Local Orthodontic Santa Cruz, CA Dental Care for Straighten Teeth Naturally

Ceramic Braces: It's Never Too Late To Get Braces as an Adult

Not so long ago, children usually had dental braces only if their family could afford them. Now adults are wearing dental braces in greater and greater numbers. And there's never been a better time to make this choice.

Dental braces are smaller, lighter, easier to clean and wear comfortably. A whole new world of orthodontic materials that work better and faster is available to us as adult braces . There are ceramic braces, invisible braces and many other choices for adults who want to improve their smile.

Ceramic braces offer a less-visible alternative to the more established metal braces. They blend in more with the natural color of teeth and may make the braces look more appealing. Ceramic braces may not be as strong metal and may require a longer treatment time.

Metal bands are only a memory. We use new plastics and bonding adhesives. Wire and brackets can be "super-glued" directly onto the teeth. There are some dental braces that seem "invisible."

Nitinol (thanks NASA!) is a new metal that retains its shape and is strong enough to withstand the force exerted by orthodontic appliances.

Moderate gaps can even be invisible with lingual braces glued to the back of the teeth.

If you think you need dental braces, or maybe you're interested in the visual appeal of ceramic braces, check out all your options, because there has never been a better time!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn More About Invisalign Treatment

What Are Invisalign Braces?

• Invisalign braces are the invisible way to straighten your teeth without metal braces.
• These braces use a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without metal wires or brackets like traditional dental braces.
• Invisalign invisible braces have been proven effective in clinical research and in orthodontics practices nationwide. In fact, over 70% of all U.S. orthodontists are certified to treat patients with Invisalign clear braces.

How Do Invisalign Braces Work?

• You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• As you replace each Invisalign aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move - little by little, week by week - until they have straightened to the final position your orthodontist has prescribed.
• You'll visit your orthodontist about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your Invisalign braces treatment is progressing as planned.
• Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of Invisalign aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

How Are Invisalign Aligners Made? You'd Be Amazed…

The Invisalign aligners are made through a combination of your orthodontist's expertise and 3-D computer imaging technology.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.