Straighten Teeth without Braces

Time was when getting your teeth fixed or straightened involved months of wearing painful and ugly metal braces. These conventional or traditional braces have been used for decades now. Not least among their disadvantages is the fact that they can be very uncomfortable.  The metal can frequently cut the inside of the cheeks, lips and tongue. They also look painfully ugly, and tell a person approaching you from several feet away that you're wearing braces. 

Now however, a person who wishes to straighten his or her teeth has a variety of options at his disposal, none of which necessarily involve traditional metal braces.

Invisalign

Metal braces are passé.  A new generation of braces wearers has spoken firmly in favor of Invisalign braces. The term braces actually is a misnomer when used with reference to Invisalign. These braces are not actually braces at all. These braces are simply a series of clear aligners that you can place on the teeth and remove yourself. Invisalign aligners are clear, and therefore almost invisible.  They are also exceedingly comfortable, much more so than metal braces. The braces are designed to be smooth, and there is a lesser likelihood of oral irritation.

These braces can be much more expensive than traditional braces, and with good reason. When you consider that you need to wear braces for about a year at the least, then it can be quite painful to think of having to go though months with all that glinting metal in your mouth.

Before you decide on getting braces, consult your doctor about Invisalign. These braces tend to be best for mild or moderate orthodontic problems. If you have major corrections to do, then Invisalign may not be for you.   

Clear Braces

Besides Invisalign braces, there are also clear braces. These are just like metal braces, except that they are made of plastic or ceramic alloys. Besides, these braces make use of clear or white ties to make the braces less obvious. These braces can cost more than metal braces, but they can be brittle. They are also delicate compared to metal braces. These braces can be cheaper than Invisalign, so if you want to straighten your teeth and Invisalign is not an option, then clear braces may be for you.  

Veneers

Veneers are not used for teeth straightening. These are applied to the teeth to cover imperfections. Veneers can brighten your smile with absolutely no need for teeth straightening. If your orthodontic problem is mild, and your dentist believes that getting them straightened is an option, then ask him if veneers would help you. The result with veneers can be dramatic. Simply put, veneers give a whole new "face" to your teeth, one that is without blemishes or spots.  

Removable Braces
In case of mild orthodontic problems, ask your dentist if removable orthodontic appliances will be sufficient. These braces are generally used on upper teeth, and will not be suitable for correction of in-depth dental problems,. But in case of minor problems, these braces may suffice. 

Cosmetic Contouring
Cosmetic contouring involves re-shaping your teeth in a series of settings. The process does not involve pain, and can help if you have overcrowded teeth.