Balancing Western Medicine and Alternative Methods

Orthodontic Treatment: Three Ideal Alternatives to Traditional Metal Braces

Dental misalignment is extremely common, but the severity can vary significantly. Most cases of misalignment are mild and do not require treatment because they do not significantly affect appearance or dental functions. If you have severe malocclusion, you will notice poor bite, teeth crowding and general crookedness. In this case, you will need orthodontic treatment to restore the ideal alignment. The traditional alignment device for dealing with malocclusion is metal braces. These are favoured because they are highly effective and economical. Unfortunately, they are highly prominent, so they attract a lot of attention. Here are some discreet alternatives to consider for your orthodontic treatment.

Ceramic Braces

The design of ceramic braces is similar to the traditional metal alternatives. In simple terms, these are made up of a wire and brackets which attach to the teeth. However, the ceramic devices are different because the metal brackets are replaced by ceramic or even clear ones. The ceramic brackets match the colour of the teeth, and the clear type are not highly visible. You can also request for a wire which has been coloured to match your teeth for even less visibility. Like metal braces, these are highly effective in realigning the teeth. However, the ceramic material will stain easily without proper care.

Lingual Braces

The appearance and construction of lingual braces is identical to metal braces. Basically, this device consists of a metal wire and corresponding brackets which are installed over the teeth. The difference is that lingual braces are placed on the inner side of the teeth as opposed to the traditional outer surface. Their primary advantage is that they are completely invisible from outside. On the other hand, these are more uncomfortable for most people since they are in the oral cavity. The installation style also means that cleaning and even adjustment will be difficult.

Clear Aligners

The popularity of clear aligners in the treatment of malocclusion has increased rapidly since the inception of the concept. These are essentially dental trays which are made from clear plastic material. They are custom-made for each patient and are usually created in a series. Basically, the first aligner will be fitted over the teeth, and it will reposition the teeth during the designated time of use. When the recommended period is over, the patient can wear the next aligners in the series. As the treatment progresses, the teeth will be completely repositioned. The primary drawback of aligners is their high cost. Additionally, this is not a suitable choice for serious misalignment.

For more information about orthodontics and treatments for malocclusion, contact your family dentist or local orthodontist. 


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