My Teeth Are Crooked, What Can I Do? (Plus 5 Benefits of Adult Braces)

It may be hard to believe, but there are more options for teeth straightening than the uncomfortable wire braces. When trying for that perfect smile, there’s only one thing you need to do: ask your dentist. From there, Dr. Hodges and her expert team can recommend the best option for your smile, but there are three main options that you will be able to consider.

Your first option is traditional braces. These are attached to your teeth using metal brackets and wires. One of the benefits of this choice is the proven results that they offer. They control teeth movement and offer stability for your smile repair. The main downside about traditional braces is how they look, which can be a little frustrating, but not a reason why you should ignore orthodontia.

Your next option is ceramic or clear braces. This option has the same basic structure as traditional braces except they exert a far gentler pressure on your teeth and gums. The lower pressure does mean that it takes longer to make significant changes, but keeps the pain at a lower threshold. These are usually recommended for those with weaker teeth for safety. The other benefit of ceramic braces are that they are less obvious than the silver wires and brackets of traditional braces.

Another option you have that not many people know about is lingual braces.The reason you may not have heard about lingual braces is because they are only recommended in specific cases. Placed on the part of your teeth that your tongue touches, lingual braces help correct spacing, mild crowding, and minor alignment issues.

Your final orthodontic option is Invisalign braces. Using clear or ‘invisible’ plastic aligners, your teeth shift and move into the correct position. The best thing about this option is that you don’t have to change your eating habits, or worry about food getting stuck in the wires and causing further dental problems down the road.