2 Non-Metallic Types Of Subtle Braces For Adults

If you needed braces as a teenager, but you were never able to get it, it is not too late to benefit from braces now. In addition, you may have developed the need for braces as the health of your teeth or your jaw strength changed. Fortunately, the stigma about adults in braces seems to have diminished or disappeared entirely in recent years, possibly due to the advances in orthodontia that are now available. It is also helpful to many adults to be able to avoid the metallic braces that you probably did not want less as a child and you probably want to do so even less now.   

However, the severity of your problem will impact the type of braces you should get and how long you will wear them. Therefore, it is a good idea to become an informed patient and aware of your options before consulting with an orthodontist.

Should You Choose Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces are an excellent choice for adult professionals that want to maintain their appearance. This option is clear or tooth-colored and attaches to the front of the teeth, just like the traditional metal braces you are trying to avoid. They are semi-permanent and must be removed or changed by your orthodontist.

It is important to note that their coloring allows them to blend in better with the color of your teeth but are noticeably more fragile than standard metal braces. They are also prone to staining, so you will be cleaning and brushing your teeth more often while wearing them.

What About Clear Plastic Liners?

Clear plastic liners are by far the least obvious type of braces you can choose from. However, they are not appropriate for everyone. For instance, if you have severe spacing issues or a very noticeable underbite or overbite, the gentle pulling of a dental liner will not be sufficient to correct the problem.

If you are eligible for clear plastic dental liners, you will wear at least 8 and no more than 30 of them at any given time. They will be swapped out every two weeks by the dentist as your smile improves. Because they are so non-invasive, you may need to wear them for years to completely perfect your smile.

This option is almost invisible and can rarely be detected by the people with whom you work or speak. Another bonus is that since you can remove them, cleaning is easy. They closely resemble a mouthguard.

In conclusion, it is never too late to correct an underbite, overbite or other crowding problem that is affecting your smile. By learning what options would be the most appropriate for you and scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist (such as one from Arrowhead Family Dentistry), you will never need to be ashamed of your teeth again.


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