The perfect smile rarely ever comes naturally. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have teeth that are misaligned or maloccluded. Simply put, our teeth do not fit in our jaws. But with the help of modern technology and man’s ingenuity, you can achieve that bedazzling smile that’s sure to impress everyone and anyone.

When it comes to fixing irregularities in one’s teeth, the first thing that comes to mind is traditional metal braces – but did you know there’s more than one orthodontic solution? We dive into the orthodontic solutions available in the market, each with its own specific purpose and advantages.

Metal Braces

The traditional metal braces are the ones we are all well-acquainted with. These dental braces employ metal brackets and wires that are affixed directly onto your teeth. This treatment aims to slowly but surely move your teeth into the desired alignment (as deemed by your orthodontist) over an extended period.

The duration of orthodontic treatment using metal braces in Singapore can vary on a case-to-case basis. The number of irregularities that need fixing paired with the difficulty of each are the deciding factors that dictate how long you need to keep them on. Generally, most people can expect to be treated somewhere between one to two years.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are mainly similar to their traditional metal counterpart, apart from a few minor aspects. Just like regular metal braces, they use brackets and wires that sit in front of your teeth for the duration of the treatment, and use the same correction method.

The only difference that they bring is in their aesthetics. Unlike regular braces that use metal brackets, these braces are equipped with ceramic ones that are either clear or are the same colour as your teeth. This allows the fixture to be significantly less apparent and is typically chosen by those who want to hide their braces as much as possible. Additionally, special archwires and elastic modules are often used to aid in the camouflaging effort and make the braces even less noticeable.

Lingual Braces

Unlike the traditional metal and ceramic types, these braces are affixed to the back of your teeth instead of out front. In doing so, the fixtures are concealed from the start without the need for ceramic brackets or tooth-coloured wires. As a trade-off for this innate invisibility, users will have to deal with mild discomfort caused by their tongues frequently coming into contact with the braces.

Apart from the advantage of being out of sight, another benefit of lingual braces is their speedy treatment, that is, if they fit your case. Unlike traditional fixtures, lingual braces aren’t capable of fixing every irregularity, mainly due to their unique orientation. If ever you’d prefer these braces, it’s best to consult with your orthodontist first if they’ll be suitable for your particular case.

Clear Aligners/Invisalign

Possessing all the benefits of traditional braces but without their limitations, Invisalign braces in Singapore have become a widely popular option for those looking to fix their teeth. Clear aligners attain the same objective as braces do, all without brackets, wires, and everything else. Instead, they are made out of clear and flexible medical grade plastic that has been customised to meet your dental needs. This makes them perfect for people who wish to hide their dental treatments and don’t want to deal with the usual downsides associated with braces.

One such downside that irks people using braces is their inability to consume certain foodstuffs for the duration of their treatment. With Invisalign braces, you gain the coveted benefit of being able to pop them out during meals or whenever you need something to drink. Since they’re made of clear plastic, they’re highly likely to stain, and thus their removal is necessary when you need to eat or drink.

While it may seem like clear aligners are the best solution out of the lot, do take note that they may not be as effective as traditional braces. Depending on the complexity of your irregularities, such as teeth that are too rotated or large gaps, Invisalign may not be able to fix your tooth issues.

Conclusion

There are now many solutions to choose from when it comes to straightening one’s teeth and attaining that beautiful smile. Whether you choose the cheaper and effective traditional braces or the pricier but more comfortable Invisalign options, you’re guaranteed to get the results you want. But just remember that each person’s case will be different, and as such, some of the braces we covered may not be applicable to you. Consult with your orthodontist so that they can examine your case and present the best options that you can choose from.