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Braces are troublesome enough for children and teens to contend with, but what happens if you decide to invest in them as an adult? The most common concern when it comes to adult braces is their visibility, with many of us feeling like a mouth full of metal reduces us to our 15-year-old selves. So, if you’re looking for adult braces that have a subtle, and in some cases nearly-invisible look, these are the options you should consider.
Ceramic Braces
When it comes to ceramic braces, you can choose from two different options: clear brackets or tooth-coloured brackets. Both bracket types mean that ceramic braces offer an orthodontic treatment option that won’t be visually imposing. For an even more subtle look, you can also request that the wires connecting the brackets be tooth-coloured too, making them virtually undetectable unless someone is close to you. The only difference between traditional braces and ceramic braces is aesthetic, so you will benefit from the same results but using a more subtle look.
Invisalign
Although not a traditional brace but a plastic aligner, Invisalign often comes up in the conversation when talking about adult braces. The Invisalign system works using a series of retainers custom-made to fit your teeth. You change the aligners every 1-2 weeks in order to gradually shift and straighten your teeth. One of the many benefits of using the Invisalign system is that you don’t have to worry about getting your braces regularly tightened or the inconvenience of an emergency appointment if one of the wires should break. As the name implies, Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible because they are completely clear. You can expect the treatment to last 12-18 months depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue you are looking to correct.
Depending on the orthodontic issue you are looking to correct, there are three different types of Invisalign systems you can use: the original Invisalign system, Invisalign Lite, or Invisalign i7. The Invisalign Lite system is designed to be used over a shorter period of time than the original Invisalign system and is a cost-effective alternative for correcting minor orthodontic concerns. This option will be ideally suited if you are looking to correct a minor misalignment that can be resolved with the use of 14 aligners or less. The Invisalign i7 system, on the other hand, has been specifically designed to tackle minor crowding and spacing issues and correct these in a shorter time frame than the original Invisalign system.
Lingual Braces
The most inconspicuous type of braces are lingual braces. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are fitted on the back of the teeth, so while the fittings themselves aren’t invisible, their placement makes them undetectable. Because of their positioning, they are sometimes referred to as ‘hidden braces’.
Depending on your budget, you can either opt for standard fittings or for some custom-moulded ones. When it comes to lingual braces, you should be aware that they do take some getting used to. Due to their placement, they can affect your speech until you get used to talking with the braces, which usually takes a couple of weeks.
Inman Aligner
Like Invisalign, the Inman Aligner is a removable orthodontic solution, made of up clear plastic and durable wires. The Inman Aligner is specifically designed to correct the alignment of the front teeth in a short space of time. Visible results can be achieved in as little as 9 weeks, although the treatment lasts a number of months to ensure the best results. Although you should wear the aligner for the majority of the day in order to achieve the best results, it can be removed when you are eating so you don’t have to worry about flossing after every meal!