Are Braces a Must-Have for Straightening Teeth?

Your smile is everything but when you have crooked teeth, your confidence to smile and feel good is compromised. Crooked teeth may pose other problems like problems biting, and increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Braces have been in use to rectify crooked teeth. However, if you are an adult, wearing braces may make you feel uncomfortable. The good news is that dentistry services from Raphael Martin have advanced, and it is now possible to straighten teeth without using braces. If you are looking for alternatives to braces for straightening teeth, here are the five best alternatives to braces.

1. Invisalign

This is a popular alternative to braces for adults. These are invisible alignments placed on the teeth just like braces. They are customized according to the patient’s teeth. They are invisible, and that means they are not easily noticeable. During treatment, the dentist will need a 3D map of the mouth to create the aligners. You will need to wear them for at least 20 hours a day and remove them when brushing or eating. Even though Invisalign is a perfect choice compared to braces, you will need to go for regular checkups. You need to know that Invisalign is also expensive compared to braces.

2. Headgear

Orthodontic headgear is another alternative to braces and is best for correcting overbites. The headgear works by putting pressure on the teeth in the jaw. It is used to position or align the teeth to the desired position or hold them together. Headgear is removable, and that means you can wear it for some hours in a day and remove it when desired. Your dentist will give you instructions on how to do it. Headgear is noticeable, but the good thing is that you can wear it at your desired time.

3. Dental Veneers

Dentistry also offers veneers as an alternative to braces. Porcelain veneers are most preferred because they are thin, and the shells can be easily bonded with your teeth. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct chipped, discolored, misaligned, or crooked teeth. Veneers are a strong option and not prone to staining. However, before you choose veneers as an alternative for crooked teeth, you need to know that the treatment is permanent. The dentist will need to remove the enamel in order to place the veneer. So, if you are looking for a long-term solution, porcelain veneers are the best option.

4. Retainers

These are also perfect choices for straightening teeth. Retainers are custom-made and perfect for a patient who needs minimum treatment. Some retainers are large such that they can comfortably sit on the arch of your mouth. They are also transparent, and that means, unlike traditional braces, they are not noticeable when your smile or laugh.

5. Dental Bonding

This choice is perfect for misaligned teeth. Dental bonding or contouring involves shaping the crooked teeth using a dental tool before alignment. The dentist may then need a colored filling material to widen, lengthen or replace a damaged tooth.

If you are looking for a way of straightening your teeth without using braces, these are the best options. Working with a qualified dentist will ensure you get the best results, and you can brighten your smile again.