Have you always wanted beautiful straight teeth, but hated the idea of a mouth full of metal braces? Well, there are now two options that mean you can get that beautiful smile without feeling self-conscious.

Crooked teeth can be very damaging to our self-confidence, but often people feel just as strongly about how they look with braces as they do with bad teeth!

So if you are one of those there is some good news for you – metal braces are no longer the go-to option when it comes to straightening teeth. There are a couple of less obvious, less visible options that you can choose – invisible aligners or clear braces.

While your dentist or orthodontic specialist will make the best choice for you, it is great to know the benefits of each option.

Invisible Aligners

Invisible aligners are a great way to go about getting straight teeth. Essentially, as the name suggests they are very hard to see or notice, and almost non-existent unless you know what you are looking for!

A clear plastic “guard” is moulded to for your mouth and then inserted over your teeth. This assists with the realigning of crooked teeth in place of braces, or as final corrections after other orthodontic work. This is not a permanent fixture in your mouth and can be taken in and out as you wish. Just remember for aligners to assist with straight teeth you have to wear them!

The Benefits

If you only need a mild to moderate amount of correction, then invisible aligners are a great option for you. They are also a great option for a child or teenager (or even an adult) who fears dentist visits, as fewer of these are required and appointments are very quick. 

There are no adjustment appointments, just progress check-ups. The treatment period is also much shorter, anything from 6 – 18 months. They must be worn daily though, and be cleaned thoroughly and regularly. 

Another great thing about aligners is that you can still properly attend to the teeth underneath once you have taken them out – cleaning and flossing will not be affected at all! 

The Limits

Invisible aligners are a pricier way to correct your teeth, and they do have some limitations. If you forget to wear them, they do not work. If you have a lot of correction work, they may not be the best option for you. 

Clear Braces

If you require braces but are feeling very self-conscious about having a mouth full of metal, there is the option to opt for clear braces. While they are still braces, they have clear brackets in place of the metal. This means that they are slightly less visible in the mouth than traditional full metal braces.

The way they work is still the same though, using a wire and bracket system to realign and create straight teeth. These are adjusted by your specialist for up to two years until the desired effect is reached. 

The Benefits

As an adult or teenager, you may feel embarrassed to be wearing braces. Clear brackets can be made to match the colour of your teeth and this helps them to be less obvious and you less self-conscious. Another upside of this is that reports from those who have had clear braces are that they are less painful than the metal ones, and are less harsh on gums and cheeks.

The Limitations

Clear braces are more expensive than metal, but they are still a more cost-effective option against invisible aligners. It can also be a bit tricky to clean the teeth around the braces, with flossing being particularly difficult. 

Clear braces can also be more fragile than metal, and so extra appointments may be needed to make repairs on the plastic brackets. This can delay the time that you may need to wear the braces. 

Also, remember that braces require several appointments for adjustments and check-ups, and these can be costly and inconvenient to fit into your schedule. Depending on the work needed, your specialist should be able to give you an idea of what would be needed ahead of time.

The Straight Teeth Truth

No matter what is needed to help you get straight teeth, there is an option for you. While both options have benefits and limitations, your orthodontic team can help you make the right decision for your needs and your pocket. Always remember that each mouth and person is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all option.

Should you feel that you would like further information on straight teeth or either of the above options, please contact our rooms to make an appointment. You can also chat with one of our friendly staff members.