Teeth braces have changed, from metal, to tooth-colored, to clear

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

If you think of teeth braces, it may bring a not-so-fond memory of children with braces being called “metal mouth.” However, over time, braces have evolved, and new alternatives are now available, both in the way they look and the materials used.

The FDA is responsible for reviewing these devices for safety and effectiveness and, as appropriate, granting marketing authorization for the devices before they can be sold.

Some Common Questions, with Answers

QUESTION: I thought braces were just for kids. Not so?
       ANSWER: Not anymore. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to straightening misaligned teeth. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1-in-3 orthodontic patients today are adults. So, while you may not have worn braces as a kid, you may still choose to investigate teeth straightening as an adult.

QUESTION: Why do I need to wear braces?
       ANSWER: Simply put, braces will straighten your teeth. Not only will you have a straighter smile, but they will also help you maintain good dental hygiene. Crooked or crowded teeth can be hard to clean, causing inflamed and infected gums and other forms of dental disease. Wearing braces now can go a long way toward helping you maintain healthy teeth and gums down the road.

QUESTION: Do I have to have a mouth full of metal?
       ANSWER: Your dentist or orthodontist will need to make that determination based on your dental exam. Traditional braces can be composed of metal, plastic, or ceramic brackets and can be colored to match the color of your teeth. And if you’re feeling expressive, the rubber bands connecting the brackets come in different colors.
       Additionally, there are now alternatives called dental aligners that are clear and removable. However, they may not work for everyone’s teeth. Ask your dentist or orthodontist if they are right for you.

QUESTION: How do traditional braces work?
       ANSWER: Braces move teeth by applying pressure and usually consist of small metal, ceramic, or plastic brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by a wire, and held to the brackets by rubber bands. The wire is regularly tightened by the dentist or orthodontist, gradually shifting your teeth and jaw.

QUESTION: How do clear aligners work?
       ANSWER: Aligners are made of clear plastic material and are worn over your teeth to straighten them. You’ll get a series of custom-made aligners and wear each one for 1-2 weeks, as directed by your dentist or orthodontist. This stage of treatment can take anywhere from six to 18 months. In the next stage of treatment, you will wear a retainer, also as directed by your dentist or orthodontist. This way, your teeth are gradually moved into the correct position according to your personal treatment plan.
       Aligners are removable and need to be taken out before you eat, brush, and floss, allowing you to maintain good oral hygiene. Because they are removable, you must be sure to follow your dentist or orthodontist’s instructions on how long to wear them each day, typically about 22 hours daily.
       After your aligner treatment is complete, your dentist or orthodontist will instruct you on using a retainer to maintain your orthodontic treatment.

QUESTION: How long will I have to wear braces?
       ANSWER: That depends on how much tooth correction your dentist or orthodontist thinks you need. An average treatment time period is two years; it may take more time or less. There really is no “faster” method of straightening teeth. Orthodontics works by applying slow pressure that affects the bone surrounding a tooth to allow it to move. If movement is too rapid, tooth loss or a breakdown of the bone can occur.

QUESTION: Isn’t it hard to clean teeth when you have metal braces?
       ANSWER: Yes. It’s easy for food to get stuck in the braces, so you should be extra careful to keep your teeth clean and free of food material. Not cleaning your teeth carefully can cause dental decay, swollen or bleeding gums, and may affect your overall oral health.
       Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing your braces, rather than the usual twice a year.

QUESTION: Now my orthodontist says I need to wear a retainer. What’s that for?
       ANSWER: Retainers, worn nightly after you’re done with the braces, help maintain tooth position so the bone in the tooth can solidify in the new position.

QUESTION: Are there certain types of food I should avoid eating when I have braces?
       ANSWER: Yes. You should avoid eating anything chewy or sticky, like gummy bears or chewing gum, and should try not to eat hard candies or popcorn, as these can damage the braces and prolong the time you must wear them.