Accidental dental damage

Posted on: 17 August 2018

Orthodontic treatment was previously considered a mainstay for children and teens who need the alignment of their teeth corrected. Despite being in need of orthodontic treatment, some adults would typically steer clear from braces, as they did not want to navigate through their daily life with metal in their mouth. However, over the years, advancements in dentistry have now provided inconspicuous options that are more comfortable for adults who would want to keep their orthodontic treatment less visible. Below are two different options for dental braces that would be suited for adults.

Ceramic braces

One of the most common alternatives to metallic braces is ceramic braces. Ceramic braces, just like metal braces, comprise brackets that are adhered onto the teeth. However, as the name suggests, the braces will have their brackets made from ceramic so that they can seamlessly blend in with the natural colour of your teeth. The ceramic brackets are then secured in place using similarly coloured wiring so that the orthodontic treatment stays relatively indistinguishable. Although the ceramic braces are discernable at close range, they do provide a much more inconspicuous option when compared to their metallic counterparts.

It should be noted that your ceramic braces, just like your natural teeth, are susceptible to staining due to being the same colour as your enamel. Therefore, it is crucial to engage in thorough cleaning and maintenance if you would like your ceramic braces to retain a pristine appearance.

Lingual braces

If you would like an orthodontic treatment that is even less conscious than ceramic braces, you could consider lingual braces. Essentially, these types of braces have a similar structure to metallic braces. However, the main difference is that these braces are installed at the back of your teeth. Thus, they stay completely out of sight—making them an ideal option for people who may be wary about the braces detracting from their overall appearance. Nevertheless, lingual braces do come with several drawbacks.

Firstly, cleaning lingual braces is much harder than cleaning metallic or ceramic braces, as you cannot see them as clearly. As such, you may end up with plaque accumulation if you do not thoroughly eliminate the food particles that are trapped in the braces. Secondly, it will also take you some time to become accustomed to your lingual braces. Since people are not used to having resistance at the back of their teeth, you may find your speech might change before you are entirely comfortable with the braces.

Contact an orthodontist to learn more about your options for adult braces.