How to Find the Right Braces for You: A Guide

With so many options, including at-home impression kits and invisible aligners, there has never been a better time to consider braces. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, then braces could be the perfect way to resolve misalignment or other issues that may be denting your self-esteem.

As well as giving you the beautiful smile you deserve, orthodontic treatment can also, in some cases, make everyday things like eating, drinking, and talking more comfortable and can even help alleviate pain in the jaw and head if alignment issues are causing undue pressure.

Our smile is the first impression we give to the world – if you’re unhappy with yours, then use the guide below to find the perfect braces and take the first step on your journey to a radiant one.

Think About What You Want

To begin, consider your needs when it comes to braces: there isn’t necessarily a one size fits all solution.

Is it important to you that your treatment is discreet? Would you prefer that no one know that you’re wearing an appliance? How far is cost a priority? Is your budget limited?

It’s also worth considering the speed of treatment; is this important because, for example, you’re getting married the following year and would love to have your beautiful smile ready for this special event? Or is your case more complicated – are there significant misalignment issues, or has your dentist indicated that certain types of aligners would not be suitable for you?

Thinking about all of these things will help to ensure that the braces you have fitted suit your lifestyle and budget and meet your expectations in terms of what you need them to do and the timescale of treatment.

Different Types of Braces

When it comes to appliances, things have come a long way since the traditional ‘train-track’ braces, and headgear set-up was the only option. Now, the following appliances are available:

Invisible Aligners

This type of brace is a really popular choice and is an easy way to sort out mild to moderate alignment issues discreetly – they’re virtually invisible when worn. What many users love about this type of solution is that it can be removed for eating, cleaning, and special occasions. Aligner trays, custom-made for the patient, are replaced every week or two as the teeth begin to shift positions. For more information on a company providing this type of treatment, read ClearCorrect reviews to see how it works in practice.

Invisible aligners are a great choice for those who would prefer for people not to know that they’re wearing braces, and options are often available to accelerate treatment for those who want to see results fast. 

The downside is that invisible aligners are usually not suitable for more complex alignment issues.

Fixed Metal Braces

Brackets made from high-grade stainless steel are attached to each tooth with connecting elastics. Regular visits to your orthodontist will be required with this option so that the brackets can be tightened and the elastics replaced, which work to apply pressure to the teeth and so gradually move them into their new positions. There are now some types of fixed braces available that significantly speed up the process for those wanting faster results, and your orthodontist can give you information on these.

This type of brace is typically less expensive than other options and is suitable for even the most complex of alignment or overbite issues. Of course, fixed metal braces don’t have the discreet factor like their invisible aligner cousins; but you could go loud and proud and choose some of the new vibrantly colored elastics to express your personality if these appeals!

Ceramic Braces

This option is popular as a middle ground between the above. With brackets made from transparent material, these braces are less visible than fixed metal braces but are usually less expensive than invisible aligners and can, in some cases, provide quicker results.

It’s worth noting, however, that ceramic braces are more brittle than their metal counterparts and, therefore, prone to breaking – this usually makes them unsuitable for complex or severe cases of misalignment.

Do Your Research

To make sure you get the perfect braces, it’s a great idea to ask your dentist or orthodontist the type of brace they prefer to use (and the one that they would recommend for you) and their reasons for this. You could also ask about their success rate with cases and whether they offer any accelerated treatment plans if speedy results are important to you.

If you’re opting for an at-home treatment option, then be sure to read as many online reviews from previous users as possible to get an idea of the type of service you can expect. Check the company’s customer service provision and any money-back guarantees they offer, too.

Start Your Journey to a Perfect Smile

Taking the first step to getting braces could be one of the greatest gifts that you give yourself. Use the guide above to identify the perfect treatment option for you, and get ready to smile confident!