If you’re looking into getting braces for adults, don’t let anyone tell you that the choices are super limited. As is the case with shopping for an implant dentist or a laser dentist, the biggest obstacle is going to be cost and related insurance coverage. Outside of that, however, the options for braces for adults are many. Here’s a breakdown of the various different kinds with a bit of information about each.
Metal Braces
These are the braces you’re most used to seeing, the commonly used ones for most adolescents, and any orthodontist should be able to put these in. It’s a system wherein brackets get glued to each tooth.
Ceramic Braces
These are less visible than metal braces since the color of the ceramic blends well with natural tooth color. Also, the ceramic isn’t quite as strong as metal. These tend to be more expensive than metal braces, but adults love the subtle look of them.
Invisalign Clear
Often thought of as the Mercedes of corrective mouth-wear, these are virtually invisible, transparent inserts made from molds that fit right over your natural teeth. They are easily removed for brushing and flossing.
Lingual Braces
An inverted metal brace, lingual braces are attached behind the teeth, so they’re not visible to onlookers when you speak or smile. Because of this, not to mention a slightly more complicated installation, they tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces.
Damon Braces, Smart Brackets and Self-Ligating
Relatively new on the market, smart bracket braces are also called ‘self-ligating,’ meaning that they regulate their own tension and don’t require the supplemental use of elastics and, generally, can come off faster. The brackets themselves are smaller than traditional metal braces and are not as raised off the individual teeth, so they are more subtle. Other self-ligating braces that are not branded as “smart brackets” are available made of materials other than metal that are even subtler. Damon braces don’t require elastics either and are built similarly with a wire that has a certain amount of give, thus reducing pressure.
There are others as well, and you shouldn’t hesitate to ask questions about braces for adults, implant dentistry, or “what is laser dentistry?” when you go for your next teeth cleaning.
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