Many adults want straighter teeth, but aren’t exactly thrilled about the prospect of getting braces. In addition to a straighter smile, orthodontic treatment has dental health benefits. But adults often avoid getting the orthodontic care they need because they don’t want braces to affect their appearance and potentially cause discomfort.
Now with advancements in technology, there are some different options for adults who wish to straighten their teeth in a more subtle way. Here are some braces alternatives for adults to consider.
InvisalignⓇ
With the slogan “the clear alternative to braces”, InvisalignⓇ is an orthodontic treatment option that can treat a wide variety of common orthodontic conditions including crowding, overbite, and more. InvisalignⓇ uses clear aligners that fit over the teeth to gradually shift them into proper alignment. The aligners are made of clear, flexible plastic that sits snugly against your teeth. These aligners are virtually invisible and hard to notice unless you know they are there.
Some additional advantages of InvisalignⓇ aligners are that they are removable and comfortable. You can take them out to eat so you don’t have to give up any foods, and you can brush and floss your teeth normally. The smooth plastic won’t irritate the soft tissues of your mouth, like your tongue and the inside of your cheeks and lips.
InBrace Lingual Braces
Another option for orthodontic treatment that is less visible is lingual braces. Lingual braces are attached to the back sides of the teeth. They are still capable of shifting your teeth into proper alignment through a series of brackets and wires, but they work behind your teeth where they can’t be seen.
Lingual braces are effective, but may take longer than traditional braces for some patients, depending on the extent of the orthodontic corrections needed. They are more likely to cause discomfort to your tongue, but will not irritate your cheeks or lips. Lingual braces may also affect your speech, but possibly only temporarily until you get used to them.
Clear Braces
Another option for adults who want less visible orthodontic treatment is clear braces. The brackets are made of clear or tooth colored ceramic that blends in with your teeth. Clear braces are still connected by a silver archwire that is visible, but they are still significantly more understated than metal braces.
Ceramic brackets tend to be less sturdy than metal brackets, so it’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions on what to eat and not eat. It is also necessary to keep them clean to preserve the clear appearance.
Methods to Accelerate Orthodontic Treatment in Adults
Orthodontic treatment tends to take longer for adults than it does for children and teens. The reason is because adults are no longer growing and their teeth are set in place, whereas the regular growth spurts of children and teens make their jaw more malleable and the teeth easier to move. But there are new advancements in technology that can accelerate orthodontic treatment for adults.
One option is VPro+ accelerated orthodontics. This device emits high frequency vibrations that can speed up treatment by loosening up the support structures that hold the teeth in place, allowing them to move more freely. Just 5 minutes a day at home using this device can accelerate your treatment and improve retention.
Embrace Orthodontics Provides a Range of Orthodontic Treatment Options
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, it helps to have options. Embrace Orthodontics provides a wide range of orthodontic treatments so that our patients can choose the option that works best for them. We make our recommendation based on what would be most effective for you, taking your preferences into account. You can get the benefits of braces without the metallic smile.
Call 203-227-6061 today to schedule a complimentary consultation at our Westport office or 203-324-3121 for our Stamford office. You can also request an appointment at either office. We look forward to providing you with quality orthodontic treatment.