Nbernical
the highest honor of com posting is being silenced
Moderator
Reputable ★★★
Established ★★★
{ orthodontic braces }
If are unhappy about your teeth, have some money for looksmaxxing, but haven't thought about braces, what are you doing?
Why braces matter
Orthodontic braces are the most well known way to improve teeth. They correct various dental issues, like crooked, gapped and crowded teeth.
In a span of 1.5-2 years, these issues can be totally fixed.
Let's take a look at our favorite looksmaxxers and their smiles.
Sean O'pry
A straight, charming smile
Jordan Barrett
Again, a straight and white smile
Chico Lachowski
Beautiful smile with straight teeth
Elias De Poot
Another white smile with good teeth
The only exception to this patter which I know of is RiRa, who I can't post a picture of by the forum's rules.A straight, charming smile
Jordan Barrett
Again, a straight and white smile
Chico Lachowski
Beautiful smile with straight teeth
Elias De Poot
Another white smile with good teeth
You can see how important a good smile is to being perceived as attractive. With a nice smile, you are more often seen as confident, healthy, and attractive. Teeth should be important to you as a looksmaxxer, since you show them off while flashing a smile at someone, but also while talking.
types of braces
This won't be as important to you, since the orthodontist ultimately decides which type you will get. Still, I'd like to include this.
These are the most common braces used in orthodontics. That's because of their affordability and durability. Metal braces are usually the cheapest type of braces. They're made of either stainless steel or aluminium alloys.
Orthodontists have been using metal braces for decades. Treatment tends to be smoother and more predictable.
Metal braces work by putting constant but small pressure on your teeth. This guides them into the correct place. Brackets are glued onto each individual tooth. Through these brackets runs a thin metal wire, which guides the teeth into the correct position by applying force.
The wire is held to the brackets using elastic bands. Patients can normally choose the color they want the elastics to be.
self ligating braces
These braces are similar to metal braces.
The difference is the way the wire sits. Like earlier said, with metal braces, the wire is held in place by elastics. With self ligating braces, there is no need for elastics. These braces have a built-in clip which secures the metal wire.
Self ligating braces have a couple of advantages over metal braces.
- Less appointments: There is no need for changing the elastics, since there are none.
- Easier cleaning: the elastics used with metal braces can trap and plaque. The self ligating braces don't do this because there are no elastics.
- Less pain: Since there is a reduction in pressure, there will also be a reduction in soreness.
lingual braces
The obvious thing here is that lingual braces are placed onto the back of the teeth, not the front. This type is perfect for people who do not want their braces to be visible to others. Lingual means 'related to the tongue', in this context lingual means the tongue side of the teeth (back side).
A big downside is the cost. Costs can vary, but are usually way higher than traditional metal braces. This is because the process of applying the braces is more difficult and takes longer.
There is not a lot to be said about lingual braces because they work in the same way as metal braces (both have brackets and a metal wire).
ceramic braces
These are also similar to metal braces. The big difference here is that the brackets are clear or tooth colored, also good for people who like the look of braces and want to hide them.
This type has certain downsides to it's big upside. I will list them below:
- Cost: ceramic braces are, as you may have guessed, more expensive than conventional braces.
- Less durable: These are more than twice as likely to break off or fracture. This is obviously because ceramic is less durable than metal.
clear aligners
These are a modern alternative to braces. There is no use of brackets, instead, clear aligners work using transparant plastic trays to move the teeth. Each set of trays is custom made to fit your teeth, the are worn for about 1-2 weeks before you move onto the next set. This will gradually move the teeth into the right place.
As you can see, these sets are removable, so you can easily take them off for brushing your teeth or eating. However, aligners have to be worn consistently. If you're done eating, brush teeth and put the aligner back in. They should be worn for 20-22 hours a day.
Aligners are also not fit for extreme issues, only mild to moderate ones. They're a popular choice for patients, seeing as they are close to invisible.
the motherfucking end
Just fucking go to an ortho. Also britishcels gtfih
I already love the results tho
