What Are Some Clear Options for Correcting My Teeth?

When it comes to straightening your teeth, you might believe that metal braces are your only option. This makes sense—they are the most visible option. When most of us were teenagers, most of our friends had metal braces. They were the only way to get straighter teeth. If you didn’t get your teeth straightened with metal braces while you were a teenager, you probably did not get your teeth straightened at all. As discouraging as braces could be when you were a kid, they could be much worse when you were an adult. Nowadays, you may be asking, “what are some clear options for correcting my teeth?”

Luckily, metal braces are no longer the only option you have when it comes to correcting your teeth. In fact, you have lots and lots of other option, ranging from clear plastic braces to treatments like Invisalign. Which you choose will depend on what your orthodontist recommends and how drastic your treatment needs to be. Some treatments are better at taking care of certain issues than others. If you are looking for some clear options for correcting your teeth, here are the most popular.

1. Invisalign

Invisalign is, by far, the most popular of all clear options for correcting teeth. This system consists of a series of clear plastic trays called aligners, that gradually push your teeth into a more natural alignment. This is not exactly a new treatment, but it is one of the newer options of the list, and one that many people have not yet considered when they are looking for straighter teeth. This process can often take just as long as metal braces, but because the aligners are clear, the only thing that most people will notice is that your teeth are getting straighter. The only real downside of Invisalign is that it requires a much higher level of commitment from the patient than other types of teeth straightening. You have to take the initiative to wear the aligners, keep them clean, keep track of them, etc. These are not tasks that you have to do when you have metal braces.

2. Lingual braces

While not exactly clear, there are types of traditional braces treatments that are less visible than their more common counterparts. Lingual braces use the same technology as any other braces system, but instead of being on the front of your teeth, they are on the back of your teeth. This area is called the lingual surface (because it is part of the speech process). The braces themselves will function almost exactly the same as braces on the front of your teeth, but they cannot be seen, because they are just on the back of your teeth. Because they are more difficult to apply and to adjust, this type of braces will usually be more expensive to have applied than other types of braces. They will also be more difficult to clean. They are, however, a good alternative to front-facing braces, if you do not want to deal with traditional braces.

3. Ceramic braces

These are also not actually completely clear, but they are definitely less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Instead of metal, the orthodontists uses ceramic brackets that are the same color as the teeth. In some instances, you may even be able to have clear ceramic brackets applied to your teeth. Because the ceramic mimics not just the color, but also the texture of the tooth, this type of braces will usually appear invisible. You do still have to use a metal wire, however, but because the brackets themselves are clear or, at the very least, as incognito as possible, most people feel more comfortable wearing this type of braces than any other type of braces.

So What’s Best For You?

Of all of the types of clear braces that are available to you, Invisalign is probably the most popular, for a number of reasons. First, because you can actually remove the aligners from your mouth, making it much easier to clean your teeth and to clean the aligners. This is something that simply cannot be replicated by any other straightening options. Second, most insurance companies now cover this option, so patients who might not have been able to get Invisalign before now can, without worrying about having to pay for the treatment out of their own pocket. Third, Invisalign Teen a great alternative to braces for teenagers.

It is not, however, the most viable treatment for every single patient. Some patients have issues that are too severe for Invisalign treatment, even with the most recent advancements. We know that clear options are becoming more and more attractive to both adults and teenagers alike. In some instances, lingual or ceramic braces might be a good option. They can often provide the exact same level of treatment that would come with traditional metal braces, but without the hassle that often accompanies metal braces. Not every office offers these options, however, so they may not even be available to patients in all areas.

A clear teeth-straightening option is almost always going to be preferred over one that requires you to wear shiny metal brackets in your mouth for eighteen months (or longer). No matter why you want to find a clear option, do not delay getting the orthodontic treatment that you need. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you will be able to complete it and get all of the health benefits that come along with having straighter teeth. If you have ever wondered about the clear options for correcting my teeth, one of these options may be perfect for you.