There has never been a better time to look into the option of straightening your teeth with braces. Gone are the days when having teeth straightened was only for the awkward teenage years. If you have long wished your teeth were straighter and are still self-conscious about the way your smile looks there are options available that can get you feeling good about yourself and your smile for good. Not only is it common for adults to have braces nowadays there are many options besides the traditional silver metal brackets that are less noticeable or even practically invisible. Depending on the extent of the misalignment in your teeth and jaw will be a deciding factor in which type of braces are the best for you.
Traditional Braces
- Underbite or overbite. Traditional braces which involve the use of metal brackets and sometimes spacers or bands are generally used to not only straighten teeth but also to correct misalignment in the jaw.
- Cost. Metal brackets made of stainless steel are the least expensive option for braces and are therefore the most commonly seen.
- Special care. It can be difficult to clean teeth carefully while wearing these braces as you don’t want to damage the brackets. Discoloration of teeth is also a possibility because of the brackets.
Ceramic Braces
- Less noticeable. Ceramic braces are a more popular choice among adults since the brackets are made from clear ceramic. They perform the same as traditional stainless steel braces but are less noticeable on teeth.
- Cost. The cost is a little higher than traditional braces but not as much an issue when being paid for as an adult.
- Special care. Much the same as is needed while wearing traditional braces.
Invisalign
- Tooth Straighteners. Clear aligners known mainly by the brand Invisalign are an extremely popular option as they are barely noticeable and invisible. These are an option when teeth simply need aligned and there is not a jaw alignment issue.
- Cost. Invisalign can be more costly as a new set is made for each adjustment as teeth begin to come in line.
- Special care. No special care is needed as aligners come off while you eat. The only issues may be that they can lose their form if removed too often and it is recommended not to drink anything too sugary while wearing them.
For more information on which braces are right for you see Dr. Glennon at Austin Dental Center. At Austin Dental we know that straighter teeth can mean more self-confidence and a happier smile.
