Braces for Adults
Frisco, TX
 By the time you become an adult, you may not like the idea of getting your teeth straightened using traditional metal braces. After all, you need to meet with people daily, and having braces can be distracting professionally and socially. However, you don’t need to steer clear of teeth straightening if you don’t like the idea of metal. Our office, Rendon Orthodontics, also features teeth straightening options with the adult patient in mind. We don’t believe you should forego the benefits of orthodontia because of an aversion to metal. The following information can help you decide on the best orthodontic option for you.
Ceramic Braces
If you are worried about your braces being seen, you can lower the impact by choosing braces made of ceramic. While the treatment process may take slightly longer, you don’t have to worry as much about your appearance, and can still enjoy the benefits that teeth straightening provides. If you have a more severe bite problem or crooked teeth, you can receive good results by wearing ceramic braces.
Braces made of ceramic are designed like metal braces, as they feature an archwire that is attached to brackets that affix to each tooth. Ligatures or small elastics are worn to re-align the teeth and enhance the results. While ceramic resists stains, the ligatures do not, which may be noticeable sometimes. Also, the brackets used for ceramic braces are larger than metal brackets. Moreover, if the ceramic comes into contact with the tooth and causes some friction, it may damage the enamel. Therefore, we have to treat ceramic braces more delicately.
Lingual Braces
You may also think about getting lingual braces that are fitted behind the teeth. Because metal brackets are designed smaller today, they can be fitted on a tooth’s backside inconspicuously. Therefore, no one ever has to know you are straightening your smile, even when you are wearing metal.
Invisalign®
In addition, we offer Invisalign for adults who want to straighten their teeth. Invisalign is innovative, as it uses see-through trays or aligners made of soft plastic. These orthodontic appliances are created using 3D technology. When you undergo the Invisalign treatment process, you will wear a set of aligners for a couple of weeks before switching out to a new set of trays. Altogether, you may wear 20 to 50 aligners over the course of treatment.
How Long Do I Have to Wear Adult Braces?
If you wonder how long the treatment takes, relax. When you choose braces that are less noticeable, you can get through the process with less stress. Normally, it takes about three years to complete orthodontic treatment using ceramic braces or lingual metal braces. If you opt for Invisalign, be prepared to follow the treatment plan for 12 to 18 months. We also check on your progress about every 6 weeks for Invisalign and each month when you wear braces.
You can find some aesthetically pleasing alternatives to wearing traditional braces and bands. You can also forego the elastic bands by choosing metal braces with less hardware. These braces, known as self-ligating braces use metal brackets and clips to reposition the teeth. While they can still be seen, you don’t see as much of them. So, what have you decided to do? Are you finding it hard to make up your mind? If so, you need to give Rendon Orthodontics a call at (972) 377-8844 to schedule an orthodontic consultation now. Let us help you find a tooth-straightening option that will work for you aesthetically and functionally. |
