Do you long for a smile which you’re not ashamed of? Are you desperate to see yourself smiling in photos as opposed to hiding from the camera with your mouth shut? Millions of women across the world are ashamed of their smiles, however, many are now choosing to do something about it! Adult orthodontics has seen a huge rise in recent years and braces are now the in thing for many women, with them being seen as the route to a perfect smile! Of course, the technology behind orthodontics has also come a long way in recent years and orthodontists are now able to offer near-invisible treatments including Invisalign and lingual braces, as well as clear versions of the traditional train-track braces your friends probably wore when you were a teenager!
We wanted to bring you a brief look at just some of the options available to you if you’re considering orthodontic treatment and, in order to do so, have teamed up with London based orthodontist, Claire Nightingale of Queens Gate Orthodontics.
Traditional Braces
When someone mentions braces, it’s probably these which you think of. They’re what Ugly Betty wore but they’re also what celebrities such as Gwen Stefani, Emma Watson and Lisa Scott-Lee had to straighten their teeth! Traditional ‘train track’ braces are bonded to the front of your teeth and work using a combination of wires and brackets. You may need to wear elastic bands for some of your treatment with traditional braces as well, however they’re usually the all-round best option for those wanting to straighten their teeth.
You’ll be pleased to know that they’re available in clear, ceramic brackets which means they’re a lot less visible than the metal ones, as well as being available with self-ligating brackets which are far smaller than the alternatives.
Invisalign
Wouldn’t you love a smile like Cheryl Cole? She famously used Invisalign to straighten her teeth and in the years since, it’s seen a huge surge in popularity! In short, Invisalign works by using a series of clear aligners which move your teeth gradually over a period of a couple of years. You can remove your aligners to eat and to brush your teeth and no one will know you’re wearing them unless you let them know!
If you’re not too keen on the idea of having brackets glued to your teeth for a few years, Invisalign allows you to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of whilst being able to remove your braces for a short period each day whilst you eat and clean.
Lingual Braces
The concept of lingual braces is very similar to traditional braces however the main difference is that the brackets are glued to the back of your teeth. As such, they’re almost invisible and no one will know you’re wearing braces. It’s this type of brace which Myleene Klass wore to straighten her teeth a few years ago and a fantastic option for those who need complex treatment but don’t want anyone to see they’re wearing braces.
As with all orthodontic treatments, it’s suggested that you book an appointment with your local orthodontist and have a chat with them as to the best treatment for you. Not all treatments are right for every patient, however a quick consultation will give you a much better idea and put you well on your way to having a smile you’ve only ever dreamed of!