Everyone knows that braces are an effective teen and adult orthodontic treatment that can straighten out your smile, but less talked about are the other elements of life with braces: what are the different types of braces and why choose one over the other? What in your life has to change when you get braces? And what are the other benefits of braces besides cleaning up your smile? Here at Kavanaugh Orthodontics in Kansas City, metal braces, clear braces, and retention are some of our most popular orthodontic treatments, so we have put together a quick guide covering everything you need to know about braces!
Types Of Braces
Whether you live in Kansas City or Sedalia, braces might be essential for you to have a healthy smile—but the type of braces that are best for you depends on your specific dental needs. Adult orthodontics treatments are as variable as are patients are, so check out some of the different types of braces that are out there:
- Metal Braces: This classic option for braces is time tested—metal braces have proven their effectiveness and safety through their continued popularity. The stainless steel brackets are cemented to the front of your teeth while metal bands apply pressure from the back, creating a reliable and affordable adult orthodontic treatment.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces replace the steel brackets of metal braces with a translucent ceramic material. The ceramic blends in with the natural color of your teeth, making this the perfect option for those who want to be more discreet with their braces.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is not technically a kind of braces, but it serves the same function of straightening out your teeth, only with a clear polymer mold instead of brackets and wires. Ideal for those who do not want their adult orthodontic treatment to be noticeable, Invisalign allows you to be confident in your smile even while you are fixing your smile.
Life With Braces
If you just visited Kavanaugh Orthodontics in Kansas City and got metal braces, or if you are thinking about getting braces, you may be wondering what habits you are going to have to change to live with braces. Fortunately, the answer is: not much! While you will have some dietary restrictions, the only thing you have to avoid are hard and sticky foods while reducing sugar intake. You will need to be more diligent about cleaning your teeth as well, flossing and brushing regularly, and possibly using a proxabrush or similar tool to clean out under your braces wires. Luckily, that’s about it for lifestyle changes, and hey, eating less sugar and flossing more often might not be the worst thing for you!
Retention
If you choose treatment with us in Sedalia, braces will do most of the work of straightening your teeth, but sometimes our doctors will recommend that you follow them up with retention. Retention is the adult orthodontic practice wherein a removable mold is used to hold your teeth in place while you sleep and during parts of the day, allowing your teeth to settle into their new alignment. Retention can take as long as a year or two, depending on how often you wear the retainer and how well your teeth settle in.
The Benefits of Getting Braces
While braces may clean up your smile, make you feel more confident, and make your teeth look better, they also help with your oral hygiene! Crooked and misaligned teeth create gaps that collect bacteria and food debris which, if left untreated, can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Here at Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics in Kansas City and Sedilia, braces are more than just another way to look good—they help your mouth feel good as well!
Contact Your Local Orthodontist Specialists Today
Even if you don’t mind your teeth the way they are, you may want to consider straightening them in Kansas City with metal braces. The best way to find out if you need braces is to talk to an adult orthodontics professional about what treatment might be suited to your specific oral health needs. Contact Kurt Kavanaugh Orthodontics to find out more about whether you should get braces. Or schedule an appointment today! We look forward to hearing from you!
