When you think of braces, you may imagine months to years of a mouth full of metal. However, teeth tightening has advanced in recent years, like all other technologies. There are now many options for braces, some of which you might not even call braces.
For example, invisible braces systems (like Invisalign®) use clear aligner trays to coax your teeth into position gently. These types of aligners can be removed temporarily to eat, so there are fewer restrictions on the foods you can enjoy when using clear aligners to get a straighter smile. Your dentist can treat invisible braces without visiting an orthodontist separately (though most orthodontists also do invisible braces).
There are also lingual braces, essentially invisible because they are on the backside of your teeth (near your tongue). Lingual braces are an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth without appearing to have braces. However, because lingual braces are very customized, they may cost more than traditional braces on the front of your teeth.
Clear or white braces are another option that can straighten your teeth nearly invisibly. Use clear or white brackets instead of metal ones for clear braces so they are less noticeable. From a distance, people may not notice your braces at all.
You can complete your braces treatment faster by choosing a fast or quick braces technology. These braces systems use innovative new versions of orthodontic technology to move teeth more quickly, or only move a few teeth at a time so that you can have a straight, aligned smile in as little as three to six months, as opposed to the typical 12 to 18 months with regular braces.
Then, there are traditional metal braces with metal brackets. While not the most aesthetically pleasing, traditional braces have a unique advantage over all the other types of tooth straightening technology: they can treat nearly any orthodontic problem. Not everyone’s teeth can be helped by the clear, fast, or invisible options mentioned above. Ultimately, a dozen or so months of wearing braces is worth it for a new, straight smile that will last for years.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for braces. Many elements must be considered when choosing a braces option, including time, cost, appearance, and what needs to be fixed (overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc.). Your dentist and orthodontist can discuss the options and help you choose a treatment plan that fits your needs and desires.