Chances are, your teen isn’t all too thrilled about getting braces! On the bright side though, Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years, and there is a wide variety of low profile, convenient, and nearly invisible options to choose from.
Having braces no longer means living with a mouth full of metal for several years. The following options are just a few of the alternatives to traditional braces available to teens and adults these days:
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fitted onto the 'interior' sides of the teeth; in other words, the side facing into the mouth, toward the tongue. This hides the braces from view, so that no one needs to know your teen is wearing them.
Invisalign
Invisalign makes clear, customized plastic aligners that straighten teeth just like traditional braces. The difference is, Invislaign aligners are essentially invisible when worn, being completely transparent.
Another benefit to Invisalign aligners is that although they must be worn full time, they can be removed to brush and floss teeth and to eat. Therefore there are no dietary restrictions, and your teen can also easily maintain his or her normal oral hygiene routine.
In-Ovation Precision Mini Metallic Braces
In-Ovation system braces have a smaller, lower profile than traditional braces, but their most significant benefit is that they are ‘self-ligating'. Self ligating braces render unsightly elastics and ties unnecessary. And of course, they also don't need to be tightened regularly, meaning fewer appointments at the orthodontist's office.
‘Translucent’ Ceramic Braces
The brackets on translucent ceramic braces are made out of a durable, strong, ceramic that closely matches the natural colour of the teeth. This means they blend in and look much less obvious than regular braces.