Many people dread getting braces, usually because they are worried about the way that the braces will affect their appearance. However, there are alternatives to traditional braces that can help you straighten your teeth without having to deal with metal braces. Two alternatives to consider are low-visibility braces and aligners.

Low-Visibility Braces

Clear braces are one of the most popular low-visibility braces and are a great alternative to traditional braces. Now, clear braces do not mean that your braces are going to be completely invisible, just that they are going to be much harder to notice.

Clear braces are typically made out of ceramic, and the brackets are either going to be the same color as your teeth or completely clear. In addition, the wires that your braces require in order to function properly are also going to be the same color as your teeth.

The biggest advantage of the clear braces is that they are typically much more effective than aligners, and can adjust your teeth in a shorter amount of time. However, the downside to clear braces is that they can easily become stained if you do not keep them clean.

You can also consider lingual braces if you need braces that are not noticeable. Lingual braces are made out of metal like traditional braces, but they are located on the inside of your teeth, making them almost invisible.

Two downsides to lingual braces are that they are harder to clean due to their position, and they are going to be more expensive than traditional braces. However, those downsides are more than worth it if you are self-conscious about wearing braces.

Aligners

Aligners are a very popular alternative to traditional braces in that they are almost completely invisible. The most popular types of aligners require you to wear a series of temporary mouth-guards that will make slight adjustments to your teeth. Once your teeth reach a certain point, you go to your dentist and get a new mouth guard to make the next series of adjustments. 

The biggest benefit to this approach is that the aligners are going to be much more comfortable than traditional braces. In addition, the aligners will not require you to avoid certain foods or drinks. However, this option is typically only going to be useful if you only need minor adjustments to your teeth. If your teeth require a lot of work in order to get them to be straight and even, then traditional and low-visibility braces are better options.

Speak to your dentist or orthodontist today in order to discuss the many options available for straightening your teeth. Aligners are a great option if you want something comfortable and only need minor adjustments, while low-visibility braces are ideal if you want something that is discreet.