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Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since the days of unsightly metal bands and external headgears. Today, contemporary teeth straightening treatment methods are designed to be as unobtrusive and practical as possible so patients can get on with their lives with confidence.
The main reason most people want to straighten their teeth is so that they can have confidence in their smile. However, having orthodontic treatment can also improve your bite, reduce tooth wear, help with dental hygiene, and in some cases may also be part of the solution to sleep apnoea. Ignoring problems related to your teeth and bite may seem convenient, but the treatment needed to fix your concerns may be more simple than you think.
While metal braces are still an extremely effective method of straightening teeth and achieving a perfect smile, alternative orthodontic treatment options now include Clear or Tooth Coloured Ceramic Braces, Lingual (inside) braces and Clear Aligners (for example, Invisalign®, clear path aligners , Novo align , K- line ).
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since the days of unsightly metal bands and external headgears. Today, contemporary teeth straightening treatment methods are designed to be as unobtrusive and practical as possible so patients can get on with their lives with confidence.
Reasons to straighten your teeth
The main reason most people want to straighten their teeth is so that they can have confidence in their smile. However, having orthodontic treatment can also improve your bite, reduce tooth wear, help with dental hygiene, and in some cases may also be part of the solution to sleep apnoea. Ignoring problems related to your teeth and bite may seem convenient, but the treatment needed to fix your concerns may be more simple than you think.
So what are your orthodontic treatment options?
While metal braces are still an extremely effective method of straightening teeth and achieving a perfect smile, alternative orthodontic treatment options now include Clear or Tooth Coloured Ceramic Braces, Lingual (inside) braces and Clear Aligners (for example, Invisalign®, clear path aligners , Novo align , K- line ).
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are popular among adults and older teens who are looking for an effective teeth straightening option with a less obvious appearance. They are less noticeable than standard metal braces because they have clear or tooth-coloured brackets and optional tooth-coloured wires.
While ceramic braces are much less visible, they work in precisely the same way as metal braces, producing the same results in the same treatment time.
- Benefits of ceramic braces:
Ceramic braces are one of the most highly effective straightening methods available. They are also far less visible than standard metal braces due to the non-metallic ceramic material they are made from.
- Drawbacks of ceramic braces:
Ceramic braces sometimes cost a little more than their metal counterparts, although this is best established on a case by case basis. They can be slightly larger than metal braces but, due to their colour, are usually less obvious.
Some types of ceramic brackets may be prone to staining, but overall most ceramic brackets should not absorb stains. The modules or elastic ring which hold the wire in the bracket are more likely to stain but these are changed at every orthodontic adjustment appointment.
Lingual (inside) braces
Lingual braces are truly invisible – these custom-made braces are attached to the inside surfaces of your teeth, instead of the front. Lingual braces are 100% personalised to follow the individual contours of your teeth, ensuring they are as comfortable and effective as possible.
However, because lingual braces are located near the tongue, they can take some time to get used to and may impact on speech and eating more than regular braces, which is one of the reasons many people opt for alternative treatments.
- Benefits of lingual braces:
Once you get used to your lingual braces it is virtually impossible for people to see them which is good for people who would like to have their teeth fixed without it being obvious that they’re receiving treatment.
Lingual braces work in much the same way as standard braces – they’re just placed behind the teeth.
- Drawbacks of lingual braces:
Due to the difficult application process, the added difficulty to adjust and the need for total customization they are significantly more expensive than other options.
They may impact your speech and eating habits for a time while you get used to the feel of them in your mouth. Some people may find the feeling of the lingual braces uncomfortable to their tongue.
Clear Aligners
Clear plastic aligners can provide an almost invisible alternative to fixed braces but are generally better suited to correcting for less severe orthodontic problems. Clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible (How does it works? ), but if they’re not worn consistently or are removed from the mouth too often the treatment will not work.
- Benefits of clear aligners:
Clear aligners are a more comfortable corrective method than braces because there is less material on the teeth and no wires. When properly cared for they are virtually invisible. They are also more hygienic than braces and can be removed to eat and brush your teeth.
- Drawbacks of clear aligners:
They require discipline to ensure the treatment is effective and may not provide predictable treatment results for some complicated orthodontic problems.For more about conventional braces vs clear aligners.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most common type of braces used for kids and teens, but they’re also an option for adults, particularly those who are on a tighter budget.
With this type of treatment, small metal brackets are attached to the teeth and are then connected with a thin wire, which is adjusted or changed at regular intervals to gradually straighten your teeth and correct your bite – making them a very effective and reliable treatment option. Modern metal braces are much smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
- Benefits of metal braces:
They are one of the most effective method of teeth straightening, especially if you require extensive treatment, and are more cost effective than other options.
- Drawbacks of metal braces:
Many people put off getting their teeth fixed because they want to avoid the look of metal braces.To make teeth straightening more affordable, many dentist will offer payment plans so you can spread the payments out and make them more budget-friendly.
How to straighten teeth without braces?
Another different method of straightening teeth that orthodontists commonly use is called removable appliances, otherwise commonly known as “plates”. Removable plates are not a true alternative to braces or aligners as they can only provide limited corrections. Plates are mostly used in young children who still have baby teeth present and whilst they can certainly be very helpful for correcting some simple problems in this age group, a second stage of treatment with braces will usually be needed after all the adult teeth have come through a few years later.
While there are alternative treatment options available if you’re looking for ways to correct your smile without braces, they may not be suited to everybody. It is always best to discuss the best treatment options for your smile when you make an appointment with your local dentist.
