do more than just straighten teeth. Braces can also be used to close gaps between teeth and correct bite problems in which the top and bottom rows of teeth are not properly aligned. At Village Dental, Dr. Nils Anderson is your dentist for orthodontics in Richmond Hill, GA.

Types of Braces

Several types of braces are available today. Traditional silver metal braces are still a popular choice, but other options include clear ceramic braces and lingual braces. All three types—metal, ceramic, and lingual—utilize brackets and wires to move the teeth. They are all worn by both teens and adults to effectively close gaps between teeth as well as correct bite problems. Your Richmond Hill orthodontist can help you decide which type is right for you.

A key difference between the three types of braces pertains to appearance. For both metal and ceramic braces, the brackets are affixed to the front of the teeth. However, a primary distinction is that ceramic brackets are clear, making them less noticeable than metal brackets, which are silver in tone. Metal brackets are used with lingual braces, but the brackets are affixed to the back of the teeth for a truly discreet look. For all three types of braces, an adhesive is used to affix the brackets to the teeth which remain in place until treatment is complete.

An alternative to these types of braces is clear aligner trays. Aligner trays offer several advantages, such as being removable. Additionally, the trays are a discreet option since they are clear and not readily noticeable to others. Another advantage is that the trays are made from a soft and flexible plastic material that fits comfortably over the teeth and do not cause irritation. Clear aligner trays can help straighten your smile or close small gaps between teeth. However, braces are the best option for correcting bite problems, such as overbites and underbites.

A dentist can help determine if braces are right for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Anderson, your dentist for orthodontics in Richmond Hill, GA, call Village Dental at (912) 459-2345.