1. Straight Smiles for All
Straight teeth are more important than ever. Besides the dental health they promote, aligned teeth show self-care, self-confidence and attractiveness.
A nice smile not only makes a person more attractive, it can help a person feel better about herself, notes the website of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Braces not only straighten teeth, they also help bring the face, lips and teeth into balance with each other. Better job opportunities and social success may result, the AAO says.
But are metal braces, with their visible brackets and wires, the only way to a straighter smile? Thankfully, no.
2. Who Might Want Invisible Braces
Teenagers--the largest group of dental-braces-wearing people--may feel dorky with a "metal mouth." Adults--who also sometimes opt for the teeth-straightening procedures they didn't receive as youngsters--may feel held back professionally with a mouth full of visible braces. And athletes and wind musicians of all ages have reason to avoid permanent braces attached to the front of their teeth. For all of these people, and others, invisible braces might be the way to a straighter smile.
3. When Braces Aren't Braces
The Invisalign system consists of removable aligners that look somewhat like plastic bite guards. These gradually move the patient's teeth.
First, an impression of your teeth is taken to create the aligners. Then each aligner is switched out with a new aligner about every 2 weeks. According to Invisalign, the product precisely shifts teeth into alignment.
It takes around 25 aligners and 50 weeks of treatment to complete the Invisalign process, notes British dental specialist L. Joffe, in an article in "Journal of Orthodontics." According to Joffe, the advantages of Invisalign over conventional braces include aesthetics, since the aligners are virtually invisible; ease of patient use, since the aligners are easy to remove and insert; comfort of wear; and simplicity of care and better oral hygiene.
4. Fixed Braces Behind the Teeth
If for any reason your dental-care professional determines that you are not a candidate for the Invisalign system, yet you are still loath to wear obviously visible braces, then having braces attached to the backs of your teeth might be your best option. iBraces are the only customized "invisible" fixed braces available on the market today, according to the product's website, Lingualcare.com.
5. Today's Braces
If neither Invisalign nor iBraces will work for you, take heart. Today's metal braces aren't as noticeable as your mom's braces. The AAO notes that they aren't as large as older braces were, and they attach to the teeth for less visibility.
Member Comments