3 Alternatives To Metal Braces That Are More Discreet And Practical
Considering having your teeth straightened with braces? If so, the stigma of having metal braces may be what is stopping you from having them installed. You may not be aware of all the practical options available to you that will be discreet to others when worn. Know about these 3 options that will do a great job at making your smile beautiful without the visible metal brackets.
Lingual Braces
The lingual style of braces are still made using metal, but they won't be easily seen when speaking or smiling. The brackets are not visible because they are placed behind your teeth rather than on the front. Lingual braces are hidden from others in most situations, so the social stigma of braces will be gone.
While these braces great at remaining hidden, they have additional benefits over traditional metal braces. Lingual braces will be protected if you play a sport where contact with your face is a high possibility. Lingual braces are also ideal for people that play instruments, since the braces won't interfere with reeds. Since lingual instruments don't put pressure on your lips, there won't be obstructions when blowing into your instrument. The brackets of lingual braces will not touch your interior lip either, so you won't have issues with your lips snagging on the metal.
Invisalign
Another alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign. The orthodontic correction method uses aligning trays that are transparent, which is ideal for adults and older teens with teeth that have fully come in. You wear a set of trays for a few weeks, and then replace the trays with another set that help progressively move your teeth.
Many people love Invisalign because the trays can be removed when cleaning your teeth or eating. While you cannot take them out overnight because of how it can delay the straightening process, it is nice to be able to take them out in situations that require it.
Clear Braces
The difference between traditional braces and clear braces is that the latter doesn't use metal. Clear braces are constructed with a ceramic material that is the color of your natural teeth, and won't be very noticeable to others. Other than that, clear braces are very similar to traditional metal braces when it comes to how they feel on your teeth and how you must care for them. They are cheaper than lingual braces, which make them more practical for people that want their braces to be discreet.
For more info on discreet braces, ask your dentist.