Breaking Down Braces Options for Adults

More adults are looking to straighten their teeth using braces. Thankfully, there are more options available for those looking for braces than ever before.

 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a teeth straightening system that employs molded plastic tooth trays that are molded to fit the patient’s teeth. The trays are designed to align the patient’s teeth. Every two weeks, the patient will change out the trays as their teeth straighten. According to studies performed by the American Dental Association, Invisalign aligners make oral hygiene easier, thereby reducing the risks of oral infections, which in turn can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. The downsides of Invisalign are the price, which is considerably more expensive than traditional braces, and the fact that they are not designed for individuals who need serious dental correction.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces appear invisible because they are designed to run across the flip side of a person’s bite. Like traditional braces, they are made up of wires and metal brackets customized to fit the patient’s teeth. Lingual braces are a good option for individuals who have moderate to severe problems with spacing between their teeth. The downside to these braces is that they are more expensive than conventional braces. Also, because of their location in the mouth, they can be difficult to keep clean.

Self-Litigating Braces

While similar in appearance to conventional braces, the main difference is that self-litigating braces use tiny plastic bands referred to as ligatures that connect to hooks on the face of the braces to hold the wire firm against the patient’s teeth. These braces are relatively easy to clean, and because they have a smoother surface, they are less irritating to the mouth. Additionally, adjustment times are shorter because the dentist will not have to replace the ligatures every time they tighten the arch wire. The number one con of these braces is that they are not entirely invisible.

Ceramic Braces

With ceramic braces, the brackets that are attached to the teeth are made of a translucent or tooth-colored material. At first glance, they seem almost invisible because they blend in with the patient’s teeth. The cons of this form of teeth alignment is that the ligatures are made from latex, which means that they can stain, thereby defeating the purpose of the translucent quality of the brackets. Ask Dr. Bruce Hartley or a dentist in your area what foods to avoid so you can keep your ceramic braces as clean and clear as possible.

The number one complaint people have about going to the dentist either to have braces applied or have other dental work done is the anxiety, the worry, and the fear about discomfort while at the dentist. However, advances in dental care sedation techniques allow dentists to provide anxiety free, pain-free dental care.

A straight smile is an essential part of having confidence and feeling good about oneself. The various forms of braces that are available for adults makes the goal of having a straight smile a reality that you can attain.

Categories: ADA, braces for adults, ceramic braces, Dentist, invisalign, lingual braces, orthodontics, self-litigating braces

Best Reasons to Choose Invisible Braces

 

There are now advanced and new options for patients who would like to straighten their teeth but wish to avoid some of the disadvantages of traditional braces. This is why many have turned to invisible braces that can be used to restore both the appearance and function of one’s teeth.

 

Shorter Treatment Period

Traditional braces can take years on end to fully restore a smile, and this means all of the disadvantages of these metal appliances are that much more daunting for those who would like to restore their smile. Luckily, invisible braces have a much shorter duration of treatment. While metal braces can potentially take upwards of five years to complete, invisible braces can often be done in just 18 months.

 

Better Comfort

One of the main disadvantages of metal braces is the discomfort that many will experience after they are installed. Instead of metal wires or brackets in one’s mouth, invisible braces are comfortable trays that are custom-made for every single patient and can be taken out at any time and for any reason.

 

Eat the Foods You Love

There is quite a long list of foods that must be avoided after metal braces have been installed. Clear braces, on the other hand, can be removed just before a meal so that patients can enjoy all of their favorite foods. If you want to brush your teeth or even eat a candied apple, you can remove and replace your invisible braces in just a few moments.

 

Almost Invisible

A major drawback of braces is the fact that patients will not fully enjoy their smile for years on end due to the appearance of the posts and wires. For those who want to continue smiling with confidence even while their teeth are becoming straighter, these invisible braces can hardly be seen while in the mouth as the clear trays have been designed to slide over one’s teeth and nearly disappear once in place. And regardless of whether you choose Patrick M. Pitts, DDS or a dentist in your particular area, this form of braces is so popular that the chances are high that your chosen provider will offer them.

 

Peace of Mind

Using traditional braces is often a trial-and-error process that requires constant checkups and adjustments from one’s dentist. With these clear trays, however, patients will know exactly what to expect from start to finish. As the teeth become straighter, custom new trays can be swapped out with a specific time frame of when the treatment will be done.

 

With these amazing advantages, every patient with crooked teeth or an uneven smile should speak to their dentist about invisible braces. In as little as 18 months you or a loved one could be once again smiling with confidence.

 

Categories: Dental, Dentist, invisalign, invisible braces, orthodontics