The days of embarrassing orthodontic treatment for adults are a thing of the past. Today there are many discreet options in adult braces. The brackets can be hidden behind teeth, such as iBraces or Incognito Braces (also known as lingual braces). Adult braces today can now be made clear and virtually invisible like Invisalign. The truth is that one in five patients with dental braces is an adult!
Lingual braces
For adults that are want the benefits of straight teeth but do not want others to know that they are wearing braces may choose lingual braces. Lingual braces are adult braces (can be used at any age, really) in which the brackets are on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth. The archwire is also on the tongue side of the teeth as well. Essentially all metal parts of braces are hidden behind the teeth. Of course anyone that is looking into the mouth of someone with lingual braces from above or below may see them, however for normal activities and conversation, lingual braces are extremely discreet.
While they are virtually hidden from view, patients must pay a bit more for this special feature. The cost of lingual braces is higher than almost any other form of orthodontic treatment. The reason that lingual braces are so much more expensive is that they are more difficult to install, fewer dentists have received the training necessary to competently install lingual braces and the treatment time is longer (i.e. more orthodontist visits).
Clear braces
For adults that want straight teeth but cannot afford lingual braces, clear braces may be the answer. Clear braces have changed the practice of orthodontics and adult braces rather dramatically. Manufacturers of clear braces like Invisalign have figured out a way to bring millions of adult patients into orthodontist offices with one simple and effective premise: make adult braces comfortable, removable, and virtually invisible.
Clear braces slide right over your teeth. They are very difficult to see and do not significantly change the way that patients sound when they speak. Clear braces do not interfere with daily activities; since clear braces are removable, they can be taken out during meals and put back in after you brush and floss. Of course the less time that clear braces are out of the mouth, the shorter the overall length of orthodontic treatment.
Another benefit of clear braces is that they are smooth rather than rough. Perhaps surprisingly, clear braces are actually cost about the same as traditional braces. This means that clear braces are discreet, comfortable and affordable, which is almost ideal for adult orthodontic patients.
Traditional braces
Adults are taking a second look at traditional braces. Even though Invisalign is attracting a lot more adult patients into the orthodontist chair, clear braces are not right for every adult patient. Furthermore, as the attitudes toward metal dental braces are changing among kids and teens, they are also changing among adults. The stigma and embarrassment associated with wearing braces is less than it was a few years ago much less a few decades ago. Also, since treatment times are shorter, if there is still any stigma associated with metal braces, it only lasts for a brief time.
Ceramic brackets
For adults that cannot get past the idea of metal brackets, ceramic brackets are an option. While ceramic brackets are a little more expensive than metal brackets, ceramic brackets are the same color as teeth and are therefore harder to see. It should be noted, though, that the archwire is still going to be metallic and somewhat noticeable, even with ceramic brackets. Fortunately today’s archwires can be made thinner and of stronger materials so they are more difficult to see.
Retention in adult braces
You may be wondering if adults need to wear retainers after the active treatment phase is finished. It could be argued that since adults have fused and hardened skull bones that once they are put in their proper position, the teeth will not drift. This is not the case. Adult braces are followed by retainers just like they are with kids braces and teen braces. After active treatment with adult braces (brackets are removed or clear braces are no longer needed), treatment focuses on keeping teeth in their new and proper alignment. This is done with retainers and similar dental devices. Fortunately these retainers can be nearly invisible and look very much like clear braces themselves.