Braces are a popular treatment for teeth straightening that has existed for several decades. However, committing to braces can be difficult, especially if you are an adult with a busy lifestyle. That explains why many people would gladly consider other options to straighten their teeth. Sometimes, conventional metal braces are the most effective options for cases of severe crookedness or misalignment, but your dentist can discuss other alternatives with you and if they are right for your teeth.
It is possible to correct teeth misalignment without getting traditional braces. The dentist will help the patient choose the best option to meet their expectations. Some of the alternatives include:
Clear aligners are removable dental trays that look like a thin, transparent version of mouthguards. They are highly effective for teeth straightening. Clear aligners like Invisalign are created from transparent plastic material and customized to fit over the teeth. For effectiveness, patients must wear the tray for at least 22 hours daily. The aligner trays are swapped out for new ones every few weeks to shift the teeth to their proper positions gradually.
The treatment is preferred because it allows patients to undergo treatment discreetly, unlike regular braces, but it is not for everyone. Typically, people with minor orthodontic issues such as protruding teeth, small gaps and slight crookedness can be eligible for Invisalign.
Another option the dentist might provide for simple teeth misalignment is dental veneers and crowns. Veneers and crowns are primarily cosmetic treatments for fixing damaged teeth. Porcelain is often used to create these restorations because it has tooth-like properties.
While a dental crown covers the entire tooth, veneers are bonded to the front surface of the tooth. They are both effective for changing the shape and appearance of the teeth and make them look straighter. The dentist will prepare and shape the affected teeth to place the crown or veneer.
Typically used in children, palatal expanders can also straighten teeth without braces. Sometimes, teeth become misaligned because there is not enough space on the dental arch to accommodate them. The dentist can provide a palatal expander to widen the dental arch so that permanent teeth can erupt properly. The expander is hooked with two brackets connected to the molars in the upper jaw.
Patients with misaligned teeth need to consult their dentist for professional insight. The dentist will examine their condition and consider their smile goals. Only then will they be able to offer the best recommendation. If the misalignment is too severe for aligners or veneers, the dentist may recommend a less conspicuous type of braces, including lingual braces (that stay behind the teeth) or tooth-colored braces.
Some videos and instructions have popped up online on DIY teeth straightening. However, dental professionals advise against attempting teeth straightening without professional supervision as it could have health risks. To discuss the alternatives to braces and how to restore your teeth’s alignment, book an appointment with a general dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…
Patients who qualify for and choose the Invisalign® system of teeth straightening over braces receive a series of customized clear aligners. These fit snugly over the teeth so as to be nearly invisible to observers. The treatment does not take as long as traditional straightening with braces and is typically more comfortable for the patient…
Invisalign® dental aligners are an excellent option for patients who want to avoid the look and feel of traditional metal braces while straightening crooked teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Compared to braces, most observers do not realize when someone is wearing clear aligners.For this treatment, dentists take impressions of patients' upper and lower teeth…
In recent years, Invisalign® has become increasingly popular to straighten misaligned teeth. There are many benefits of this type of orthodontic treatment over traditional braces. Patients can remove the aligners to brush and floss the teeth, making oral hygiene measures much easier. Treatment time is often shorter, and the clear trays are not as noticeable…
Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase their self-esteem. Although this procedure is largely painless unless you have very sensitive teeth, it is common to question the safety of products used to whiten your teeth. The safety of whitening procedures depends on many factors. Here are some common…