Teeth Straightening Alternatives to Metal Braces

Teeth straightening is a popular dental procedure for people who are not pleased with the appearance of their teeth. Straightening the teeth can be a personal choice for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes, dentists recommend it for medical reasons. There are many teeth straightening options that can help meet your needs.

Teeth straightening options

Metal braces offer one of the most effective ways of straightening teeth. But for people who want to avoid the look of traditional metal braces, there are other options available. A dentist may recommend a suitable option for a patient. Some common teeth straightening options include clear aligners and cosmetic contouring.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners have become a very popular alternative to metal braces. Aligners can be used to correct mild cases of crooked or protruding teeth, malocclusion, underbite, or overbite. Clear aligners are custom-made to fit over the teeth. With this treatment, the dental provider will provide the patient with a series of removable, clear trays.

A person may have to wear each aligner for about 20 hours every day, for a few weeks. A patient will then have to switch to the next tray in the series. Each set helps to adjust the teeth a little more. Clear aligners are ideal for people who have gaps between the teeth that require minimal force for correction.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing clear aligners over braces is that they are removable. With metal braces, due to their construction, food can get trapped against the teeth. It is also usually hard to brush, floss, and get the teeth clean. The ability to remove clear aligners to eat and to clean the teeth as well as the aligners makes keeping teeth clean very easy.

Cosmetic contouring

Cosmetic contouring or reshaping may be ideal for minor cosmetic problems. It can help correct minor dental issues such as slightly misshapen teeth. The whole procedure often takes less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, the dentist will use tools such as lasers or drills to remove some of the teeth’s enamel in order to change the length or shape. After the teeth have been contoured to the satisfaction of the dentist, the teeth will be polished.

In some cases, the positions of the treated teeth are also altered for a more cosmetically appealing look. This option is ideal for people looking for a quick way to improve their smile. The whole process is completed in one short appointment, in just a couple of minutes. A person does not have to be worried about pain since there are no nerves in the enamel. This procedure is also permanent. Tooth enamel cannot grow back, therefore, once the teeth have been reshaped to the patient’s satisfaction, the procedure will not be redone.

Bottom line

Clear aligners and cosmetic contouring are both good teeth straightening alternatives to metal braces. They can give you a beautiful and healthy smile. Cosmetic contouring often provides instant results. With clear aligners, it offers a convenient way for you to get the smile you want. If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist today.

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