Advantages of Traditional Braces

Clear aligners, clear bracketed braces, and other advancements in orthodontic technology have greatly increased the number of people seeking teeth straightening treatment. While these newer options seem exciting, flexible, and discreet, traditional braces still offer many key advantages that make them the most common choice. Consulting a dental professional is the best place to start when deciding what is right for you. However, here are some compelling reasons to consider traditional braces.

What are traditional braces?

Before discussing their advantages, it is important to understand what it means to have traditional braces. Typically, traditional braces refer to the type most common among school-age children. They comprise standard metal brackets attached to the teeth with a strong adhesive and connected by the archwire. Elastic ligatures attach the archwire to each metal bracket. Patients who wear traditional braces usually need to have them tightened every four to six months, at which time new elastic ligatures replace the older ones.

Benefits of traditional braces

While newer teeth straightening options are more discreet and convient, there are still those for whom traditional braces fit better. Leading advantages traditional braces tend to have over newer options include:

• More durability
• Able to treat more severe cases
• Tend to be more affordable
• They do not stain like clear brackets or clear aligners

It is also important to note that, when compared to the whole of one's life, braces do not have to be worn for long. In addition, there are some cases in which traditional braces can offer shorter treatment times than the alternatives. Of course, treatment duration will depend on each individual.

Ideal candidates for traditional braces

Anyone looking for an affordable teeth straightening option can benefit from traditional braces. Dentists typically recommend this style for young children who are more likely to lose or forget to wear clear aligners. Other ideal candidates include patients of any age with moderate to severe crookedness or bite issues. Patients are encouraged to be honest with their dentist about their lifestyle and habits so that the dentist can guide them to the appropriate teeth straightening option.

Caring for teeth with braces

Proper care of one's teeth during treatment with braces is crucial for getting the most out of treatment. A dental care provider will give each patient detailed instructions specific to them. However, certain truths about braces care are fairly universal.

In addition to chewing gum, patients should avoid hard candy, popcorn, and other food items likely to get caught in or damage braces. Oral hygiene habits may need to change. Brushing within an hour after eating any food is advised because there are more areas for plaque and bacteria to get caught. Flossing becomes more of a challenge. However, tools such as flossing threaders and interdental brushes can help.