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.
Tooth loss can affect how you eat and speak, as well as how your smile looks. Restorative solutions, like implant crowns, are important for maintaining your dental and overall health. Implant crowns are strong and resemble natural teeth, blending well with surrounding teeth. They imitate the structure of real teeth, providing long-term benefits for those…
A dental restoration can improve your appearance and dental health. Your dentist can help you prepare for your procedure. The consultation can also tell you how you should care for your new smile. Here are the details if you want to know how to maintain your dental restoration for lasting results.Some fluoride treatments and toothpaste…
Any dental restoration can be challenging to budget for. Discussing the particulars with your dentist can help you get a clear idea of the final amount. Understanding the specific elements of your dental procedure is important in setting your budget. Here is a comprehensive guide for determining the cost of your dental restoration.This dental restoration…
There are many reasons why you might be considering switching from a general dentist to a family dentist. Perhaps you have moved to a different town, or maybe you are starting to go to the dentist for the first time in several years. Whatever the reasons are, you might be wondering what the difference between…