Are you one of the hundreds of adults who is not happy with how their teeth look when they smile? When surveyed, as many as 50% of adults have stated that one thing, they would change about their teeth is the alignment. That and how white their teeth are!
Dental misalignments are an incredibly common part of what cosmetic dental surgeries aim to treat. As such, there are an array of options that can help you to straighten your smile without the need for the traditional fitted metal brace.
If you are looking for a discrete option to make your smile look more Hollywood, then read on, as this article will provide you with a brief guide into the treatment options available at dental surgeries and orthodontic offices.
Invisible Aligners
The last ten years have seen a surge in the creation and rollout of invisible or clear aligners, such as Invisalign.
The reason these are so popular is that they can be offered by Dental surgeries such as Direct Dental private dentist in Balham and do not require the oversight of an orthodontic team.
The aligners are made from transparent plastic, which pushes the teeth into the new positions over a period of around two weeks, after which time the user needs to switch to the next aligner in the series.
These are suited for people with mild to moderate cases of dental misalignment and do not require excessive visits to their dental team to assess how the treatment is progressing.
Lingual Braces
If you have a more severe misalignment but don’t want the hassle of wearing a fitted brace on the front of your teeth, why not opt for a brace that goes on the back? Lingual braces are placed on the tongue side of your teeth, which makes them invisible.
They are hidden from view, but can be harder to adjust for orthodontic teams and can also create complications when brushing.
So, be sure you have an electric toothbrush in the house before opting for lingual braces!
Ceramic Braces
Another fitted brace that is discrete is a ceramic brace. The brackets that hold this to your teeth are tooth colored or clear, as well as the wires, thereby blending into the natural color of your teeth.
They’re not as invisible as aligners or lingual braces, but they will not attract as much attention as a traditional fitted brace.
In addition to their discreet appearance, ceramic braces are also highly effective in treating a wide range of dental issues, such as overcrowding, gaps, and misalignment.
According to these expert dentists in San Antonio TX, they work similarly to traditional metal braces but are less noticeable, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want a less conspicuous option.
While ceramic braces are durable, it’s important to take extra care with oral hygiene and avoid certain staining foods like coffee, as the clear or tooth-colored brackets can be more prone to discoloration than metal ones.
Veneers or Dental Bonding
For those who have extremely mild dental misalignments and don’t want to go through aligners or braces, there is the option to have either veneers or dental bonding performed.
Both involve custom made shells being placed over the front of the tooth surface and improve the appearance or straightness via the veneer or bonding.
One of the best things to consider when it comes to veneers or dental bonding is that they can also whiten your teeth at the same time.
But remember, this is only suitable for very mild cases of dental misalignment, and is often used at the end of traditional orthodontic treatment to preserve the results, usually alongside a fitted retainer.
