Some people with misaligned teeth do not have their misalignment corrected during childhood. There are multiple options available for adults who need to have crooked teeth straightened. Here are a few types of braces that may be suitable for adult orthodontic patients:

Ceramic Braces

Conventional metal braces are usually a suitable option for adults as well as children. However, adults may be self-conscious about the impact of the metal brackets on the appearance of their smile. 

Traditional braces are available with ceramic brackets instead of metal. These braces, which are sometimes called clear braces, are less noticeable than the metal variety because the ceramic is white like tooth enamel. 

Ceramic braces cost a bit more than traditional braces. A full set is usually priced around $4,000 to $8,000. Traditional braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000. For cost savings, a dentist may suggest placing ceramic brackets only on the teeth that are visible when you smile or speak. 

Damon System Braces

Damon system braces are great options for adults who want faster, less painful dental alignment. Treatment with Damon braces is usually completed about six months faster than treatment with traditional braces. In addition, fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments are needed, and less uncomfortable aligning force is required to move the teeth. This difference in alignment speed and comfort is due to the omission of elastic bands in the straightening system.

For traditional braces to straighten teeth, a metal wire, which is called an arch wire, is attached to the brackets of the braces and tightened to place alignment pressure on the teeth. Elastic bands are used to attach the wire to the brackets. The rubbing of the elastic bands against the brackets causes friction that opposes the alignment force.

Damon brackets can help straighten your teeth without the use of elastic bands. The omission of the bands reduces the alignment-opposing friction that must be overcome before aligning pressure can begin to straighten the teeth. Thus, Damon braces straighten teeth faster and more comfortably.

In addition, the size of the brackets used with Damon braces is smaller than the bracket size of traditional braces, so metal Damon braces are not as conspicuous. Still, Damon system brackets can also be fashioned in ceramic.

Lingual Braces

The brackets of lingual braces are applied to the side of the teeth that lies closest to the tongue. Thus, they work well for adults who participate in contact sports, play a wind instrument or just want to have their teeth aligned discreetly.

If you are an adult who is considering braces, schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in your area. He or she can determine the best orthodontic options to suit your needs.

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