What to Do if You Don't Qualify for Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are one of the most popular methods of straightening teeth due to the ability to remove them whenever you need to, and of course, because they're nearly impossible to detect. However, not everyone will qualify for invisible braces due to the needs of their teeth. Read on to learn more about why you might not qualify for invisible braces and what options you have if invisible braces won't work for you.
Invisible Braces Limitations
Invisible braces are extremely good at straightening teeth and changing the amount of space between each tooth. However, if you have bigger problems, like a misaligned jaw, underbite, overbite, or temporomandibular joint disorder, invisible braces can't help to fix these problems. While you could probably ask a dentist to give you invisible braces simply to change the alignment of your individual teeth, you wouldn't be doing anything to improve the shape of your jaw.
How Standard Braces Differ
Standard braces are a time-honored way of straightening teeth and smiles because they do it all. While patients often don't like the metal wires that are strung from tooth to tooth and harnessed to the rear molars, that's where the magic happens.
By attaching all of the teeth together with wires and tightening said wires, dentists have complete control over the jaw and teeth. If your jaw is too large, they can gradually make it shorter, and if it's too short, they can make it longer. This is why metal braces give the best results for fixing a smile.
Sublingual Braces
If you now understand and appreciate the ability that metal braces can offer but still don't want a smile full of metal, there's good news. Sublingual braces can offer all of the benefits of standard metal braces without being noticeable at all.
Sublingual braces can do this because they work in the exact same way as standard braces. Using metal brackets and wires, they can adjust the overall shape and size of your upper and lower jaw. However, the brackets and wires are mounted to the rear of the teeth where they are hidden from the outside world. This allows you to have your teeth straightened effectively and thoroughly without having your smile altered as a result.
Sublingual braces are a great choice for anyone who wants invisible braces but can't get them. If you were disappointed to learn that your particular jaw shape or dental condition won't allow for invisible braces, talk to your dentist about the possibility of sublingual braces.
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