Traditional metal braces are wonderfully effective at straightening teeth. There are a few downsides to them though. One of the biggest concerns for some people is that traditional metal braces are visibly obvious, despite advancements in braces technology that have resulted in smaller, more streamlined braces designs. That can be a problem for teens and adults who are self-conscious about how they look when wearing braces. Fortunately, there are a few straightening solutions that offer a more subtle look.
Ceramic Braces
One of the advantages of traditional braces is that they can manipulate teeth in ways that other options, like clear aligners, can’t. If you need the sort of treatment that traditional braces provide without being so obvious about having braces, ceramic braces may be a good option. Ceramic braces are made to match the color of your enamel, making them much less noticeable. They are more prone to staining and are more delicate, so be diligent about brushing and flossing and extra careful with what you eat.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are applied to the back sides of the teeth, so they are virtually invisible to others. They are very effective at moving teeth and are customized for your mouth and its needs. While you’ll have to take extra care when cleaning your teeth regardless of what sort of braces you wear, lingual braces can pose extra challenges to clean around thanks to their location. Still, it’s hard to beat lingual braces when it comes to subtlety.
Clear Aligners
Some people are good candidates for clear aligners. Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are among the most commonly known examples of clear aligners. This straightening method uses clear trays that are put on the teeth to move them into their proper place. Aligners are removable, which means you don’t have to change how you eat (you still have to wear them at least 22 hours a day though). Because they’re clear, it’s hard to tell that you have any sort of appliance in your mouth at all.
Teens can be pretty self-conscious about how they look. Adults can be self-conscious about their appearance too, for that matter, especially if their occupation puts them in front of others. That can make traditional metal braces a less appealing option for straightening teeth. If you need a more subtle straightening solution, talk to your orthodontist to see which one is right for you.
Interested in using clear aligners to straighten your teeth? Stellar Orthodontics offers Invisalign and Invisalign Teen! Click here to learn more.