Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are the most popular alternative to braces for adults. Invisalign can correct anything from minor overbites and underbites to serious malocclusions. An orthodontist will provide a series of transparent, removable “molds” that are placed over the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is another alternative to orthodontic appliances.
Porcelain veneers use very hard, thin shells that adhere to one or more teeth. The tooth is ground and the enamel removed. This is permanent, so if you choose veneers, you'll need to replace them every five to 10 years. The veneer attaches to the tooth and can change its position, straighten it, or move it to fill a space.
Porcelain is extremely strong and stain resistant. For unsightly front teeth, this can be a good option because, compared to orthodontic appliances, it's fast. Veneers may also be recommended for cracked, broken and heavily stained teeth. Ceramic braces are a popular alternative to their metal counterparts.
Not only are they ideal for almost any situation where metal braces would normally be used, but they are also much more discreet. Most candidates for ceramic braces are in adulthood and have established their permanent teeth. Clear braces are a general term for discrete orthodontic treatments and can include ceramic braces and plastic aligners (such as Invisalign). What they share is the ability to be well hidden.
Invisalign transparent tray on the teeth Another very popular option for straightening your teeth is Invisalign. These clear trays are specifically designed to help you achieve a dazzling smile without all the fuss of traditional metal braces. In this option, you'll use traditional orthodontic appliances to correct serious bite problems and malocclusions. Once the teeth have reached a certain stage of treatment, we can recommend Invisalign to finish the teeth straightening process.
Lingual braces are very similar to traditional orthodontic appliances that use wires and brackets. The only difference is that they are placed on the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible. As a result, many adults choose this orthodontic treatment option. However, the disadvantage is that lingual braces are much more difficult to clean due to their position on the back.
In addition, lingual braces are not suitable for people with overbites or for people with small teeth. Ceramic braces are less noticeable than traditional orthodontic appliances. Instead of using stainless steel, the holders are made of transparent or tooth-colored ceramic. However, keep in mind that ceramic braces still use metal wires that will be visible every time you open your mouth.
Ceramic braces also use the same components as metal braces, but are made of tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain rather than stainless steel, making them nearly invisible. Instead of ligatures, self-ligating braces are aligned using a door mechanism. Because braces slide along the wire instead of being held in place with rubber bands, teeth can move more freely with less discomfort and force. Self-ligating braces cause less friction between wire and braces and are generally easier to maintain and care for.
Without the need to replace rubber bands, appointment times can also be extended to 8-12 weeks. Lingual braces have the same components as traditional metal braces, but they are placed on the back of the teeth instead of on the front. While traditional orthodontic appliances use a wire bent into a horseshoe shape, the wire in lingual braces can be tailored to the contour of the mouth, which could shorten treatment. Because lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, where your tongue clashes when you speak, you may experience temporary lisseness or interference with speech when you begin treatment.
They are used for 12 to 24 months, on average. You should also wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight after treatment (at night only). Lingual braces consist of the same components as traditional metal braces. However, they are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front teeth.
Traditional orthodontic appliances use a wire bent into a horseshoe shape. However, the wire in the lingual braces can be custom-fixed to the contour of the mouth. This process can potentially shorten treatment time. Lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth (where your tongue clashes when you speak).
Because of this, you may have temporary lisseness or interference with speech when you start treatment. Ceramic appliances also use the same components as metal appliances. However, the brackets are made of ceramic or porcelain in the color of the tooth rather than stainless steel. This makes ceramic orthodontic appliances nearly invisible.
Ceramic braces are more practical than traditional metal braces because they blend in with your teeth. But they're also more expensive and tend to break more often, since they're made of plastic, which is less stable than metal. If you choose ceramic braces, excellent oral hygiene is crucial, as food and drinks can stain them. Dental Depot is proud to offer the latest in advanced orthodontic treatment options that provide faster, smoother results with less pain and discomfort.
Thanks to technological advances, treatment options have evolved to perform the same physiological function with less pain and discomfort, lower cost and faster results. . .