Most people would probably agree that the most difficult part of having to wear braces is that they are noticeable for people to see. This is especially difficult for tween and teenagers who are so focused on appearances and are afraid kids will make fun of them. It is not easy for adults either though. A mouth full of metal braces can make a grown man or woman feel like they are back in middle school again.

Luckily today there are invisible braces that are less noticeable to the naked eye so you don’t have to feel like you are flashing metal every time you smile or talk. Feeling more confident in your appearance is the biggest draw of invisible braces.

With today’s advances in orthodontic care you have several options to choose from when it comes to invisible braces. There are Invisalign aligners, lingual braces, and clear braces. There are different pros and cons to each so it is important to do your research before making any final decisions.

Invisalign Aligners

Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are not permanently adhered to your teeth. You can remove them when you eat and drink and when you brush and floss. Also because they are made of a clear plastic, most people will not even know you are wearing them, and they will not irritate your mouth or gums like the metal wires can.

Another benefit is that you can eat and drink anything you want while with metal braces you have to avoid hard and sticky foods. The great thing about Invisalign treatment is that they are more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces.

Because Invisalign braces don’t include any metal or wires that could cause damage to the inside your mouth. The clear braces are designed with a smooth finish so that they are no sharp edges that can cause you discomfort.

You will need to wear your aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day. If you don’t wear them for the prescribed amount of time, you will risk delaying your treatment so be diligent about wearing them.

Your aligners will be switched out every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into better alignment. It will mean a little more frequent trips to the orthodontist, but your treatment may move faster than traditional treatment would, allowing you to be completely done sooner that you thought.

Taking care of Invisalign clear braces is also very easy. All you will have to do is brush their aligners and rinse them with warm water to clean them. Invisalign cleaning kits are also available.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are braces that are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front making them practically invisible to the people around you. They are made up of brackets and wires like traditional braces, but because of their positioning they are more discrete.

Unfortunately there are some bite conditions that cannot be treated with lingual braces. Patients with a deep overbite are not good candidates for lingual braces because the overbite might put too much pressure on the brackets leading to the brackets falling off. During an evaluation, your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces will work for you.

Another concern is that not all orthodontists offer this type of treatment. It requires special training because the wiring work is more intricate than it is with traditional treatment. Another concern is that they can be more difficult to clean properly because it is on the back of your teeth which is harder to reach.

With these braces because they are permanently attached to your teeth, you will still need to abide by food and drink restrictions and you may experience some speech difficulty at first. What is exactly happening is that the tongue usually hits the back of the teeth to make sounds and now it can’t. The good news is that your tongue will eventually train itself to find a different place in the mouth.

In addition, because your tongue will be hitting up against the brackets, your tongue may develop sores until it get toughened up. To help with any pain or discomfort you make feel, rinse your mouth in warm saltwater or use over-the counter pain medicine that is safe to use to numb your tongue.

The technology used to create lingual braces is changing every day and getting more comfortable though so don’t discount this option.

Clear Braces

Clear braces refer to tooth-colored ceramic braces. These braces are just like the traditional metal braces except that the brackets are made of a tooth-colored ceramic. This is a good choice if you want your braces to be less noticeable, but traditional braces are the most effective treatment for your particular situation. Because there are some more severe alignment conditions that Invisalign aligners and lingual braces cannot address, these ceramic braces give you the best of both worlds.

The one thing you will need to be careful of is the staining of the ceramic. Because you don’t remove these braces when you eat and drink, the ceramic can get stained by certain foods and drinks. Talk to your orthodontist about the best ways to keep this from happening.

For all of these treatment options, make sure you practice good oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment. Food can get stuck in between braces and wires leading to a buildup of plaque which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Ask your orthodontist to recommend tools that will be helpful in keeping your mouth clean with braces on.

Whichever treatment option, you ultimately choose, keep in mind that invisible braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces so if cost is a deal breaker for you, you might want to stick with metal braces. At least look into it first though because with your dental insurance contribution, it might be doable after it all. And aren’t you worth it? Never stop making you and your health a priority in your life.

Want to learn more about invisible braces? Contact Dental Wellness Phoenixville today.