2 Discreet Ways To Straighten Your Teeth
Posted on: 20 April 2016
If you are planning to have your misaligned teeth corrected, there are many orthodontic applications available. If you are an adult, you will likely prefer an application that is discreet in its appearance. Many adults do not favor the look of metal brackets on the front of their teeth, since the metal may be distracting as the wearer converses with others. Still, there are other orthodontic options that do not require metal brackets. Here are two of them:
Clear Braces
Clear braces are actually conventional braces that include ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The braces are referred to as clear, because they are difficult to discern on the teeth. The ceramic is white like the patient's tooth enamel, so there is not a large contrast between the brackets of the braces and the patient's teeth.
Ceramic braces usually cost a little more than traditional braces do. Conventional metal braces are usually priced around $3000 to $7,000, but ceramic braces on generally priced between $4,000 and $8,000. A patient may reduce the cost of his or her ceramic braces, by limiting the number of teeth to which the ceramic brackets are applied. He or she may be able to choose metal braces for the teeth that are not easily seen, such as those on the sides and in the back of the mouth. Ceramic braces can be selected only for the teeth in the front of the mouth, which are seen when the patient smiles or speaks.
In addition to traditional ceramic braces, there are also ceramic braces available with self-litigating brackets. Normally, the archwire of a set of braces is attached to each bracket of the braces using elastic bands. With self-litigating brackets, the arch wire is fed through the bracket itself. The brackets are designed with small tunnel-like holes that are made to accommodate the archwire.
Self-litigating ceramic brackets are smaller than conventional ceramic brackets. In addition, the self-litigating nature of the braces reduces the friction that must be overcome before the alignment force can start to shift the teeth.
Friction is usually generated by the pressing of the elastic bands against the brackets and archwire. When the arch wire is fed through the self-litigating brackets, this friction is eliminated, making the straightening of the teeth quicker and less painful.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system, which is priced between $4000 and $7,400, is also quite discreet. This orthodontic option includes a series of clear plastic trays that are used to help adjust the teeth. The patient wears each set of aligning trays for a couple of weeks and then proceeds to the next set of trays in the alignment progression. Many people prefer Invisalign because the device is removable. Invisalign patients can brush and eat without having to navigate around the appliance.
For more information, contact Braces Inc. or a similar company.
Share