Most people know about the regular braces-- the ones that show on the outside of your teeth and sometimes have colorful bands. But did you know there is an alternative-- braces that you can't even see? These are called esthetic, or lingual braces. They are placed on the tongue side of the teeth, making them virtually invisible because they can't be seen from the front.

There are some drawbacks to esthetic braces, however. For starters, they are more expensive. This is because they are more difficult to put into place, and they require more frequent visits. They can be more uncomfortable because they might irritate the tongue and cheeks more than regular braces. And some people are not good candidates for lingual braces because of the treatment needed to straighten their teeth. If you don't already have braces, you can ask your dentist or orthodontist about esthetic or lingual braces.

Another new addition to the world of braces are removable braces. Instead of applying pressure directly on to the teeth as conventional braces do, removable appliances are used both to change the structure of the jaws and/or face AND to retain (by using a retainer) the repositioned teeth. The retainer keeps the teeth in their new correct positions until the tissues surrounding them stabilize. Removable appliances may be used either before or after conventional braces are in place, but they are seldom used instead of conventional braces. Again, ask your dentist or orthodontist about the possibility of removable appliances.

Disclaimer:

The information in this newsletter is only for the purpose of providing you with information regarding your orthodontic care and treatment. It is not intended to offer any medical or dental advice. Please contact your own dentist or orthodontist for treatment, appliances, or instructions that are right for you.