Don’t Like the Idea of Wearing Braces? Here Are 6 Alternatives to Consider

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A healthy, straight smile is often the first thing others notice about you. Straight teeth also improve bite and articulation. However, no everyone is keen on the idea of traditional metal braces. Since more adults than ever want to straighten their teeth, many have begun looking for alternatives. Don’t want to wear braces? Try one of these dental innovations to achieve the smile of your dreams.

1. Clear Aligners

Once upon a time, metal brackets and wires were the only way to straighten teeth. Today, however, more people are choosing clear aligners instead. The most common brand is Invisalign. This clear alternative slowly moves teeth into place using a series of aligners. Dentists recommend Invisalign to fix most spacing issues, including crowding and gaps. Treatment usually lasts for 1-2 years. Invisalign providers near me can determine if you are an ideal candidate for clear aligners.

2. Retainers

While customarily prescribed to patients following braces, retainers can also help straighten teeth. However, most dentists only recommend dentists if the patient requires minimal tooth movement. It’s not the best choice for a misaligned bite or severe spacing problems. Retainers are removable, but patients should wear them around the clock for the best results.

3. Headgear

If a patient wants to straighten their teeth and fix an overbite, dental headgear may be the best option. Although this orthodontic device has a bad reputation, it’s quite effective at moving teeth. Headgear uses extreme pressure to hold the jaw and teeth in the optimal position. Best of all, patients only have to wear the device for a few hours each day.

4. Six Month Smiles

If you only need minor corrective work, you may be the right candidate for a six-month smile. However, this option doesn’t work well to correct bite or alignment issues. As the name implies, this treatment only takes about six months to complete. It consists of a dental device, clear brackets, and a wire. The concept is similar to traditional braces, but the clear brackets may make the treatment practically invisible.

5. Dental Veneers

Veneers a favorite among celebrities, but the treatment is also available to the general public. This treatment is an excellent choice for closing gaps or repairing chipped teeth. Most veneers are made out of tooth-colored porcelain, and many dentists also recommend veneers to help rejuvenate a discolored smile. Traditionally, the dentist must shave away a small layer of tooth enamel before securing the veneer into place. However, no-prep veneers provide the same results without removing tooth enamel. Veneers last 10-20 years before the patient should have them replaced.

6. Accelerated Orthodontics

Those who want a picture-perfect smile in as little time as possible should consider accelerated orthodontics. This treatment used a micro-osteoperforation system to weaken the jaw bone. The patient’s teeth loosen a little bit, and the dentist manipulates them into place. The entire process only takes 2-3 months. After completion, the patient will need to wear clear aligners or a retainer to keep the teeth from shifting back.

Get the Smile of Your Dreams

Tired of hiding your smile from others? Crooked teeth often make people feel self-conscious or embarrassed. A misaligned bite may also lead to premature tooth loss. However, the latest innovations in orthodontics make it possible to get the smile of your dreams without wearing metal braces. Ask your dentist which one of the braces alternatives would be best for your situation.