Many adults with a desire for a straighter, more attractive smile may be thinking that they have passed the age where that is even a possibility. But the truth is that orthodontic solutions are not just for young teenagers. In fact, there are several orthodontic options specifically designed for adult patients. If you would like a straighter smile, but don’t want to suffer the embarrassment of wearing traditional metal braces, check out some of the orthodontic options that are perfect for adult patients:

• Invisalign® — This remarkable technology was first introduced a few years ago. It involves the use of clear plastic aligner trays that are virtually invisible. Your dentist fits you with a new set of custom-made trays every few weeks. Gradually – usually over a period of 12 months or so – your teeth shift into their new, straighter positions. You’ll need to wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day, but you can remove them when you eat and when you brush and floss. This means that maintaining your normal daily oral hygiene routine is easy to do, and there are no dietary restrictions since you can remove the aligner trays when you eat.
• Clear Ceramic Braces – Similar to Invisalign® aligner trays, clear ceramic braces are an almost invisible option to straighten adult teeth. This solution is made of either clear or tooth-colored ceramic dental material that more closely resembles a retainer than braces or aligner trays. Clear ceramic braces consist of a wire attached to ligatures and brackets that are either tooth-colored or clear. These appliances are effective in straightening your teeth, but food can get caught in the ligatures, and the ceramic material may be stained by some foods and drinks. This means you may want to alter your diet accordingly to avoid those issues.
• Lingual Braces – These appliances are very similar to metal braces, except that lingual braces are applied behind the patient’s teeth rather than in front like traditional metal braces. Although they are virtually impossible to see, they can be more uncomfortable for the patient than some of the other options. Keeping your teeth clean may also be more challenging with lingual braces.

Your dentist can help you decide which option is right for you. The important thing to remember is that there are choices available for adult patients who want a straighter smile but don’t want to suffer the embarrassment of wearing metal braces. It’s never too late to achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, so contact your dentist today for more information.