Few of us have perfect teeth, and it’s quite common as an adult to have a few teeth that are misaligned or crooked. Having a not-so-perfect smile can put a dent in your confidence while at the same time, brushing and flossing a misaligned smile can be very difficult too.

Adult orthodontic treatment has increased enormously in recent years as more ÔÇ£grown-upsÔÇØ seek help with teeth straightening. But what if you just can’t face the thought of brackets and wires on your teeth. Is there an alternative way to fix teeth without braces?

How braces work

Before looking at ways to straighten teeth without braces, it helps to understand how teeth braces work. The concept of most braces and aligners is to apply gentle pressure to your teeth in order to move them from their existing position to the position or alignment that your dentist sees fit. Before attempting any do it yourself teeth straightening at home, be aware that if you go about this in the wrong way you could cause long-term damage to your teeth and gums. What’s more, if you apply too much pressure, you could even cause your teeth to loosen.

We can help

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth then it’s important to remember that the person who knows best how to straighten your teeth is your general dentist or orthodontist. He or she will examine your teeth and determine the best method of teeth straightening. It doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll have to wear braces, and if you really would prefer an alternative, then, by all means, discuss this with your dentist.

Having your Point Cook dentist check your teeth also ensures that whatever treatment you choose will not be detrimental to your health in the long run. Everyone’s mouth and teeth are different which is why it’s always best to consult an expert about teeth straightening methods, to ensure they can discuss the best possible options for you.

So, getting back to the initial question, ÔÇ£Are there any alternatives to braces for straightening teeth?ÔÇØ well, let’s take a look.

Retainers

Modern-day retainers have been about for almost as long as metal braces. In fact, a retainer is one of the most common methods of teeth straightening in cases where a patient only has a mild form of misalignment. Depending on how serious the misalignment is, you’ll need to wear your retainer either during the day or at night, while you’re asleep. Many patients who undergo braces treatment find they need to wear a retainer after their treatment to finish off the straightening process and to prevent teeth from drifting back into their original position. While retainers are effective, they’re not a solution to more severe misalignments.

Porcelain veneers

It used to be that veneers had a bad name because they were often out of proportion to the face and made the smile look completely unnatural. Today, veneers are one of our most popular cosmetic treatments and not without good reason. Although they can’t physically move the teeth into a new position, they can correct the outward appearance of teeth that are slightly crooked, misaligned, or gapped.

The procedure involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel so that when the veneers are fitted they remain flush with the rest of the teeth and don’t impact on your bite. The porcelain is wafer thin and has a translucency similar to tooth enamel, which makes them look incredibly natural. They’re coloured to blend in with your other teeth and are stuck to the front surface of the teeth, a little like a false fingernail. Not only are they effective for slight teeth straightening but they also hide any stains, imperfections, or chips creating a gorgeous, straight white smile. If you’re looking for a quick fix to minor alignment issues, then veneers could be your answer.

What about if my teeth are more seriously misaligned what then?

Don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you too, by way of aligners. These are worn like a mouthguard and fit over the outside of your teeth. Because they’re made from transparent plastic, it’s hard for anyone to see that you’re wearing them, except if they get up really close to you a kind of ‘invisible teeth straightening’, if you like. The most popular brand of clear aligners currently on the market is Invisalign, and although they’re not currently recommended for more complex dental issues, they can effectively fix overbites, underbites, and misalignments.

How Invisalign works

In order to receive Invisalign treatment, you’ll first need to go to your nearest Invisalign provider cue Point Cook Dental. We’re experienced in all Invisalign products and have undergone Invisalign training, so you can trust that with us you’re in good hands.

Invisalign works by utilising not just one set of aligners, but a whole bunch of them, depending on the severity of your case. Each set of aligners is worn for a couple of weeks before being exchanged for the next set of aligners in the series. As you work your way through your teeth aligners at home, your teeth are gradually being propelled towards their destination and by the time you’ve reached your last set of aligners, treatment is almost complete and it’s time to reveal your gorgeous straight smile. You will need to wear a retainer, but we can discuss your options at a later date.

So there you have it 3 alternatives to teeth straightening that don’t involve wearing braces. If you’re weighing up your teeth straightening options then come and talk to the friendly dental team at Point Cook by scheduling an appointment on 03 8595 2630 . When it comes to adult teeth straightening options, we’ve got you covered.