Dental braces often invoke the image of awkward adolescents with silvery smiles. But braces are not only for children: Many adults seek orthodontia to straighten teeth and fix bite problems not corrected when they were younger. Accidents may have loosened or moved teeth, or financial considerations may have put dental braces out of reach. Adults considering braces have several options available besides conspicuous metal versions. Braces made from ceramic and plastic are virtually invisible; braces fitted behind the teeth and clear straighteners are also available.
Traditional Braces
Metal braces made from stainless steel are durable and economical, New Jersey orthodontist Robert Silverstein writes. They are conspicuous, however, and may be uncomfortable. Metal brackets fastened to each tooth hold a thin metal wire. The wire applies steady pressure to move teeth into position. An orthodontist will likely recommend metal braces if your teeth need extensive realignment.
Clear Braces
Braces made from clear plastic or off-white ceramic are virtually invisible, notes Silverstein. Both are cemented to the tooth surface and require metal wires to move teeth. Plastic brackets may wear down with time and tend to become discolored from tea, coffee, tomato sauce and other foods. Ceramic brackets tend to break, according to the online dental magazine World Dental. Ceramic and plastic braces require more maintenance visits than metal braces, adds Silverstein, increasing treatment time and cost.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces attach to the back sides of your teeth, explains the Dentalfind website. The metal brackets are cemented to the inside of the teeth, on the tongue side, and are invisible from the front. The braces may be uncomfortable and you may need to practice talking and eating with them.
Teeth Straighteners
Invisible teeth straighteners, such as Invisalign, are not braces in the traditional sense. No brackets attach to teeth, the World Dental website explains. Instead, a series of custom-fitted aligners gradually move your teeth. You wear each aligner continuously for two weeks, removing it only to eat and brush your teeth. After two weeks, you switch to the next aligner in your series. Because you do not eat with your aligners in place, they do not become discolored as do plastic braces.
Veneers
Small gaps or other minor cosmetic problems may be corrected with porcelain veneers. Veneers do not correct misalignments but instead cover them to improve your appearance, the DocShop website explains. You see an immediate improvement with veneers.
