Braces – There Are Options

Braces, just mentioning the word dredge up bad memories for so many people. In the past the only way to straighten your teeth was to fill your mouth full of metal. You either looked like you had railroad tracks in your mouth or like you could pick up radio stations with no problem. Kids, teens and yes even adults have paid their dues just to straighten their smile. They are not just aesthetically unappealing they are also painful for many people. What are your alternatives when you go to the orthodontist today? Do you still have to have a mouthful of metal or do you have other options.

Well for starters traditional braces are the way most people go. They are probably the most popular type only because they are generally more affordable than other methods. The downsides are obvious, they are embarrassing. To a young teen they can be the point of a lot of teasing. Most teens get past it and move on with their lives, but it doesn’t make it any less embarrassing. They can also be very painful, rubbing sores on the insides of cheeks and irritating gums. Adjustments are no day in the park either.
Lingual braces are another options that you have to straighten your smile. Instead of the metal wires and frames being placed on the outside of your teeth they are placed on the inside. This way you don’t have to worry about anyone noticing that you have a mouth full of metal. They work similar to the traditional metal frame and wire method. You’ll still have to have them adjusted, which can be a little painful. You don’t have to worry about feeling the pain on the inside of your mouth because of irritation but you will still have some of the other problems like food getting stuck that might not be as easy to deal with. The best part though, is the lack of embarrassment.

If you truly want to straighten your smile without anyone noticing the best way to do that is to use the invisalign trays. These clear trays adjust your teeth gradually over time. You’ll have to change the trays out about once a month, or how ever often your orthodontist tells you. They are specifically molded to fit the form of your mouth. The best part is no painful adjustments. The trays are completely removable so you can eat, brush your teeth, or whatever else you need to do. Often these trays are used for adult patients but they are becoming popular with teens too.

Braces are still the best most effective way to straighten your smile. That doesn’t mean that you have to wander around for months, or in some cases years, with a mouthful of metal. You do have options. Which one you decide to use is up to you. If your insurance is covering all or part of the cost then you’ll have to see what they will cover, obviously.