Crooked teeth can cause embarrassment and leave you feeling less confident in your smile. Misaligned teeth are also more difficult to keep clean, which can make it hard to remove plaque and tartar effectively when you brush. The most common method for straightening teeth is orthodontics, which uses brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into the correct position. But many people ask about the possibility of getting straight teeth without braces.
Why get straight teeth without braces?
There are many reasons you might want to get straight teeth without braces.
- Braces might not fit in with your lifestyle. You might be self-conscious about wearing braces as an adult, particularly if you are in a high-profile professional role.
- If your concerns are purely aesthetic, you might be looking for a faster route to white teeth. Some people don’t want to wait 6+ months to see the results.
- And finally, many patients are worried about the cost of orthodontic treatment. Some people want to get straight teeth without braces because of the cost.
If you’re curious about your options, read on to learn about three methods to straighten teeth without traditional fixed braces.
Invisalign
This is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional fixed braces. Invisalign is just as effective for straightening teeth, but you don’t have to worry about your orthodontic treatment being too obvious. This system uses clear and removable aligners, so the treatment is a lot more discreet.
This is popular with professionals who want to maintain their appearance for work and might feel self-conscious wearing braces. Invisalign also offers fast treatment options, particularly with the Invisalign Go treatment plan. You can learn more about the difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Go here.
Veneers
Veneers are very thin porcelain shells that are placed over your natural teeth. Veneers can be used to create your dream smile by making your teeth appear straighter and whiter. If you have chips in your teeth or the enamel is thinning, veneers can help to fix these small imperfections. Veneers are most commonly used to fix the “social six” which are the top front teeth visible when you smile.
Veneers can be fitted in two visits and are considered a semi-permanent dental restoration. This means that they should last for many years with good care, but they will need to be replaced eventually.
Composite bonding
For same-day results, the best way to achieve straight teeth without braces is with composite bonding. Sometimes known as cosmetic bonding, dental bonding, composite bonding or enamel re-contouring, this is a modern technique that offers excellent results.
A soft and pliable resin material is created to match the colour of your teeth. This is applied directly to the tooth surface and then sculpted to the right shape. If your aim is to create straight teeth without braces, this is an excellent option. The resin is hardened with UV light and then it will look and feel just like a real tooth. This method can be used to close gaps, whiten the teeth, change the shape of the teeth, improve alignment and restore lost tooth volume.
Composite bonding is also a semi-permanent restoration. Rather than break away, the resin will simply wear down evenly over time. Further composite bonding may be required to maintain the results, or you might opt for veneers further down the line. Composite bonding is one of the most cost-effective ways to straighten your teeth without braces and can be completed in one visit.
Designing your dream smile with Sloan Dental
The first step to achieving a straighter smile is a trip to the dentist. Book a consultation with Sloan Dental today to find out what options are available to you and which will deliver the best possible results.
