So, you want straighter teeth and a more radiant smile, but you don’t want to smile only to expose clunky metal braces to the world. Lucky for you, modern orthodontics has come miles in the past twenty-or-so years. Previously, the only option to realign someone’s teeth were metal braces or head gear. Although these are effective measures and still prevalent today, the vast array of new options to straighten a patient’s teeth have made this an exciting age in the orthodontic field. Below, we’ll explore some of the many options available to an orthodontists’ patients.
Invisalign®
You’ve probably heard this name before: One of the most popular options on the market for patients looking for straighter teeth is Invisalign®. Through a series of clear aligners that fit to the shape of your bite, Invisalgin® slowly shifts a set of teeth into a desired position. Every couple of weeks, a new aligner tray is introduced to realign teeth closer to their final spots. Each tray is slightly closer in shape to the desired alignment of the patient’s teeth. Perhaps the best part of Invisalgin® is the fact that the aligners are virtually invisible. Without looking very closely, it is hard to tell that anyone is wearing these trays in their mouth. This resolves the issue of embarrassing metal brackets and wires—which makes it a popular option among adults. Another perk: they’re removable. One of the downsides of traditional braces is that they limit what you can eat. They also tend to be traps for foods that you are allowed to eat. With Invisalgin®, you don’t have to worry about food at all! Take the aligner trays out while you eat, while you brush your teeth, or whenever you’d like!
Clear Braces
Although Invisalgin® is a great option for many people, it does take a bit longer to work than conventional braces. For those who would like the speed and efficiency of traditional metal braces with the translucent aspect of Invisalgin®, there is a compromise. There are now clear braces available to patients which work identically as metal braces but are much less visually pronounced.
Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® is a short-term cosmetic solution for those seeking straighter teeth. Using braces with clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, this revolutionary treatment usually takes about six months. Patients often choose the Six Month Smiles® option because of the relatively short treatment time and the fact that this alternative is barely-noticeable. Six Month Smiles® can give you straight teeth and a beautiful smile in (most cases) less than a year!