Braces for Adults

It has commonly been a fact of life that a majority of teens need orthodontic braces to correct malocclusions or improper bites. The reasons behind these corrections vary from cosmetic to preventing later health issues caused by crowding, crooked teeth or other problems. While it is most common to see braces on teens, braces for adults have become much more popular since age is no respecter of persons.

 

Options

For most adults there are really four options that they must decide between to select the best match for themselves. These options include: traditional braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign.

 

• Traditional Braces: These braces remain the most common braces selected by teens and adults due to both the fact that they are the least expensive as well as the most effective at quickly aligning teeth in the best way. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth; through the brackets are strung a wire of a specific tensile strength that will apply consistent and even pressure to the teeth. The wire is kept in place by small rubber bands, and springs or elastics are used for additional effect.
• Ceramic Braces: Made of ceramic materials that are clear or tooth colored, these appliances are very much like traditional braces. The biggest difference is that ceramic braces are much more brittle, so unable to withstand the pressure normally exerted on steel braces, they take much longer to align the teeth.
• Lingual Braces:  Combining the power of traditional metal braces with the nearly invisible quality provided by their installation upon the backside of teeth, many adults have found these are the best option for their orthodontic work. Installed as customized metal brackets using the same wires and bands as traditional braces, they are cheaper than many other options.
•  Invisalign: These braces are simply plastic trays that have been designed by a computer to carefully guide teeth to the correct positions. A series of trays are progressed through, changing every two weeks. Clear and thin, Invisalign are practically invisible braces.

 

Appearance and Cost

As far as visual aesthetics, it is obvious many feel the best braces for adults are the invisible plastic trays of Invisalign. These trays allow a professional to maintain the dignity of their smile while slowly perfecting it. But one of the most common discouragements is that of cost. Invisalign is much more expensive than traditional braces, especially since each tray is custom made and is changed out every couple weeks.

 

Second best for appearance are lingual braces; because they are attached to the backside of the teeth they are nearly invisible, and can only be seen occasionally. These are perhaps the very best braces for 18+because lingual braces are fairly inexpensive, especially when compared to Invisalign. Some choose to mix and match using traditional or ceramic braces on bottom and lingual braces on top, as this is both aesthetically pleasing as well as reasonable in cost.

 

Ceramic braces are becoming more popular. With varying shades and clear brackets, many find these to be appealing. But they are more costly than traditional or lingual braces in some cases and take a lot longer to do the job.

 

When it comes to aesthetics, traditional braces are not the most appealing choice. But as far as cost, these traditional appliances remain the cheapest and most effective of all. A frugal individual will always choose metal braces over any of the other options. And as far as duration of the procedure, traditional braces are sure to be the fastest to completion.