Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean that you’ve missed your opportunity at straightening your teeth. There are several options available to you, even if you want to avoid traditional braces. By learning more about them, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign braces are arguably the most popular alternative to traditional, metal braces. They involve a series of plastic aligners that you swap out every two weeks so that your teeth gradually shift into their designed location. Treatment lasts about two weeks, and the aligners are so clear that other people likely won’t even know you’re wearing them.
Who is a Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is a great solution for older teens and adults, but children with their growing teeth may not be good candidates. Invisalign is great for mild to moderate corrections, including:
-Gaps
-Crowding
-Overbite
-Underbite
-Crossbite
Severe cases of any of these issues may require more advanced orthodontic procedures for correction.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign?
If you are considering Invisalign, it is important to know the pros and cons. For benefits, Invisalign is comfortable and more attractive than traditional, metal braces. It is also removable, so you can take it out when you eat, floss, and brush. This allows you to practice good oral hygiene and enables you to eat foods you might need to avoid with other orthodontic solutions.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the same shape and size as metal braces, but they are much more discreet. They offer clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires that blend in with the natural teeth. Unlike Invisalign, they are a good option for all orthodontic corrections, including severe bite and alignment issues.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces offer both benefits and drawbacks. Since they are the same color as your natural teeth, they’ll be less noticeable than bulky, silver braces. They are good options for severe corrections, and they’ll move your teeth much faster than Invisalign and other aligner systems.
In terms of drawbacks, there are a few to consider. You’ll need to watch what you eat with ceramic braces, not just because of the potential to break the hardware, but also because the brackets can easily stain. Ceramic braces also tend to be more expensive than traditional braces.
Lingual Braces
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could straighten your teeth without any brackets or appliances showing at all? With lingual braces, you can, as they are the same as traditional braces, but they are placed on the backs of the teeth. These fixed braces are virtually invisible and will correct the alignment of the teeth discreetly.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Lingual Braces?
There are many pros and cons associated with lingual braces. The most obvious benefit is that others won’t be able to see them since they are on the back of the teeth. If you play sports or a musical instrument, you can also rest assured that they won’t affect your performance.
However, there are some challenges associated with lingual braces. Due to their placement, they can be difficult to clean, and since the position affects the tongue, they may be difficult to get used to. Since the braces are more difficult to access, regular adjustments may take longer, and these braces might not be a good option for people in need of severe orthodontic correction.
You don’t have to be unhappy with your smile any longer, as we are here to help. A beautiful, straight smile is an investment in your future, and we offer the services that you need to achieve it. Call us today at 479-646-0706 to schedule an appointment, or take advantage of our convenient web form at https://www.ident.ws/template_include/new_patient_sign_in.do?site=10348&practiceId=35766
