Braces: Q&A

Ask a Question

What Circumstances Are Metal Braces the Only Option for Getting Straight Teeth?

5 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+2

There Are Alternatives to Metal Braces

Back in "the day" metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. Orthodontics has come a million miles since I had my braces back in middle school (early 70's). At that time I had metal bands on every single tooth! Headgear was how overbites were fixed. Luckily dental materials and technology have improved a bunch and so has the way that we straighten teeth. Although metal braces are still by far the most common way of straightening teeth (with much smaller, more... more
+1

When are braces needed?

The causes of tooth misalignment are quite varied, and so are the approaches to correcting it. Aligning teeth is nearly always possible with removeable aligners such as Invisalign. If there are bite problems which are due to skeletal jaw misalignment then some type of fixed appliance treatment is usually needed. Or, if there is extreme crowding which requires tooth extractions and large amounts of tooth movement then fixed appliances may be called for. The best... more
+1

Invisalign can solve almost all problems that braces can

Invisalign can solve almost all problems that braces can. The exception for braces being needed involve correcting impacted teeth that can't be aligned with just aligners. If there are significant skeletal problems, then Functional Facial Orthopedics can enlarge bone structures prior to Invisalign, but these types of problems can not be handled with just braces anyway, without the removal of some teeth or surgery.

You might also like...

Real Stories

How Long Will It Take for my Front Teeth Get Straight and Stop Overlapping Eachother? - Allison Park, PA

I got braces yesterday and I can barley close my mouth, even without braces I had trouble...

Before + After Photos

View 46 Braces photos
+1

When are metal braces required?

There is always an option to using metal braces. If the orthodontist thinks removable appliances are an option, Invisalign is one possibility. Clear braces made of ceramic are another option. SimpliClear clear wires with ceramic clear brackets are the treatment of choice when removable appliances are not an option.
+1

When are metal braces the only option?

Almost never are regular braces the only option! With experience, even complex cases can now be treated with Invisalign (sometimes we do need to add partial fixed appliances for a limited time however). For Cases that cannot be treated with Invisalign, there are clear ceramic braces that can be used (the wires are still metal) To get ALL your orthodontic options, make sure you see an orthodontist who has a LOT of experience with Invisalign (Elite Provider)
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok