Wanting a straighter, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing smile is nothing new. However, the reality of wearing traditional metal braces has prevented many adults from pursuing orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. Today, however, more discrete orthodontic treatment options such as tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear braces, and clear aligner trays like Invisalign have led to adult braces becoming one of the biggest trends in orthodontics. Keep reading to join the trend and learn some useful tips about braces and tips for getting braces as an adult.
Invisalign is probably the most popular orthodontic treatment for adults who wish to straighten their teeth. The treatment uses a system of custom-designed and manufactured clear aligner trays to gradually shift the teeth into the desired positions and arrangement.
Invisalign offers a variety of advantages thanks to its design. The aligner trays are made from clear, smooth plastic that is comfortable on the soft tissues of the mouth and virtually invisible when worn. Although they need to be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours each day for treatment to be effective, the trays are removable which means patients can continue to enjoy all of their favorite foods throughout treatment and continue practicing their same at-home oral hygiene routine without the need to add any special tools or steps.
Incognito lingual braces are a unique style of traditional braces that are designed to fit on the backs (i.e. the tongue side) of a patient's teeth. As a result, they are not visible. These braces work in the same way as traditional braces, they simply offer the added benefit of completely discrete orthodontic treatment.
Incognito lingual braces are appropriate for patients with more severe or complex treatment needs. They do, however, require some additional oral hygiene care and might require you to avoid certain foods or activities throughout the course of treatment.
These braces work similarly to traditional metal braces and are also placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. They are, however, made from a combination of tooth-colored ceramic and clear materials. While they can still be seen if you look closely, they are designed to blend in with a patient's smile to create an aesthetically pleasing orthodontic treatment experience.
These braces work well in addressing complex and severe cases of misalignment. They might, however, also require that you adopt some additional oral hygiene practices and tools during treatment. Additionally, you might need to refrain from certain activities that could damage your braces or be sure to wear a custom-designed mouthguard to protect your orthodontic devices and soft tissues.
The type of teeth-straightening treatment that's right for you depends on a variety of factors such as your treatment preferences, lifestyle, and treatment needs. For example, Invisalign is only recommended for patients with mild to moderate misalignment. More complex or severe cases might require lingual or clear/ceramic braces or a more complex treatment that begins with an initial adjustment with braces that is completed with Invisalign.
Compared side by side, the cost of braces vs. treatment with clear aligner trays such as Invisalign is fairly similar. The difference in prices can occur as a result of more or less complex orthodontic cases and a patient's individual needs.
Additionally, insurance coverage for these orthodontic appliances can vary. If a patient wishes to adjust the alignment of their teeth for purely cosmetic purposes, these costs might not be covered by insurance. However, this is rarely the case. Most often, there is a medical reason for straightening a patient's teeth because having a crooked smile can actually cause a variety of oral health problems such as an increased risk for tooth decay and cavities, abnormal wear and tear, temporomandibular joint disorder, and more.
We can talk with you about the anticipated costs of your orthodontic treatment and your insurance coverage to help you choose the treatment plan that can best help you achieve your smile goals within your oral healthcare budget.
If you've been searching for an "orthodontist near me" to help you start your journey to a straighter, more comfortable smile, then we encourage you to contact Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood to request a consultation with Dr. Starling. No matter your age, we can work with you to determine the best course of treatment to straighten your smile discretely and comfortably with minimal interruptions to your day-to-day life.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
