Adult braces are a growing trend, as Honolulu magazine reports, with the number of adult patients seen by orthodontists increasing 40 percent from 1989 to 2012. Between 2012 and 2014 the number of adults treated by orthodontists jumped from a million to 1.4 million. The majority of patients are still ages 9 to 14, but the stats show that one can enjoy a straighter smile through braces at any age.
One of the biggest concerns about getting traditional braces is the look of having metal in your mouth, but the good news is that in many cases that’s just not necessary anymore with several alternatives to traditional braces.
Alternatives to Traditional Braces
Incognito Braces
Incognito braces, also referred to as lingual braces, are placed on the back of the teeth and can’t be seen easily which makes them ideal for those who are worried about their appearance but want to have their teeth better aligned. Thanks to the customization and technology involved they may cost about the same as traditional braces, although they could be more depending on the particular treatment required. They won’t do any damage to the front surface of the teeth like metal braces can sometimes do, and they’re a good choice for musicians who play wind instruments like flutes or saxophones. As the braces are concentrated behind the teeth, however, they can feel quite a bit awkward, especially in the beginning.
These braces take about the same amount of time to correct the problem like other braces do, and the application process is very similar too. You’ll still have to follow rules like not eating popcorn, gum or hard foods until the braces are removed.
Invisalign Braces
The most comfortable, convenient and popular alternative to traditional braces is Invisalign. This type of orthodontic treatment helps to straighten teeth without using wires and brackets. It’s a cutting-edge technology that uses clear plastic aligners instead. They slip right over the teeth, fitting snugly to gradually move them into a slightly different position. You’ll return to your orthodontist every few weeks for a new aligner which will continue to move your teeth further as a gentle but effective way of achieving straighter teeth. You can even take the aligners out to play a wind instrument, play sports, eat or drink. The trays are clear so that they’re practically invisible, and most people won’t ever notice them. It’s also much less painful than other types of orthodontic treatments like metal braces.
The cost for Invisalign varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on the alignment of your teeth require and how many aligners will be needed throughout treatment.
Damon Braces
Damn braces are similar to traditional braces except they use clear brackets rather than metal ones. And, instead of having brackets that have to be tightened and adjusted regularly, the braces use a slide mechanism. It attaches wires to the brackets so that they can move naturally with the teeth while they realign. That makes them not only more attractive but more comfortable and able to provide the best results in a short period of time. They can be used to correct even very complex oral problems.