Discreet Ways Adults Can Straighten Their Teeth

Some people are unable to have the crooked alignment of their teeth corrected until they reach adulthood. As a result, they may look for discreet ways to have their teeth treated orthodontically. Here are two options that adults frequently use to straighten their teeth.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are custom mouth trays that are made of rigid plastic. The trays, which are designed from an impression of your mouth, place gentle aligning pressure on the teeth to coax them into the desired configuration. 

To complete treatment with aligners, multiple sets of trays are used. Each set is worn for a few weeks. During that time, the teeth are straightened to match the configuration of that set of aligners. After the weeks with that set are complete, the patient moves on to the next set in the series. Once the final set has been worn for the designated period and the teeth are in their new positions, a retainer may be needed to help prevent the reversion of the teeth to their prior placement. 

The aligners for the treatment are transparent in color, so adults don't have to worry about the treatment being obvious or having a negative impact on their appearance. Additionally, since the aligners are removable, adult patients can enjoy eating meals socially without a bulky appliance in their mouth. They can also brush and floss in their usual manner.

Aligners are best used for adult and teen patients since the palate's growth should be complete before the treatment begins.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces can also be used by adults. The braces are made of metal, but the dark material is not easily visible in the mouth because the brackets of the braces are attached to the lingual side of the teeth. 

With the brackets placed on the side of the teeth next to the tongue, the braces can still effectively correct the dental misalignment. However, the treatment is discreet. 

Clear Braces

Clear braces include the same components and placement as traditional braces. However, the brackets are made of clear ceramic instead of metal. Thus, only the archwire is easily visible. 

Some adults are comfortable with the visibility of the slender wire only. Even the elastic ligatures that connect the archwire to the brackets are available in a transparent option. 

If you are an adult who would like to receive treatment for your dental misalignment, schedule a consultation with an orthodontic center in your local area, such as Fusion Dental Care.