Many adults would prefer a straighter, more symmetrical smile, but they don’t want to walk around with metal braces on their teeth.

Fortunately for them, orthodontists are now able to offer their patients other options -- including ceramic brackets and plastic brackets -- which blend much better with the teeth. However, these options are not right for everyone.

Plastic brackets tend to stain easily and are therefore not a great option for smokers or coffee drinkers. Lots of coffee or smoking can quickly discolor plastic brackets, making them even more unattractive than metal brackets.

If your smoking or coffee-drinking patient does not want metal braces, consider ceramics. Ceramic brackets are known for their brittleness however and not for everyone either. Finally, if your patient doesn’t mind spending a little more, another option could be Invisalign.

At SML Global, our network of dental appliance labs can address your bracket needs -- Begg brackets, straight wire brackets, standard edgewise brackets, twin-wire brackets, molar hooks, and more. Contact us today.