Everyone wants to have an attractive smile, but this can be hard to achieve when you have crooked teeth. If you didn’t use wire braces when you were young, it can be hard to straighten your teeth as an adult without some orthodontic assistance. Because metal braces are not an option for most people over 20, one must seek better alternatives to align their teeth. Here are some of the best alternatives to braces.
Orthodontic Headgear
Orthodontic headgear was essentially made to correct overbites, but since it also works on straightening teeth, it can be used as an alternative solution to metal braces. The headgear applies pressure to the upper teeth. Depending on the changes that you need to your alignment, your dentist will make the necessary adjustment to this tool until you reach the desired look Since this tool constantly applies pressure to the upper teeth, you must wear it only for a specific number of hours each day depending on your dentist’s instructions. It should be noted that headgear is more noticeable than braces, but on the flip side, you only wear them for a specific amount of time each day, so you can keep it hidden.
Invisalign
Finding a dentist who can provide this treatment is not easy, even in Melbourne, where you’ll find a large number of dentists almost everywhere. Invisalign is a plastic retainer that will help straighten teeth without resorting to braces. Since they are custom-made, the Invisalign Melbourne treatments must only be executed by a skillful dentist or an orthodontist with enough experience. Make sure to also check online reviews too. What’s beneficial about this treatment is that they’re invisible, which means that you can wear them anywhere outside and no one will know that you are wearing them. However, these aligners are worn for 20 or 22 hours per day, and you only take them off when you eat or brush your teeth. Test
Dental Veneers
Instead of correcting your smile with braces, you can opt for a more cosmetic solution like dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are a good option to consider, but you must keep in mind that you might not be able to revert back to your original look if you use them. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the front of the tooth. In order to accommodate their size, your dentist may have to reduce your original tooth’s size, which means that there’s no going back when you use them. Dental veneers also are not as permanent as dentists might have you think, as they should be replaced every 5 or 10 years.
Lingual Braces
Although lingual braces might look similar to metal braces, they are better, mostly because they are placed at the back of the teeth and are then customized according to a patient’s teeth formation, which makes them relatively invisible and can, therefore, be used when you’re outside. For that reason, you’ll find most adults choosing them. If you’re conscious about metal braces, lingual braces can be your best option, but you should be aware of their downsides. For instance, people with an overbite or small teeth won’t be able to get lingual braces. They’re also hard to clean due to their hidden positioning.
Retainers
Retainers are usually used after a patient has completed a metal braces treatment, as they only make minimal teeth corrections. If you only need a small correction to straighten your teeth, your dentist might recommend that you use a retainer. Fortunately, retainers are also transparent and can be fitted across the arch of your teeth, which makes them less visible than typical braces. They are also less expensive than their metal counterparts. If your teeth need serious orthodontic treatment, you shouldn’t use retainers and opt instead for one of the other solutions mentioned here in this list.
Ceramic Braces
If you run out of options to straighten your teeth, you can always use ceramic braces, which can be less noticeable than metal ones, as they are made of ceramic brackets that can either be tooth- or clear-colored. Ceramic braces are sill bound by metal wires, which will be visible every time you open your mouth. In addition to that, some people claim that ceramic material can be more irritating than traditional braces, so it’s best that you avoid that option if you have a sensitive mouth.
Fixing crooked teeth is more dependent on your oral needs rather than choices. Sometimes, your dentist will have to apply a certain treatment due to your natural teeth alignment, which means that some options might not work for you. It is best that you consult your dentist first before proceeding with any treatment.
