You have modern options besides traditional metal braces if you’re concerned about your appearance while receiving treatment. Many adults are finally getting the treatment they need to have a pain-free, straight smile they can enjoy for life!

So what are some of your options for getting straighter teeth as an adult?

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners are a popular choice for adults who may not want others to know they’re receiving treatment [2].

How does Invisalign work? Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses clear aligners that are custom made for your smile to gently shift your teeth into place. Many patients find Invisalign more comfortable and easier to wear than braces.

Another advantageous feature of Invisalign is that it’s removable. You can take the aligners out when eating and cleaning your teeth, which not only means you’ll have better oral hygiene during your treatment as opposed to regular braces, but you also won’t have the eating restrictions that come with regular braces.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are self-litigating braces, meaning they self-adjust and don’t require regular adjustments the way normal braces do. In fact, research shows that patients with self-litigating braces reported less pain and discomfort during their treatment than those with regular braces [3].

One of the features adults love about Damon braces is their clear brackets, minimizing their appearance on the smile while still allowing you to receive effective treatment. Their discreet presence means some people may not even realize you’re wearing an orthodontic appliance!

Lingual Braces

For a unique orthodontic option, you may consider lingual braces. Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but instead of the brackets being placed on the side of your teeth that people will see, lingual braces are placed on the backs of your teeth—meaning no one will see that you’re getting treatment!

Lingual braces provide patients a way to take advantage of all the benefits of traditional braces but without the appearance of them. With lingual braces, each bracket is customized to fit your unique smile, and some patients find the customized brackets more comfortable than those with regular braces [4].

To qualify for lingual braces, your teeth will need to be large enough to accommodate the brackets on the inside. Only your professional orthodontist can tell if you’d qualify for this form of treatment!

Schedule an Appointment with Your Orthodontist Today

With all the options available to you as an adult for straightening your teeth, why wait? Schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist today to learn more about each of these and more treatment options for finally getting your smile straight!

Sources:
1. https://www.aaoinfo.org/_/adult-orthodontics/
2. https://progressinorthodontics.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40510-018-0235-z
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151365/ 4.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273813387_Lingual_Orthodontics_simplifie

The post It’s Never Too Late for Braces: Check Out Your Options appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Due to genetics, some people have smaller mouths that aren’t able to accommodate every
single tooth. When this happens, teeth are often pushed up against one another and can
become crowded.

Crowded teeth aren’t just difficult to clean, they can increase your risk for tooth decay and can
even cause jaw pain in some cases. You can correct your crowded teeth to experience a healthy
and functional smile with the following options.

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a set of clear aligners that will be changed every few weeks to help your
teeth shift into their correct positions. Invisalign is completely removable and should be
removed when you eat, but the trays will need to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours every
day.

Invisalign is a discreet form of treatment that’s effective at resolving a variety of orthodontic
issues and can help your crowded teeth move into their proper positions for a beautiful smile.

Braces

Braces are one of the most efficient treatments to correct crowded teeth and get a straight
smile in a relatively short period of time. Fortunately, you have several options for braces today
rather than just traditional metal braces. These include:

 Lingual braces. These braces are placed on the backs of your teeth to provide a
treatment that’s virtually invisible if you’re worried about the appearance of regular
braces.

 Damon braces. Damon braces use clear brackets which make them less noticeable.
These braces are also self-litigating, which means they require less adjustments and
fewer orthodontic visits for your busy schedule.

 Ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use brackets that match your tooth color—and in some
cases, wire that does as well—in order to provide a form of treatment that adults will
appreciate.

An orthodontist can help you determine if your crowded teeth would respond better to one of
these options so that you can enjoy a straighter smile!

Veneers

For those who aren’t keen on orthodontic treatment and want a simpler way to correct their
crowded teeth, you may be able to qualify for dental veneers.

Dental veneers are shells of thin yet strong ceramic that are placed over your natural teeth.
Veneers are an irreversible form of treatment, so it’s important to consider all aspects of
veneers with your dentist before proceeding.

While not everyone with crowded teeth will qualify for veneers, some people may be able to
have veneers bonded over their teeth to improve their appearance and forgo orthodontic
treatment.

Crowded teeth are often embarrassing and difficult to maintain and may even cause pain. For
people who want to correct their crowded teeth, you can discuss the following options with
your dentist or orthodontist. Don’t wait to fix your crowded teeth today—you can enjoy your
smile again with these treatment options!

The post Options for Correcting Your Crowded Teeth appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Different types of braces will have different treatment times. Here’s what you can expect when
it comes to your options for orthodontics!

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces—which consist of brackets and wires—are going to be one of the most
affordable options. However, they do come with the longest amount of treatment time, which
is an average of 24 months, or two years.

For some people, traditional braces will only be needed for 12 months; for others, their
treatment may extend beyond two years. Remember that ceramic braces are the same as
traditional braces, just with white brackets and wires, so the treatment time will be the same.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are also called self-ligating braces. This means they don’t need to be adjusted
and will adjust themselves as your teeth move into place. Damon braces are becoming very
popular in orthodontics because they tend to be less painful and easier for both patients and
orthodontists to maintain.

Damon braces also offer patients the advantage of having a treatment time that’s six months
shorter than that of traditional braces. Although individual cases will vary, Damon braces are a
popular alternative to regular braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign is another popular alternative to braces that’s not actually braces at all, but a series of
clear aligners that change every few weeks as your teeth shift. Although Invisalign can’t treat
every orthodontic issue, it can treat a wide variety of alignment and bite problems in patients.

The average treatment time for Invisalign is just 12 months, making it even more popular for
adults who want virtually invisible treatment in just half the time of traditional braces.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are just like traditional braces, but they’re on the backside of your teeth rather
than the front. Not everyone will qualify for these braces, as you’ll need to have large enough
teeth to accommodate the braces on the sides of your teeth facing your tongue.

Lingual braces typically have a treatment time that’s less than traditional braces, with 12-24
months being the average.

Accelerated Braces

There are tools that can be used to accelerate the process of orthodontics, such as Propel.
Propel is a tool used by orthodontists that stimulates your alveolar bone (the bone surrounding
your teeth). This helps to speed up the process and make braces more effective and less painful
with predictable results.

When acceleration methods such as Propel are used in combination with regular braces or
Invisalign, patients can expect an average treatment time of just 8-12 months.

Ready for Braces?

Are you curious about what type of braces will work best for you? You can explore your options
with a qualified orthodontist who will review any issues that need to be addressed with your
smile as well as the treatment options that are available to you.

From traditional braces to Invisalign to the more creative lingual, Damon, and accelerated, you
have options for straightening your smile!

The post What Is the Average Treatment Time for Wearing Orthodontic Braces? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Fortunately, your teenager does have alternatives to getting braces. From clear braces to ones
that are totally hidden—and those that are invisible—here are your top options to straighten
those teeth before your teen becomes and adult!

Invisalign

Invisalign is truly the most invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth. This method of
orthodontia uses sets of clear aligner trays that your teenager will progress through as their
teeth move into place. Invisalign aligners are fully removable and virtually invisible, very unlike
regular metal braces.

If your teenager wants treatment that’s subtle, Invisalign can fix many issues that teenagers
need corrected including overbites, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, underbites, and more. The
treatment time will be unique to your teen’s smile, but is comparable to that of traditional
braces. With fewer orthodontic visits and invisible treatment, Invisalign is an attractive option!

Lingual Braces

These unique braces are just like traditional braces but with a twist—the braces go on the other
side of your teeth! Lingual braces are designed to work like regular braces but are hidden
behind your teeth so that no one will know your teenager is getting their smile corrected from
the inside out.

Not everyone is a candidate for lingual braces, as the side of the teeth facing the tongue needs
to be large enough on all teeth to accommodate the brackets and wires. Your orthodontist can
evaluate your child’s teeth for lingual braces if your teen is interested in these as an option for
their orthodontic treatment.

Damon Braces

Damon braces again mimic traditional braces but instead use clear brackets and arched wires to
have a more neutral appearance. In addition to their subtle appearance, damon braces focus on
a slide mechanism to move with the teeth as they shift into their proper positions, rather than
using brackets like traditional braces do.

These braces are designed to not be as obvious as regular braces as well as to be more
comfortable, since they apply less pressure and work with the teeth as they move. Other
benefits include having a speedy treatment time, less maintenance, and being appearance-
friendly for your teenager!

Does your teen need braces but is balking at the idea of having a “metal mouth”? These days,
you both have options for more attractive, subtle, and effective forms of orthodontia to still get
that straight smile without having regular braces. Visit your orthodontist today to discuss your
teen’s options for getting a perfect smile!

The post My Teenager Doesn’t Want Braces. What Are My Alternatives? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are your options for getting that straight smile incognito!

Damon Braces

Damon braces utilize clear brackets, but there’s more to these braces that sets them apart. They’re self-ligating, which means they move with your teeth as they adjust due to memory wire and sliding brackets. They slowly align your teeth while using less force than regular braces.

Damon braces are an attractive option for adults because of their clear brackets, faster treatment time, and less maintenance. Perfect for busy adults! You have the option of using clear wire instead of metal wire to make your treatment even more invisible to others.

Lingual braces

Have you heard of lingual braces? These braces come with twist—they’re on the other side of your teeth. They’re placed on the inner side of your tooth to move your teeth into position without ever being seen from the outside. They work just like traditional braces to move your teeth.

Lingual braces will need to be custom made for your smile and your teeth will need to be big enough to accommodate the brackets. Your orthodontist can evaluate your candidacy for lingual braces based on your unique smile.

Invisalign

Invisalign is perhaps the option for invisible braces that most people have heard of. Invisalign will align your teeth but without metal brackets or wires. Instead, your orthodontist will use a set of clear trays that are custom-fitted for your smile. You’ll need to wear these trays over 20 hours a day but can take them out when you eat, an advantage braces can’t offer.

Invisalign is perfect for those who want a straight smile but want their treatment to be totally invisible to others. You can talk with your orthodontist about whether or not Invisalign would work for your smile.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are just like regular braces except they use clear brackets that allow their appearance to be minimized. Patients usually have the option of using a tooth-colored wire as well, which will help the braces blend in with your teeth even more.

Ceramic braces work as well as traditional braces to straighten teeth, so you don’t have to worry about correcting complex issues that Invisalign might not fix or not being able to qualify for lingual braces. Ask your orthodontist about ceramic braces for your treatment!

When it comes to getting a straight smile, you don’t have to get braces that everyone will see. There are options for skipping the metal braces yet still getting the smile of your dreams. Don’t wait to get straight teeth—schedule an appointment with your local orthodontist to start your journey to a better smile today!

The post What Are Less Visible Orthodontic Treatment Options for Adults? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The Benefits of Damon Braces

Damon uses a revolutionary approach in the orthodontic scene. This is because they have done away with the elastics that plague wearers of traditional braces. These elastics have been replaced with a sliding mechanism. What benefits are achieved with this method?

– Tie-less braces do not require tightening throughout treatment. This is one of the most uncomfortable parts of standard orthodontics. Damon saves you the pain.

– Technologically advanced wires mean that it takes fewer adjustments to get your teeth back in line.

– Without being tied to each bracket, your teeth can move more freely. This also decreases the amount of time it takes to complete your orthodontic work.

– Traditional braces are often accompanied by palatal expanders or pulled teeth. This is rare with Damon braces.

– Damon braces are easier to keep clean and do not attract the plaque that elastic ties result in. Of course, your primary concern as an adult may be the stigma of having people see your braces. After all, the mouth and teeth are one of the first things a person notices about someone else. That is probably part of what you want your teeth fixed in the first place. Don’t worry. Damon has a solution for this concern as well.

Clear Damon Brackets Provide a Discreet Solution

Clear brackets provide you with the same great orthodontic treatment, simply without the stigma. What sets Damon apart from other clear orthodontic providers?

– Since there are no elastics, you do not have to worry about elastics that yellow and become visible.

– The brackets are specially designed to resist discoloration, so your braces remain discreet throughout your treatment.

– These work for individuals who may not qualify for treatment with invisible aligners. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing an aligner or forgetting to put it in.

– The Damon System does not create speech issues that are caused by some invisible aligners. These are for people who believe that braces should be neither seen nor heard.

Comfort and Results: A Win-Win

The Damon System is designed to provide high-quality orthodontic treatment in the shortest amount of
time. All the while, the system keeps the patient as comfortable as possible. Plus, the clear option provides a discreet solution. This is the ultimate choice in orthodontics for adults.

The post Orthodontics for Adults: Spotlight on Damon Braces appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Some of the treatment options for adults to straighten their smiles include:

Clear Orthodontic Braces

Clear braces are a popular choice for adults because they are exactly as their name implies: braces that are clear. Therefore, they aren’t as unsightly as traditional metal braces. There are numerous types of clear braces, but they all feature the same basic benefits. They allow you to get the beautiful smile that you’re always wanted without the discomfort of regular braces and without you having to undergo tightening of braces every week or two. Instead, clear braces usually consist of a series of aligners that move your teeth invisibly without anyone even knowing that you have braces.

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Damon Orthodontic Braces

Damon braces are a popular type of clear braces. They employ high technology archwires and tieless braces to move teeth quickly and comfortably. The results that Damon braces offers people can be dramatic, as they allow people to get the smiles that they want discretely, and they also take into account the shape of your face, your profile, what you will look like into your 40s, 50s, and older. The way that Damon braces works is by utilizing a slide mechanism to maintain the archwires in their brackets while still allowing them to move freely. The sliding mechanism reduces any friction and binding so the teeth are permitted to move more quickly and comfortably than they would otherwise.

With Damon braces many patients can begin to see these results with their smile in as little as 10 weeks.

Lingual or Inside the Teeth Braces

Lingual, or inside the teeth braces, are similar to traditional braces except that they are hidden inside your teeth. Rather than the braces being placed on the outside of your teeth, they are placed on the inside where they work in the same manner as they would if they were on the outside. Yet, because they are on the inside of your teeth, nobody even knows that you have braces. Discreet and effective.

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Clear Retainers

Clear retainers are popular ways for adults to get their teeth straightened as well. One of the most popular brands in clear retainers is Invisalign. Clear retainers are designed and modeled specifically for a certain individual’s teeth. They allow you to achieve a straighter smile over time without anyone being any the wiser that you have braces, and they can be easily removed.

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From this overview you can see that modern orthodontic care presents adults with difference treatment options, which provide less discomfort and more convenience to accomodate your lifestyle. The treatment option that is best for you depends upon your individual circumstances and personal preference. If you have been putting off orthodontic care as an adult, discuss the alternatives to traditional metal braces that are available with your orthodontist, and get the smile you want.

The post If Adults think orthodontic braces are only for kids, think again. appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.