If there is one traumatizing doctor experience that many adults associate with their childhood, it is probably getting braces. It is as uncomfortable as a doctor’s visit could get, and it doesn’t help that you walk out with braces that will be your companion for quite some time. It is even worse if you’re getting them as an adult because you think that you’re past this point in your life. However, there are some things that you can do to make the process a little less uncomfortable. Here are the types of braces that you can choose from to get the most comfort.
Metal Braces
To choose the most comfortable option, you need to know the popular types first, and no type is more common than metal braces. They are the most commonly used because they simply work efficiently. Metal braces can fix a myriad of different orthodontic problems. Metal braces are basically small brackets that attach to your teeth directly, and those brackets stay there for the majority of the treatment. They are secured in place by the small colorful rubber bands that you see when a person with braces smiles. How do they work exactly? Metal braces work by threading an archwire through the brackets, and it is bent into the shape of your ideal bite or how it should look. Through that arch, the wire puts consistent and smooth pressure on the teeth, which causes them to shift into the ideal position.
When to choose metal braces: now that you know what metal braces are and how they work, you need to ask yourself if they are the most comfortable option for you. For starters, you should know that metal braces have significantly evolved now and they are much more comfortable than they used to be. The fact that they are colorful and bright is the reason why many of the younger patients prefer them. So, if it’s for your son or daughter, you might want to consider metal braces whose colors will give them a chance to show off some cool colors. They are also ideal for adults who will forget to put on aligners for the needed amount of time per day. Braces are attached to the teeth, so you won’t need to remember to put anything on.
Aligners
Over the years, orthodontic technology has massively evolved and now, there are solutions where you don’t have to wear braces 24/7 for many years. Aligners are a great solution for orthodontic problems, and they are ideal for those who don’t want something fixed attached to their teeth all day for a long time. You can choose a Clear aligner option to treat your orthodontic problems and reclaim the ideal alignment of your teeth. The great thing about aligners is the fact that they are customized for your particular mouth and they are pretty comfortable compared to braces. They are often worn for 22 hours a day, and you can take them off to eat. You wear them for 6 to 12 months, and you change into different models several times in that time.
The process of choosing aligners is usually done by doing a digital scan of your mouth, and then a 3D model of your mouth is created. This is where the orthodontist maps out the design of the required aligners for your teeth on the 3D model. Then, the plastic aligners are created and you wear them. Most of the time, people won’t notice you are wearing aligners.
When to choose aligners: aligners are the most comfortable option for people who are shy about their smile and don’t want others to know that they are wearing braces. They are also great if the feel of braces makes you uncomfortable. As we mentioned, aligners are taken off when you brush your teeth or eat. However, aligners are changed quite often––often every one or two weeks. So, if that is time-consuming or exhausting for you, then perhaps aligners are not the most comfortable choice for you.
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