| By :
Mark Etinger
If you think you might need braces, the first step you need to take is to consult with an orthodontist. After a short examination and consultation the orthodontist will be able to tell you if you should go ahead with braces, and if so, what kind. There are several different types of braces, most of which involve metal. The severity of your teeth's condition and the differences in cost are the top factors taken under consideration when people and their orthodontists decide what kind of braces they should get. The most common type of braces are made of metal. They're the least expensive and often the most effective. Most of the time metal braces are made from stainless steel; however, sometimes they are plated in gold, if the patient is allergic to the steel or just like the way the gold looks. However, this can get costly, since real gold is used. Titanium braces can also be used in lieu of stainless steel ones. Then there are ceramic braces, which are basically identical to stainless-steel braces in appearance but are less likely to leave the sort of marks on the teeth metal ones can. They also usually need to stay on the teeth longer than metal ones and are more costly. Lingual braces have been developed more recently. They're basically just an inverted version of the common metal type, but the brackets are bonded to the backs of the teeth instead of the fronts. These are more desirable because the braces aren't noticeable, but many patients have to take some time getting used to speaking and eating with the lingual braces in. All these braces work in generally the same way: small brackets are bonded onto each tooth, with wire laced through to connect each bracket. The teeth gradually move on their own, but every month or so the braces are tightened by the orthodontist so they can stay on the right track. The length of time the braces need to stay on depends on how much straightening needs to be done. Most people have them for about two and a half years. The newest development in teeth-alignment technology is Invisalign, a series of clear "trays" that are placed over the teeth and should be worn for 20-22 hours out of each day. They can be removed during meals and while brushing teeth; this, and the low visibility generally makes them the most desirable of the different types of braces. They are, however, the most expensive type of braces, partially because of the many custom-molded trays and because unlike with metal braces, visits to the orthodontist must be made every two weeks rather than monthly. No matter which type you're considering, you'll be able to sit down with a number of orthodontists to discuss your options.
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