With all the colors and styles of modern dental braces, it’s no surprise that they can be fun. But as they’re becoming more common, small, colorful and clear dental braces can be considered so “yesterday” by some. Luckily, these dental patients have a new orthodontic treatment option to help them keep up with the trends — glow-in-the-dark dental braces are the new “it” thing that’s helping change teen attitudes about wearing dental braces. With fluorescent dental braces, kids are actually looking forward to getting their teeth straightened!
That Special Glow
The glow-in-the-dark element can be applied to any orthodontic appliance but is mostly seen in the brackets and bands of dental braces. It can be used for various types of brackets, including silver, ceramic and clear braces. When glow-in-the-dark dental braces are applied, your teeth will appear to have a bright, fluorescent appearance that in the dark might make you resemble the Cheshire Cat in “Alice in Wonderland.”
To achieve the glow-in-the-dark effect, a luminescent pigment is applied to the brackets while they are being processed. There are several different types of pigments that can achieve this goal. One common combination is a phosphorescent pigment that contains zinc sulfide mixed with copper. This makes your dental braces look normal in the daylight but causes them to glow in the dark at night after being exposed to a light source.
Depending on how much you want to light up a room, there are other glow-in-the-dark options available. A fluorescent pigment added to your glow-in-the-dark braces will illuminate in the day, while the same additive mixed with the phosphorescent pigments will glow during the day and in the dark as well.
Brace Yourself
Some patients may not be comfortable with the idea that chemicals are used during the pigmentation process for glow-in-the-dark dental braces. But rest assured that safety precautions are in place to assure your health! If the pigments used to create the glow are deposited into the brackets during manufacturing, special measures will be taken to protect you from any chemicals that might cause you harm. The pigments can also be painted onto the surface of the brackets to prevent them from touching your teeth.
If you don’t like the idea of permanent glow-in-the-dark dental braces, you don’t have to make a full-time commitment. You might want to consider temporary glow-in-the-dark bands instead. The bands can be interchanged every time you visit your dentist or orthodontist for an adjustment. That way if you get tired of your glow-in-the-dark image, you can easily substitute colored or clear bands instead.
Retain That Glow!
Like all good things, your dental braces must come to an end. Should you miss your fluorescent dental braces, colored retainers are also available for your enjoyment. Glow-in-the-dark dental braces and retainers have become quite the fashion statement with kids and teens — and there’s no argument that they help you stand out in a crowd.
If you’re interested in glow-in-the-dark dental braces or colored dental retainers, talk to your dentist about your orthodontic treatment options.