Never Take Your Healthy Teeth for Granted

You may desire to have your teeth properly aligned for multiple reasons, such as bite correction, reduction of jaw pain or personal appearance. However, the metal brackets of traditional braces can affect your appearance just as much as your current dental misalignment. The metal brackets are only present for the duration of your orthodontic treatment with traditional braces, but you still may want to find a treatment option that does not impact your appearance so much. Here are two alignment options that your dentist may offer to minimize the effect of the treatment on the way that you look.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are aptly named because the brackets of the braces rest on the side of your teeth that is next to your tongue. Since people only see the back side of your teeth if you open your mouth wide enough to display it, lingual braces are rarely even noticed by a casual observer. 

The brackets straighten your teeth just as effectively as those used with conventional braces. In addition, if food becomes trapped in the braces, it is not displayed for others to see. 

Lingual braces also offer the benefit of not positioning metal between your lips and the outer surface of your teeth. Traditional braces can severely damage the lips if you are struck in the mouth by an object during contact sports or an accident.

In addition, since lingual braces don't distort the positioning of the lips, people who enjoy playing wind instruments don't have to make awkward adjustments to enjoy their music.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are traditionally styled braces with ceramic brackets instead of metal ones. The white color of the ceramic helps the brackets blend with your natural tooth color. Thus, the braces are barely noticeable when in place. 

Even though the brackets look clear, elastic bands are still needed to hold the wire of the braces against the brackets. You can choose clear bands to ensure that they remain discreet, or to show your creative style, you can use colored bands.

Ceramic brackets do cost more than metal ones, so your orthodontist may suggest limiting the ceramic brackets to the teeth in the front of your mouth. This arrangement allows you to save money while still enjoying the aesthetic benefits of the ceramic. 

If you need to have your teeth properly aligned, there are discreet orthodontic options available. Contact a dentist or orthodontist, like those at Cazes Family Dentistry LLC, to determine which options may be right for you.