When you have an uneven smile, especially if your malocclusion is severe, then we might recommend braces. However, to make them less visible and help teens and adults feel more comfortable, we could use a metal-free alternative for the brackets. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about our tooth-colored ceramic brackets.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces help correct more severe cases of misalignment, offering a more even and healthy smile. The process involves attaching metal brackets to the front facing sides of each tooth. We then connect a small portion of a thin arch wire to each one with a band. You will then see us at regular appointments so we can adjust tension in the wire and begin shifting the teeth into proper positions. Patients then obtain an even smile over a period of about two years. A straighter smile is one with a lower risk of cavities, infection, gingivitis, and gum disease, and is less likely to form issues like TMJ disorder or bruxism (chronic teeth grinding).
Taking a Cosmetic Approach
While braces are great for correcting smiles, many teens and adults worry about the impact of metal braces on their appearance. We understand, but we don’t want these concerns to stand between them and an even smile. Which is why, when possible, we can offer a cosmetic approach with ceramic brackets. Ceramic is a durable material that can be color-matched to blend with your smile. Dentists often use this material to create crowns and replacement teeth for this reason. The brackets will blend with your tooth, and we will attach the arch with a clear band. This makes your orthodontics significantly less visible, and we could also discuss using the Propel® Accelerated Orthodontic system to reduce overall treatment time too.
The Invisalign® System
We also have an option that is nearly invisible, known as Invisalign®. This option doesn’t use metal brackets or ceramic ones, and instead employs a series of clear, plastic aligners to shift the teeth, often offering optimal results in as little as one year. These also have the added benefit of being removable, so they can be taken out before you eat, and they can be removed before you brush and floss, which makes treatment much easier. If you have any questions about our cosmetic orthodontics, then contact our team today.
Do You Want a Straighter Smile?
We want you to feel comfortable with your smile during the treatment process. If you have any questions about addressing your uneven smile, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
