Self-Ligating Braces Might Be The Right Choice When You Need Braces As An Adult
ShareIf you need to get braces, you'll have a lot of decisions to make with guidance from your dentist. For instance, you need to choose the type of braces you'll wear. Some options may not be suitable if you have certain conditions that need to be treated, but if you have a choice, you might want to opt for self-ligating braces. Here's why.
Self-Ligating Braces Don't Need Rubber Bands
Self-ligating braces have a different appearance from traditional braces that use bands. Rather than bands, the braces have doors on the brackets that open and close to make adjustments to the archwire.
Self-ligating doesn't mean you don't need to see a dentist to have the braces adjusted. Instead, it means the archwire can be adjusted using brackets attached to the wire rather than adjusting elastic bands.
Rubber bands can make it easier for kids and teens to adapt to wearing braces since they can choose brightly colored bands with the color of their choice. However, as an adult, you probably want more mature-looking braces that don't have bands on them.
You can even opt for less noticeable braces that have clear brackets so the only thing obvious is the metal archwire that runs across your teeth.
Self-Ligating Braces Are Easier To Clean
Traditional braces with elastic bands are hard to keep clean since food often gets caught on the bands. When you can't keep the food cleaned away from your teeth, that increases the risk of cavities. You may find brushing is easier and more effective when there are no bands to brush around, and that could mean you'll have fewer dental problems while wearing your braces.
Self-Ligating Braces Might Work Faster
Self-ligating braces might be more convenient for you because your visits to the dental office are usually shorter since the brackets with doors are easier to adjust. Plus, you might wear braces for a shorter period of time. Each person is different, and each dental condition is different, so talk to your dentist about how long you'll need to wear the braces and how they compare to traditional braces in how fast and how well they work.
Although they work in slightly different ways, all braces are the same in that they move the position of your teeth into proper alignment. Plus, you'll probably need to wear a retainer once the braces are removed to keep your teeth in position.
Differences come in the way that braces look, feel, and are maintained. Your dentist will help you decide on the right braces to choose, taking into account that you're an adult with needs different from kids and teens.