Work In The Performing Arts? What Are Your Orthodontic Options?

Dentist Articles

Whether you work as a singer, dancer, actor, or "triple threat," your appearance and presentation can have a huge effect on your career. If you need orthodontic treatment to correct improperly aligned teeth or correct sleep apnea or another medical disorder, you may be wondering whether you have any choice but to temporarily step out of the spotlight while your teeth undergo corrective treatment. Fortunately, there are now several options that can allow you to correct your dental issues while continuing to perform amid public attention. Read on to learn more about the orthodontic treatments that can help you avoid any disruption to your career.

Plastic aligners

If your teeth require only slight alignment to achieve your desired look, you may be a great candidate for clear plastic braces. These braces come in tray form and are molded to the surface of your teeth to provide constant straightening power while keeping food particles and other potential irritants out. In fact, plastic aligners are one of your only orthodontic treatment options that won't cause you to avoid certain foods or drinks following an adjustment, and should be much more comfortable than some of your other alternatives.

Unlike traditional braces or permanent retainers, invisible aligners can be removed for up to 4 hours per day, allowing you to take them out just before a huge audition or performance where you need a completely empty mouth. However, those who require significant orthodontic treatment over multiple stages may find that these invisible aligners just don't provide enough tension to fully solve your alignment issues, and may need to begin your treatment with lingual or ceramic braces before transitioning to these plastic aligners.

Lingual braces

Like traditional braces, lingual braces are composed of metal brackets that attach to your teeth and thin wires that provide tension between these brackets to guide your teeth to the proper locations. However, lingual braces are installed on the back of your teeth, facing your tongue, rather than on the outer surface of your teeth. This installation can give lingual braces the same straightening power as wire braces without having the same effect on your physical appearance or smile. You'll likely need to invest in an ultrasonic toothbrush or water-powered dental flosser to ensure your lingual braces remain clean and avoid developing any bacteria buildup.

In some cases, lingual braces can affect your speech or cause a slight lisp (especially after being tightened), so these braces may not be the best option for those who have multiple performances booked over the next few months. For models or dancers, lingual braces can provide the heavy-duty treatment needed without leading to canceled performances or photo sessions.

Ceramic braces

These braces are also modeled after traditional metal braces, but their brackets are designed to match the color of your teeth. Without dark metal brackets to catch the eye, the thin wires used to connect these brackets are essentially invisible, making ceramic braces a good alternative to metal or lingual braces. As they're attached to the front of your teeth, ceramic braces are easier to clean than lingual braces, and can help treat even the most severe orthodontic problems while remaining nearly invisible.

You may want to avoid ceramic braces in favor of lingual braces if you're a model or actor and expect to have multiple up-close photographs taken during the period you'll be wearing these braces, as it's likely the ceramic brackets and wires will catch the light enough to become somewhat visible in still photography. However, live performers should find ceramic braces an effective and attractive option. 

For more information about your options, contact a company like Fayetteville Family Dentistry.

13 November 2015