Millions of Americans wear braces to correct the alignment of their teeth. Surprisingly, almost a third of them are adults. You may be wondering what your options are for straightening your teeth and whether it’s necessary to wear traditional metal braces. Fortunately, improvements in materials and technology have made braces more comfortable. But of course, everyone has different needs, and the type of treatment you need depends on the amount of straightening you need. Here are the most common types of teeth straightening and how they work.
Invisalign® Aligner Therapy
One of the most appealing types of aligner therapy among adults is Invisalign. It uses custom-fitted, clear, plastic trays that slip onto teeth and apply gentle pressure to shift them into place. Because they’re clear, they maintain the look of natural teeth. Change out the trays every couple of weeks, and your teeth will begin to move gradually with each new set of trays. The full treatment is usually shorter than regular braces, often lasting several months.
You’ll need to wear the trays most of the time, but you can easily remove them to eat meals and brush and floss your teeth. This offers wearers convenience and versatility. That combined with their near invisibility makes them a popular choice. But Invisalign isn’t for everyone. They can correct crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Typically, though, they’re best used for mild to moderate cases of misaligned teeth.
Traditional Braces & the Latest Technology
If your teeth need extensive straightening, traditional braces are probably the best option for you. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Braces have come a long way in recent years: they are smaller, more comfortable, and have shorter treatment times than they used to. The brackets can even be clear or tooth-colored, making them less noticeable than the metal ones you’re more familiar with.
There are also braces that use heat-activated wires that speed up the straightening process. Lingual braces sit on the tongue side of teeth, which makes them nearly undetectable.
Braces need more maintenance than aligner trays. Brushing and flossing diligently is also important since the brackets and wires make it easier for food particles to get stuck. It’s best to avoid chewing gum or eating sticky or hard candies as well as foods like popcorn and chips since they can cause brackets to break. For the most part, if you follow the recommended care, your braces will work to get your teeth beautifully aligned and give you results that can last a lifetime.
South Texas Smiles offers many orthodontic treatments, including braces and Invisalign therapy. Dr. Maldonado would be happy to discuss the best type of treatment for your individual needs. If you want to learn more about teeth straightening and how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
