In 2020, there was a global 12% increase in cosmetic dentistry. And the market is set to keep growing by 5% every year for the foreseeable.
Not so long ago, it was the norm for children to receive orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth, but not adults. Because if someone had a severe malocclusion (crooked teeth or an over/underbite), it would get fixed when the problem started, right?
In some cases, yes, but there are so many more orthodontic options nowadays to achieve a straighter, whiter smile. And if you are unhappy with your crooked teeth, those options are available for you, too.
Want to know what they are? This list explains all the top choices!
Table of Contents
1. Metal Braces
When anyone thinks of “braces” they likely imagine the traditional metal braces that children wear. These braces consist of metal alloys that orthodontists bond to the outside of the teeth and connect with a metal wire. Dental rubber bands hold the wire to the bonded pieces of metal to keep everything in place.
They treat crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. You must visit your Orthodontist office every few weeks for this type of orthodontic treatment so they can retighten the wire.
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are like metal braces with one key difference. Instead of bonding metal to the tooth to hold the wire in place, they bond a piece of ceramic.
This creamy white material blends in with the color of the tooth better so it’s more discreet. Orthodontic treatment using metal or ceramic braces lasts from 18 months to two years in most cases.
3. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are the same traditional metal braces but their positioning is different. They fit behind the teeth rather than in front so they are less visible.
But they aren’t suitable for people with a large overbite and can be more uncomfortable to wear than traditional braces.
4. Invisible Braces
Is there a brace more invisible than a lingual brace? Yes, an invisible brace! They are also called clear braces. Invisalign aligners are one of the most popular and well-known brands that make invisible braces.
These braces consist of clear plastic which is harder to see. Plus, you can remove them and they only take 12 to 18 months to work which is less than traditional braces.
5. Dental Veneers
Cannot wait 12+ months for braces to make your teeth straighter? Neither can celebrities, as many opt for veneers over braces.
Veneers are fake teeth made from porcelain that fit over your real teeth. Your dentist will file down your real teeth, so once you get veneers you cannot remove them. They are more expensive than braces and only last 10 to 30 years, but the results are instant.
Choose the Best Orthodontic Treatment for Your Needs
Your ideal timeframe, smile goals, and budget will determine which orthodontic treatment is best for you. And while 12 to 18 months seems like a long time to wait, your brand new straight smile will make everything worth it.
Caring about your appearance doesn’t make you vain, it makes you feel more confident and have higher self-esteem. If you want to keep improving your appearance, browse our health and lifestyle categories for more ideas!
