For many dental patients, orthodontics rarely seems like an option. It’s typical for older teens and adults cringe to at the thought of wearing bulky metal braces on dates, to work, and to school. Thankfully, modern braces are much different than they were a decade ago. Most orthodontic patients feel comfortable and confident in everyday situations, even with braces on their teeth!

Today’s braces options are sleek, comfortable, and as effective as ever. If you or your teenager struggle with low self-esteem because of crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, orthodontics are the key!

Here are five things you should know about today’s braces:

1.    The goal of orthodontics is to correct misaligned teeth.

Regardless of the type of braces a patient chooses, the goal is the same: to correct dental misalignment and/or malocclusion. You may need braces if you have any of these orthodontic issues:

• Gapped teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Underbite
• Overbite
• Crossbite

While some types of braces are more effective than others, traditional, clear, and Invisalign braces can correct certain degrees of these problems.

2.    Traditional metal braces still exist.

However, they look much different than you might remember from middle school. Today’s brackets are smaller, and wires are much thinner than ever before. Traditional metal braces no longer take precedence over every other part of the patient’s face. Although they may be visible, they shouldn’t be the first thing someone else notices.

Many times, dentists recommend traditional braces for patients with severe misalignment or malocclusion. Metal braces are stronger than other modern orthodontic options.

3.    Patients can opt for clear braces instead of metal ones.

Need the strength and effectiveness of metal braces but without the metal? Clear braces offer just that! Rather than being made from metal, these brackets are created from ceramic or porcelain and the wires are clear.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, clear braces tend to be more comfortable than metal ones. Unfortunately, the materials used in creating clear brackets also make them more expensive and prone to staining.

4.    Invisalign® clear aligners can correct most alignment issues.

Many patients prefer Invisalign clear aligners for many reasons, including:

• Clear aligners are just as effective in many cases.
• They can be removed while eating.
• Clear aligners are extremely durable.
• Invisalign is the least visible orthodontic option available.

Invisalign also requires the patient to be much more responsible. While the idea of removing the aligners seems great, it also means that they can be easily lost or misplaced. Additionally, the aligners must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day. We recommend only taking them off while eating and be sure to clean them before putting them back on.

5.    Braces are always worth it!

We’ve never met a person who regrets having braces. The benefits of orthodontics extend from better oral health and dental aesthetics to a person’s mental and overall health.

A perfectly aligned smile improves:

• oral health by reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease that often accompanies crowded, gapped, and crooked teeth.
• overall health because the mouth and body are connected. Gum disease often leads to overall health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• mental health by increasing a person’s self-esteem.

Grant Park Orthodontics

Ready to experience all of the benefits that orthodontics has to offer? Our Grant Park dentist, Dr. Abbey J. Lee, offers modern braces options for all types of dental needs. Contact our team today at (404) 328-7177 to schedule your initial consultation.