How to straighten teeth without braces?

Having a perfectly aligned set of teeth is desired by many. Contrary to popular belief that teeth can only be straightened by getting braces, there are several other orthodontic options available to help you with teeth straightening. Braces can be obtrusive in daily activities. Cleaning the teeth can be challenging while wearing braces. A lot of people get braces during their childhood, but there is no upper cap on the age when you can adopt corrective measures for your teeth.

Here’s a guide on how to straighten teeth without braces:

Retainers

Retainers can be used for teeth straightening for people who need minimal correction. They cover the complete arch of the teeth and have the advantage of being transparent. Retainers are a better alternative than braces because they are more affordable and aren’t much noticeable. They can also be removed occasionally. The only drawback of using retainers is that they are only effective when only a little straightening is required.

Headgear

Wearing a headgear can correct the alignment of your teeth while also protecting them from overbites. Headgear puts pressure on the jaw and holds the teeth in place. Wearing this appliance for a few hours daily is essential to get effective results. Headgears are more noticeable than braces, which is why they aren’t much popular.

Veneers

Veneers are shells of porcelain that cover your teeth. They do not stain easily and provide you with a set of straightened white teeth that you always want.

These are also available in other types such as composite resin which is not as strong but costs less.

Restorative crowns

Restorative crowns can cover almost all types of chipped or non-aligned teeth, making them look straighter. It is another way of getting perfect looking teeth without having to deal with braces.

Contouring and bonding

Contouring is used to get rid of minor imperfections in the teeth. It refers to shaping the teeth using a dental filling known as bonding. The process can help get rid of small misalignments by lengthening or widening a tooth.

Invisalign

Commonly known as clear aligners, Invisalign are trays that help straighten the teeth. They are made to be invisible and have to be worn for most part of the day (22 hours at least) for desired results. The aligner has to be replaced frequently. It gradually moves the teeth in place giving it a proper shape.

Palatal expanders

The most common way of teeth alignment in children is the use of a palatal expander. This is fixed to the molars using brackets and provides space to the incoming teeth.

Misaligned teeth are not only displeasing to look at but may also be the cause of tooth decay. It is difficult to brush misaligned teeth properly, which results in the accumulation of food. This deposited food may give rise to harmful bacteria in the mouth which leads to cavities. With the availability of so many better alternatives that are less cumbersome and less noticeable, the use of braces is on a decline.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.