What Are Clear Braces Called?
There are a few different types of braces and other dental aligners that aren’t visible, though each of these is used for different issues and with varying results. Of course, most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, which consist of metal brackets affixed to the fronts of the teeth and anchored with metal wires and elastics. Metal braces are effective for most orthodontic treatment needs, but they’re obtrusive and very noticeable. For patients who want orthodontic treatment without the aesthetic effects of traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners like Invisalign, or lingual braces could be a good option. Recommendations and expected outcomes will vary depending on the nature and severity of the alignment issues being corrected, and your orthodontist can review your options with you at your initial consultation. Here’s some information to get you started.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
While ceramic braces function much like metal braces, there is one distinct difference: the brackets affixed to the fronts of the teeth are made of tooth-colored or entirely clear ceramic, and the wires and other components are also tooth-colored or clear. This makes ceramic braces considerably more discreet than metal braces, while still allowing them to provide comprehensive treatment for an array of orthodontic issues. While ceramic braces tend to be slightly larger than their metal counterparts and may also be prone to staining, they remain an appealing alternative for patients seeking more aesthetic treatment options.
Are Clear Aligners an Option?
Clear aligners grow increasingly popular with each passing year, since their introduction in the early 2000s. Most people refer to all clear aligners as Invisalign, which is the brand name of one of the pioneers of clear aligners; in fact, there are dozens of other brands of clear aligners that are used successfully these days. These aligners are popular for a number of good reasons: they’re transparent, removable, convenient, and make it easier to brush and floss. While these are all appealing things to consider, clear aligners aren’t advisable for patients with more significant misalignments or orthodontic needs. For patients with mild to moderate tooth misalignment or gaps between their teeth, however, clear aligners can be a great choice.
My Teeth are Too Crooked for Invisalign. What Should I Do?
Lingual braces can be a good compromise for patients with more complicated orthodontic problems who still want to avoid bulky, unattractive metal braces. Some orthodontists use lingual braces combined with invisalign, optimizing the benefits of each treatment in combination. Lingual braces aren’t as common as other types of orthodontic treatments, as they require specialized training, but they can provide unique advantages. These braces are affixed to the backs of the teeth, on the tongue, or lingual, side, making them completely invisible and fully customizable. While they can be effective for a variety of different orthodontic needs, they can also cause slight changes to speech or irritation of the tongue or other other tissues. Usually, these symptoms diminish after a few weeks as the patient gets used to lingual braces. While no single orthodontic treatment will ideally suit every patient, it’s comforting to know so many clear or invisible options exist and can be effective options for most patient needs.