People often associate braces with teenagers since countless young people opt for this orthodontic treatment. However, adults can also seek help from an orthodontist in New Orleans, especially if they’re curious about the different types of braces for adults.
At Dental Arts of New Orleans, we specialize in orthodontic treatments for teenagers and adults. If you’re ready to explore different kinds of braces that could help you improve your bite or smile as an adult, consider the five options in our helpful guide below.
Different Braces To Consider as an Adult
Braces are orthodontic devices that gently shift misaligned or gapped teeth into better positions. The changes braces can make to your mouth and facial structure can not only improve your physical appearance and bite but also enhance many aspects of your life.
For example, there are many documented benefits behind the psychology of smiling and laughing. If you’re not confident in your smile due to an overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, or crooked teeth, you’re not getting those benefits. Leveraging braces to correct your orthodontic problem could change that for you.
You can get braces to realign your permanent teeth regardless of your age. Here are the different types of braces professionals like Dental Arts of New Orleans offer to adults.
Metal Braces
When most people think of braces, they envision the traditional type – metal brackets and wires.
An orthodontist bonds a bracket to each tooth that needs realignment, connecting them with a long wire and elastic bands. Every month or two, the orthodontist will adjust the wire and bands, causing the brackets to nudge each tooth gently into a better position. Metal braces remain on teeth until the treatment concludes and the orthodontist removes them.
Due to the materials, traditional braces are noticeable. They’re also bulky, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to metal braces in function, but orthodontists place them behind the teeth instead of bonding brackets to the dental surfaces in front. As a result of this placement, your lingual braces are not visible to the public eye compared to the traditional metal ones placed on the front of the teeth.
Still, a possible drawback of lingual braces is initial discomfort. The positioning means some people have difficulty talking or positioning their tongue with lingual braces.
Our board certified orthodontist, Dr. Brent Benoit, is one of the only InBrace providers in the Greater New Orleans Area.
Ceramic Braces
If you like the idea of traditional braces but not their obvious appearance, consider ceramic braces. These dental devices still include brackets and wires, but the tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets are quite natural-looking.
Though the material can be more costly than metal, ceramic braces may make the person wearing them feel more comfortable.
Self-Ligating Braces
Instead of elastics, self-ligating braces use wire to clip onto the brackets. These brackets also tend to be small and clear, so they’re less visible. They also make brushing and flossing easier.
Clear Aligners (Invisalign®)
Another popular option for teeth realignment is the clear aligner that works just like traditional metal braces but with mostly invisible fittings. This type of orthodontic treatment is what most adults prefer over bulkier, more obvious ones.
Clear aligners involve wearing a set of trays for a few weeks before changing them to another set. The new set will be slightly different, and these constant adjustments will gently push the teeth into newer, straighter positions. Since the aligners are removable, you can easily take them off to eat, drink, and perform your oral hygiene routine.
Explore Your Orthodontic Options With Dental Arts of New Orleans Today
Do you have other questions about how braces affect your facial structure or whether there are other different types of braces for adults? Our dental professionals can answer all your questions, so explore the comprehensive, patient-focused dental and orthodontic services at Dental Arts of New Orleans.
Our board-certified dental practitioners provide personalized dental care in a comfortable, stress-free environment. No matter your age, we can make your smile transformation dreams a reality. Call (504) 394-5330 today to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Brent Benoit of Dental Arts of New Orleans!
