Braces: Not Just For Childern

Posted on: 22 January 2015

Are you afraid to smile because you have crooked teeth? Do you have pain or discomfort when eating? Well, if you do, then you are a prime candidate for adult braces.

Many people think that braces are only for kids. That's not true. Many adults decide to correct their teeth using braces. Sometimes their families didn't have the money to pay for braces when they were growing up. Maybe the issue didn't become a problem until later on in life. Whatever the reason, you don't have to live with the problem. You can visit an orthodontist and discuss your options.

Braces Aren't Huge Ugly Metal Contraptions Anymore

If you have bad memories about braces from your youth, then you haven't seen the new generation of braces. They are subtler, and sometimes they are hardly noticeable at all.

This is important. Kids used to hate braces because their classmates would make fun of them. While you probably won't experience that in an office environment, it is still nice to not have a big, glaring metal apparatus in your mouth.

What Are Braces Like Nowadays?

Braces are smaller. They are also not all metal. You can get clear braces. These are made from plastic or ceramic.

There are also braces that are "hidden" behind your teeth. These are called lingual braces. These braces are the popular with people who want to completely hide the fact that they have braces.

Metal, Plastic or Behind The Scenes: Which One Is Right For You?

There are benefits and drawbacks to each material. For example, metal is stronger than plastic or ceramic. It is also better for people who have very crooked teeth.

The downside to metal braces is that they are more visible. They are much more discrete than old-fashioned metal braces, but you can see them. If you are very sensitive to the look of braces, then you should speak to your orthodontist about plastic, ceramic or lingual orthodontic treatments.

Plastic and ceramic braces are more discrete. They are great if you absolutely despise the look of "metal mouth". They are still on the front of your teeth, so if this is a deal breaker, then you are left with lingual braces.

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth. This means they are completely invisible to other people who you are smiling or talking. They are a bit more expensive than the other types of braces. They are also not ideal if you have severely crooked teeth. If that's the case, you will need to go with classic metal braces.

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