Conventional braces are not for everyone. Some adults are confident even with metal brackets covering their teeth. However, others who may already be self-conscious about their misaligned teeth may become even more uncomfortable if traditional braces are applied.
If you have a dental misalignment, there are multiple orthodontic options that can straighten your teeth effectively and discreetly. Here are a few:
Clear Braces
Clear braces are actually braces with ceramic brackets. Since the brackets are the same color as your teeth, they are much less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
They may be slightly more expensive than conventional metal braces, but the benefit to your self-esteem may be worth the cost. Conventional metal braces cost about $3,000 to $7,000. However, clear braces are usually priced between $4,000 and $8,000.
To minimize the look of your braces and still make your tooth alignment even more affordable, your orthodontist may offer to apply clear brackets to your front teeth and use less expensive metal brackets on your rear teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces reposition your teeth in a manner similar to traditional braces, but the brackets are not usually visible when you speak or smile. Instead of being applied to the front, outer surface of your teeth, lingual braces are placed on the side of your teeth that is next to your tongue.
Like clear braces, the cost of lingual braces is a bit higher than that of traditional metal braces. Lingual braces are typically priced between $8,000 and $10,000.
Invisalign
Invisalign straightens the teeth without the use of brackets at all. Instead, the Invisalign system uses aligning trays that are made of clear plastic. The trays fit over the teeth and apply force to coax them into proper alignment.
Each aligning tray is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with a new aligner designed to progress the orthodontic adjustment.
Since Invisalign aligners are clear, they are not very noticeable. In addition, they can be removed when you eat, brush or floss. The cost is comparable to that of metal braces. If you choose Invisalign, expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,400.
Conventional metal braces are no longer the only orthodontic option for adults who need to have their teeth straightened. More discreet orthodontic alternatives may be available depending on your alignment needs. Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in your area, such as HG Orthodontics, to see which options may work for you.
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