Although many choose to not pursue straightening their teeth out of the fear of looking silly or that they are too expensive, there are various other ways to straighten your smile without braces. By understanding all options and discussing the options with an orthodontist or dentist, you may just find that straightening teeth is more practical than you first anticipated.
The three main ways to straighten smiles without braces is to use clear aligners, retainers or appliances. Each option has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
The most common form of clear aligners is what is known as Invisalign, although there are other providers of clear aligners as well. Clear aligners are a great way for adults, and many teenagers, to straighten their teeth without fearing how they look during the process. For the most part, clear aligners cannot be seen by others without looking closely, which is arguably their biggest appeal. Also, clear aligners typically cost less than braces.
Clear aligners are also removable, which means the patient is responsible for wearing them as expected. In most cases, the patient must wear clear aligners for twenty hours a day, which means only removing it while eating and brushing teeth.
The only drawbacks to clear aligners are that they are not available for everyone depending on the severity of the malocclusion or crooked teeth and that they can be difficult to put in and take out.
In most instances, retainers are typically reserved for only being used after another form of teeth straightening has been completed, However, more and more orthodontists are beginning to utilize retainers as a primary method of straightening teeth. For individuals who only require a minor amount of straightening, retainers are a cost-efficient way to straighten teeth in a short amount of time without the need of braces.
The major drawback to retainers, however, is that they are only available to individuals who suffer from very minor malocclusions or crooked teeth. However, it does not hurt to ask, so be sure to discuss your options with your orthodontist.
Appliances are alternative methods of straightening teeth other than aligners and retainers. The best part about appliances - such as headgear, space maintainers and expanders - is they are able to help fix severely crooked teeth and malocclusions without needing to utilize braces in an effort to do so.
Depending on the appliance that is used, the price can range. However, in general, appliances are much less expensive than braces. The major drawback to appliances, however, is that some of them can cause severe discomfort and can even be cosmetically displeasing to the patient. In order to find out more about which way to straighten your smile without braces is best, be sure to consult with a local dental professional.
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