When you think about braces, the first thing that comes to mind is an adolescent teen, and may consider them as the teen’s rite of passage into adulthood. If you get that picture, you would be partially right. Many children and teens do wear braces. However, in recent decades, many adults are also turning to their orthodontist to get straight teeth.

In North America, the number of adults who wear braces is increasing. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. The truth is a crooked teeth or broken smile can cause real confidence problems. Some people even avoid smiling altogether to hide their crooked smile. If this describes you then you will be happy to know that you can get straight teeth at any age by simply visiting your orthodontist. With your initial consultation, they will be able to recommend the right treatment for you to get your self-confidence back. Isn’t it time you treated yourself to straight teeth and a smile that really shines?

With recent advancements in orthodontics, getting straight teeth as an adult isn’t difficult at all. In fact, you have many choices to suit your lifestyle. You can choose from the smaller metal braces. If invisibility really matters, you may even be able to choose the Invisalign system. Whichever system you choose, one thing is certain. As an adult you can have straight teeth.

Choices in Adult Braces

When choosing which style of braces to wear, your orthodontist will likely have recommendations. Here is a quick guide to help get you started. We will cover the three most popular choices in adult braces. There are actually a few different choices in braces on the Internet such as those at Yes Braces or SureSmile. Your orthodontist can recommend a system that fits with your dental needs.

Damon Braces

For most adults that require traditional brace systems, self-ligating braces or popularly known as Damon braces are usually the better choice. These types of braces do not need the round elastics or the ligatures that hold the arch wire in place. Along with advantages like lower friction and fast-working action, the absence of elastics makes it much less likely for the braces to get stained from coffee or cigarettes.

The Damon brace system is the invention of orthodontist, Dr. Dwight Damon. Because of the efficiency and advantages of this type of system, many manufacturers now produce the patented Damon brace system.

Damon braces include smaller metal brackets and a titanium arch wire. Damon brackets are less visible than other metal braces since they are smaller and with brackets that don’t require elastics for lesser stains. This type of system also tends to get your teeth straighten up faster and requires fewer visits to your orthodontist.

Damon braces are a good choice for many adults.

Clear or Ceramic Braces

Another popular choice for adults is clear braces. With this type of system, the brackets are clearer than regular braces. The only visible portion when you smile is the arch wire itself. Clear braces can be self-ligating or the more traditional ligating systems. Its transparency makes this type of brace system a popular choice for many adults. With clear braces, you can get straighter teeth, and you can smile with more self-confidence since the brackets blend in with your teeth.

Invisalign: Another Popular Choice

A more recent advancement in getting straight teeth is the Invisalign system. For many adults this is their choice for achieving a straighter smile. The Invisalign system is completely clear and less visible than any other type of traditional braces.

Invisalign does not include traditional braces or arch wires. Instead it consists of a series of aligning trays that the patient wears. The trays are removable, easily cleaned, and are an effective way to get straight teeth if you wear them as your orthodontist suggests. Usually a new tray is required every couple of weeks.

If your orthodontist says that you’re a candidate for the Invisalign this may be the right choice. With the invisibility of the alignment trays, it will be more difficult for others to detect. If you follow your orthodontist’s instructions, they are an effective way to get straight teeth.

Conclusion

If you have crooked teeth, or a broken smile from gaps or missing teeth, you don’t have to suffer any longer. There is a reason more adults are choosing to wear braces. A straighter brighter smile can really go a long way in boosting your confidence. Whether they recommend Damon braces, clear braces, or the Invisalign system, you are likely only a few visits away from straight teeth, and a better smile.