If you have recently been told that you or your child needs braces, you may be dreading what that means. Traditional metal braces are effective, but many people do not like how they look or how difficult they can make life. Luckily, advances in medicine and technology have allowed for the development of many alternatives to braces. Let’s look at some of the most popular.
Invisalign®
One of many alternatives to braces involves custom made clear aligners. They look and feel similar to a mouth guard. Unlike regular braces, they are you can remove these. That being said, you are supposed to wear them at least 20 hours a day in order for them to be effective. Every few weeks, you switch to a different set of aligners that get your teeth closer to where you want them to be. The advantages of Invisalign® are pretty clear. They are hardly noticeable and can be removed when needed. Disadvantages include the cost. They also may not be appropriate to help correct all teeth alignment issues.
Damon® Braces
This alternative to braces is actually quite similar to traditional braces. They use clear brackets as well as non-affixed arch wires. This makes them less noticeable in your mouth. Since they are able to move more freely, they are considered to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces. This option is a great choice for those who are not candidates for Invisalign®. They are much more comfortable than traditional braces, and they use continuous pressure to shift your teeth. This innovative treatment is gaining in popularity due to the many advantages it has.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work very similarly to traditional braces. The major difference is they use clear or enamel-colored brackets, making them far less conspicuous in your mouth. It is important to remember with this option that they can stain easily. You will want to limit your intake of certain foods and be extra careful about keeping them clean. Other than the difference in brackets, ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces.
Would you like to learn more about the most popular alternatives to braces? Get in touch with the team at Unique Orthodontics. We are conveniently located in Fresno, the Buchanan Area, Old Town Clovis, Madera, and Tulare. Contact us today to schedule your consultation! At your consultation, we can evaluate your needs and help you decide which option is best suited for your needs.