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braces in toledo, ohio

Underbites, overbites, gappy, crooked, crowded, and cramped can all be treated with braces. There are just as many options in orthodontics as there are problems they can solve.

We have come a long way since the days when wearing braces meant having a mouth full of metal. Today there are many different options to choose from that are smaller, easier to wear, and more effective than ever before. Selecting the best treatment method for you takes time and careful consideration.

Metal Braces

Traditional wires and brackets are what everyone pictures when they think of braces. There is a reason we still use them: they are effective. Wire braces consist of high-grade stainless steel metal brackets that are cemented to each tooth with archwires that run across them. Follow this link to learn more.

The archwires have different stiffness levels depending on how the dentist wants a patient’s teeth to move between appointments. At the same time, the elastics are replaced, applying pressure to your teeth to prompt them to move slowly into the correct position.

PROS: Excellent for more complex teeth and jaw issues. Colored rubber bands are available for self-expression—least expensive.

CONS: Most noticeable.

Clear Aligners

For those patients who prefer a lower orthodontic profile, there are clear aligners. Rather than brackets and wires, you receive a series of aligners that slowly shift your teeth into their proper position. The custom-made aligners are replaced every one to two weeks. Aside from being nearly invisible, the best thing about clear aligners is that they are removable, making eating and teeth cleaning much more manageable. There’s no banned foods list!

PROS: Ideal for image-conscious patients. Easy to maintain oral care. 

CONS: Not a great option for more serious orthodontic issues. Must wear trays for 22 hours a day. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are less noticeable. Still, they are just as effective as traditional metal braces at moving teeth into position quickly. What sets them apart from metal braces is that the brackets are made of transparent ceramic, so the braces are less visible and blend in with your tooth color. Ceramic braces are a popular choice for adult patients who don’t want their treatment to be noticeable. Click here to learn more.

PROS: Less visible than metal. Straighten your teeth quicker than clear aligners.

CONS: Elastics can become discolored. Ceramic is brittle and prone to breaking, so it is not recommended for severe cases. More expensive than metal braces.

 

Which One Should You Choose?

It’s more than just the aesthetics of the braces that determine which treatment you should choose. A few factors you should consider are cost, hygiene, and the final result. Read below to learn more.

Aesthetics

In our experience, regardless of age, patients worry primarily about how they will look with braces. The thought of wearing all that metal for two + years is enough to make their head spin. If the look of the braces is a concern for you, consider ceramic or invisible aligners that are less obvious than traditional options.

Budget

Some treatment options are more pricey than others. You may need to double-check if some options are not feasible due to the additional cost.

Due to the technology required to customize ceramic brackets and the time it takes in the lab to make them, the cost can be higher than other orthodontic treatments. 

Dental Hygiene

All braces require extra at-home oral hygiene by the patient. Having orthodontics means more attention to brushing and flossing to ensure teeth don’t stain around the brackets. Some younger children should wait before getting braces to improve their commitment to teeth brushing.

Discipline 

If you consider clear aligners, you need to ask yourself if you are disciplined enough to wear them for at least 22 hours every day. The trays need to be removed and placed back in the mouth soon after eating. The trays also need to be replaced every two weeks, so the treatment is at risk if one set isn’t worn as often as it should.

With braces, you will need to cut out a few foods and change how you eat others. Chewy, hard, and sticky foods are best avoided, while other foods should be cut into smaller pieces to avoid breaking the arch wire. 

 

Get The Best Braces For You With Wheeler Orthodontics!

If you need orthodontics in Toledo, Ohio, schedule an initial consultation with us by calling 419-473-1339 or email us. Here at Wheeler Orthodontics, we’re happy to discuss treatment plans and help you achieve great oral health and the smile of your dreams!