Are you considering the investment in dental braces but don’t want anyone to know you have them? Perhaps you already have them, but you’re looking for ways to make it harder for people to notice them. The good news is that you can have a beautiful smile that you’re proud of now and down the road once you have them removed. You know the improvement through dentistry that they’ll offer later, but right now, you may want some help.
Consider these 7 tips and strategies to help you have less noticeable braces. Helping you to have the smile you always dreamed of.
#1: Buy Clear Aligners
By far, the best thing you can do to improve your smile is to use clear aligners. These are see-through, which means most people don’t notice them unless you tell them you’re wearing them. Clear aligners slide into your mouth, over your teeth, placing a slight push on the teeth to move them into alignment. Invisalign is one example of clear aligners.
Clear aligners offer key benefits: They
- are made of a plastic material that covers the teeth – you can take them out when you need to.
- are clear enough that no one is likely to notice them.
- work faster, which means you won’t have to deal with them for as long as other types.
- do not require the use of bands, which means they are less likely to stand out.
- tend to be very easy to use and keep clean, minimizing the risk that others will notice them.
They do cost more and typically require more frequent visits to the dentist. However, if you don’t want noticeable braces, this is the route to take. They may not work for everyone, though.
#2: Consider Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are somewhat like metal in the way they attach to the teeth. However, they are made of a clear or tooth-colored material. That makes them clear for the most part. Though they are significantly less noticeable than other types, they are easy to see up close. If you think that clear ones are the right option for you, but you’re not sure about more expensive types, this may be the ideal choice. They are certainly less expensive than clear aligners, which is one of the main benefits many people see.
These type of braces require adjustments over time. They can also stain easily if you do not keep them clean by properly brushing and flossing throughout the day. Staying up to date on your dental cleanings may also help with this.
Ceramic braces offer key benefits:
- Choose a skilled orthodontist who can ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
- Be sure to choose ceramic options that match the color of your teeth or are clear.
- Use clear or white elastics when you need to. Though they can stain over time, removing them often allows them to blend in well.
They may be a bit more susceptible to damage if you are not careful with them. They require monthly or less frequent appointments to adjust them.
#3: Consider the Benefits of Lingual Braces
What if you did not have to see them at all? Lingual versions are a more specialized product because they are placed behind the teeth rather than in front of them. They are not often used because they take a lot of time to set and can be hard to manage. If you want to go with this method, you will need to seek out a professional with ample experience in them as that can define their overall success.
If you do not want a noticeable wire or bracing, this option could be ideal. They can be invisible when customized and set properly. Keep the following in mind:
- No one is going to see these because of their positioning behind the teeth.
- It’s worth seeking out an orthodontist capable of placing these, though they tend to cost a bit more.
#4: Find Out if Self-Ligating Braces Are an Option
Self-ligating braces are a nice option for some because they do not require ligature. Most traditional metal braces require elastic bands placed to help them function as they should. Self-ligating braces do not. Instead, they are designed to hold into place security without any added help.
There are a few things to know about this type of brace:
- They tend to be smaller than metal options. That helps them to be less noticeable.
- Some components of them are made of ceramic material, which is colored to match the teeth or is clear. This, too, contributes to them being less obvious.
- You won’t need to use elastic bands, which are sometimes the most common element people notice in metal braces.
Not all orthodontists offer these, but they can be a solid option for many people who don’t want a significant amount of coloring on their teeth from bands.
#5: Consider FastBraces
Though they are not widely available and are a newer option, FastBraces by Viazis may be an option for some people. These are made a bit differently than the typical metal braces. However, they are fully metal. They have a triangle shape to them, and they only require the use of a single wire. This helps to make them a bit harder to see. Some of the benefits of these include:
- The smaller size of the metal makes them less obvious.
- They don’t cause as much pain and discomfort for most people.
- FastBraces also work well to speed up the process, so you may not have to wear them as long
- They look smaller, especially with the single wire, which makes them less obvious overall.
#6: Consider Metal Braces with Some Adjustments
These are the most traditional and affordable options. They work well, but they tend to be the most obvious option. These are smaller than other forms, working quickly for most people. However, they tend to be the hardest to hide. Metal braces also typically require a visit to your dentist every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments.
One of the core benefits of metal braces is that they tend to work quickly because they are not removable. That doesn’t make them easier to hide, but it may mean you don’t have to wear them as long as you would other types. That’s a good thing.
There may be some things you can do to make them harder to spot. The color of the bands placed on them may play a role in how noticeable they are. Here’s a guide to how to use colored bands to minimize how obvious they look:
- Clear braces: Only use light blue ties. This reduces staining and reduces how noticeable they are.
- Silver or metal: If they are a silver or metal color, choose silver ties. A brighter color will pull in the attention of others easily.
If you want to add color, choose a more subtle option – like lavender or pink instead of a bright red or blue.
#7: Know How to Make Your Braces Blend In
Aside from all of these steps, there are a few more things you may be able to do to help them stand out less, even if you are using a metal option.
Keep your teeth clean
Good oral hygiene helps you avoid food caught in your teeth that could draw attention to you. At the very least, brush after each meal. Flossing your teeth can help pull out any debris caught between your braces and teeth. Use a soft toothbrush to remove all particles while also focusing on keeping your teeth healthy. Avoid foods that draw attention to your teeth:
- Chewing gum
- Crunchy or hard foods
- Chewing ice
- Sticky foods
You don’t have to smile with your teeth
For some people, this is a challenging switch. For others, it’s easy to do. You can smile without showing most of your teeth. Doing this may help to draw less attention to your teeth. This may also help you to show your retainers less.
Improve lip health and color
Another way to bring the attention away from your teeth is to focus more on your lips. You can use bright red lipstick if you want to do this. At the very least, be sure to use a bit of gloss to help create shine on your lips. That’s going to keep them healthy, too.
Help people focus on something else
A cute haircut, eye makeup, or an overly positive attitude may help draw attention away from your teeth and onto you. You can wear jewelry that helps to add a bit of sparkle or choose to wear clothing that offers a bright pattern.
Knowing the types of braces available and working closely with your orthodontist, you may be able to make your smile brighter even while you’re working to align it.
Braces FAQ
How much Braces cost?
The cost depends on many factors, including the type selected, the severity of the dental need, location, and more. Costs may be as low as $4,000 but as high as $8,000.
What is the best age to get braces?
Though each patient’s needs are different, it is typical to begin using these products between the ages of 10 and 14. Waiting until this age is important because it usually allows enough time for all of the teeth to come into place. At the same time, the jawbone tissues remain soft, which allows for good responsiveness use and more effective repositioning of the teeth.
How long does it take for braces to work?
Each situation is a bit different. Many people begin to see improvement within a few months. Some may need less than 12 months of care, but others, including those who are older, may need 2 to 3 years of applications to get to the desired position.
Do braces hurt?
Bracing technology has come a long way, which has led to much less painful methods. Mild pain and discomfort may occur, especially initially, depending on the type used. You should only feel discomfort initially. Anything lasting longer than a few hours needs to be checked by a doctor.
Can adults see improvements with aligners?
New aligner technology allows adults to see improvements in their smiles, just as it occurs in teens. It may take longer, and there may be some limitations, but many people see significant results.
Ready To Get Your Next Clear Braces?
If you think dental braces might be in your future, give us a call today! Our professional orthodontics would be happy to take a look at your teeth and do a full consultation with you to see if you do qualify for recommended braces treatment.
Now that you are ready to get started, lets help you to book your next appointment online today to begin your journey toward a brighter, more beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of. You can use this link here to book your appointment.
