There may be a time in our pre-teen years when getting braces wasn’t the worst ordeal in the world – possibly because the majority of our peers also sported them. However, getting braces in our later teen years and adulthood isn’t an ideal situation.
But fear not – there are still ways to achieve that picture-perfect smile that don’t require the colorful brackets or painful monthly tightenings. Dentistry has come a long way since these cosmetic repairs were implemented. Such a long way that we now have not one but multiple different options that offer people a painless, subtle, and more effective way of repairing their oral health.
If you’ve been struggling to find the right option for you or your child’s needs here are some contenders for alternatives to braces.
Invisalign
You may have heard about the teeth straightening method Invisalign. This technique has been growing in popularity because it’s essentially invisible and can be removed and put back in at will, however, Melbourne Invisalign treatment says that this method should be worn for approximately “22 hours a day.”
So what exactly is Invisalign?
Using a mouth mold, your orthodontist will be able to create you the perfect pair of clear aligners. Just like braces, Invisalign can correct things like:
- Gaps
- Crooked Teeth
- Overbites
Not only is this method only more subtle its also more effective in a shorter amount of time. You’ll get the same if not better results as braces on average between twelve to eighteen months.
Ceramic Braces
Sometimes there’s just no way out of having to wear braces, however, they have developed options that like Invisalign aren’t as visible. One of these methods is ceramic braces which mean instead of using metal to shift your teeth, you can opt for white or clear ceramic braces to get you a picture-perfect smile.
It should be known that, although the actual braces are ceramic the wires connecting them will still be made of metal and noticeable.
If you chose Ceramic Braces you can look forward to:
- Much more comfortable teeth correcting experience
- The option to choose your wire color
- Faster treatment time
- Lower risk of tooth discolorations once they’re removed
Lingual Braces
Don’t let its name full you, lingual braces aren’t for your tongue but they are for the back of your teeth. They are the traditional type of braces with metal wires and brackets, however, their placement makes them invisible to most eyes. They fix the traditional things like gaps and misalignments, however, they cannot be used for treating more serious things like overbites.
Another downside is that they are extremely difficult to clean because of their positioning, This is why they aren’t recommended for young children as not maintaining proper oral hygiene can lead to more severe problems in the future.
Overall, this treatment method usually ranges from eighteen to twenty-four months and should be thought about carefully before committing to its drawbacks.
Veneers
Veneers are probably the most different treatment method on this list. Veneers are made of ceramic and shaped and sized perfectly for your teeth. Your orthodontist will have to remove a part of your enable to insert them – but you would never be able to tell. Veneers need to be replaced every ten to fifteen years depending on their level of wear and tear.
Reasons for investing in veneers include:
- Misshapen or chipped teeth
- Gaps
- Discolouring of the enamel
The veneer is attached to your problem tooth to appear like your teeth have been shifted or cleaned. Make sure to ask your orthodontist what material is being used to make the veneers as products like porcelain, veneer, and resin all have their benefits and faults.
Retainers
Yes, retainers are usually given to a dental patient once their two years of wearing braces are up, but some people can get away with solely just sporting a retainer for a few months.
Like braces, the retainer is made by using a mold to get the perfect shape of your mouth and jaw. It should be known though that retainer are only used to fix very minor dental concerns. If you have a small gap or slightly misaligned teeth a retainer might just be what you need. But – remember to always wear it, or you might end up needing braces.
Overall, your dental health is just as important as your physical health. Therefore, it’s important to always consult with your dentist and orthodontist. They will let you know the most appropriate road to get you on when it comes to your oral health.
