According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) in 2012, 71% of patients who opted for orthodontic treatment worried about how the treatment might affect their appearance. However, the same survey also discovered that post treatment, 92% of patients stated that they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. The main reasons for this were increased confidence levels and an improvement in their personal and career relationships. 

Another survey by the AAO in 2014, showed that a record high of 1.5 million adults from Canada and the U.S. were patients of orthodontics, proving that braces for adults are becoming more popular by the year. 

If you are not happy with the state of your teeth, you might be considering braces. Like the adults in the survey above, you may also be worried how such a choice might impact your appearance both at work and at home. Fortunately, there are several options available that are less intrusive than traditional braces. 

Invisalign 

Also known as clear aligners, this type of brace is almost invisible and therefore a popular choice among adults. These plastic trays are custom made to fit over your teeth, and as your treatment progresses and your smile improves, you hand in your old aligners for new ones every couple of weeks. 

Not only are they invisible, but also invisalign braces lack the wires and brackets that make traditional braces so unpopular. Treatment for adults generally lasts around 12 months, and these braces can be removed during meals, and for flossing or brushing. 

One important caveat to be aware of however, is that clear aligners stain easily, which means they require constant care. This is especially true if you drink coffee or red wine. 

Incognito Braces

Just as their name suggests, these braces are almost invisible. Also referred to as lingual braces, these braces are fixed to the back of the teeth and are the ideal choice for wind instrument players and those worried about damage to the front of their teeth. 

Incognito braces are customized for each patient, and can correct most orthodontic issues. More expensive, and more difficult to clean than traditional braces, incognito braces are especially designed to correct problems with the front 6 teeth, to give you the smile you always dreamed of. 

Ceramic Braces

The most similar to traditional braces of the three alternatives, ceramic braces offer more corrective possibilities than invisalign. Generally less painful while providing faster results, ceramic braces use clear brackets and wires that are not easily noticed. 

Just as with Invisalign braces, ceramic braces stain easily and therefore require more maintenance than traditional or incognito braces.

As well as these orthodontic treatment options there are also several cosmetic alternatives available too, such as bonding and veneers, which can help to correct size and length issues.

With so many options available, of varying costs and treatment times, dentists now cater to the needs of all ages and backgrounds. If your smile does not invoke confidence, you can now do something about it without worrying about the intrusiveness of metal wires and brackets. Seek out an orthodontist near you to discuss your requirements and the options on offer.