Braces are one of the most effective solutions for straightening your teeth. However, not everyone who wants to improve the appearance of their teeth is comfortable with braces. Fortunately, there are few other ways to fix your teeth without getting braces. In this article, we are going to highlight a few alternatives to braces. If you want to straighten your teeth without braces, you can discuss any of these ideas with your orthodontist, and they will be able to guide you on what’s the best method in your case.
Alternatives to Braces
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are customized retainers that tightly fit on the teeth and realign them over a period of time. This straightening solution is not recommended for children whose mouths are still developing. They are an effective solution for adults whose mouths are developed completely.
Clear aligner treatment is best for people with an intermediate level of spacing or crowding issues. If you have a severe spacing problem or crowding issue, you need to look at other alternatives.
The treatment takes around one to two years and costs about five thousand dollars. The aligners can be removed, cleaned and worn again to maintain a cleaner look. However, you need to wear them all the time to minimize the treatment period. They are clear and less visible than braces.
Retainers
Retainers come in two types, removable and fixed retainers. Retainers are usually used to maintain the position of teeth after they have been treated with braces or aligners. They are also used to straighten teeth if you have minor issues. They can be used for patients of all ages.
If you want to maintain oral hygiene, you can opt for removable retainers. Fixed retainers are applied at the back of the teeth to make them less visible or completely invisible. They cost anywhere between five hundred to three thousand dollars.
Request a Consultation
Dental Veneers
Have you ever heard of Lumineers or porcelain veneers? Their official name is dental veneers. They are porcelain caps that are fitted on the teeth. If you have spacing or cracked teeth, this is the most effective solution. It is also helpful in treating discoloration.
The dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth and fix the cap over it. It is a very quick and small procedure that can be finished in a single visit. The process is not recommended for children whose teeth are still developing. Dental veneers cost about five hundred to a thousand dollars for each tooth.
Dental Contouring
The process of sanding the edges of teeth and improving their shape is called dental contouring, or teeth reshaping. This is a perfect treatment for people who only have issues with a couple of teeth. It is better to get this one treatment rather than wearing braces for years.
This process is available for adults only. This is a permanent treatment, which is not recommended for children and teens. The treatment shouldn’t be overused. The purpose is to adjust minor shaping issues. It is an inexpensive and one-time process. The treatment cost anywhere between fifty dollars to five hundred dollars.
Herbst Appliance
Sometimes the problem lies in your jaw, rather than your teeth. If you try to restructure your jaw, you will be able to straighten your teeth.
The Herbst device is designed to help you with jaw issues. It makes the upper and lower jaw meet at the right position, correcting the bite. Once you fix the structure, it automatically straightens the teeth.
This treatment requires you to wear the device for at least one year to get the results. There are no side effects of wearing this appliance.
Headgear
This is another appliance to straighten teeth without using braces. Headgear devices insert pressure on the upper jaw and teeth, forcing a move in the right direction. Ultimately, the teeth will start moving into the right position.
The treatment requires you to wear the appliance for a few hours every day until you are satisfied with the results.
Composite Bonding
This treatment includes applying a resin material to your teeth with an adhesive. It makes your teeth look straight. It is a quick treatment that is prone to staining. However, if you want to attend an event and want quick results, this is an effective method.
Conclusion
Most people believe that braces are the only solution to straighten your teeth, but this is not true. There are a lot of methods to fix the issue. However, most of them require you to wear an appliance or something similar. Appliances provide similar results to braces without being as visible.
Now that you know various methods to straighten your teeth, you can visit your orthodontist and discuss these ideas with them. They will be able to guide you on what’s the best solution in your case.
