It used to be that anyone who was born with crooked teeth had to experience the challenges of braces. Large pieces of metal make an appearance every time you laugh, and other challenges that come from having braces in your mouth make many people shy away from them. Fortunately, with orthodontic innovations in today’s world, it’s a lot easier to straighten your teeth without embarrassment. Here are some modern approaches:
Veneers
If you don’t want to deal with old-fashioned braces but are wanting to not only fix how straight your teeth look but also the coloring, then veneers are a popular option that many dentists offer. While not typically included with dental health insurance, if you’re hoping to fix minor issues with your smile, veneers are worth considering, as they can make a world of difference in helping you show up with a great smile.
While a bit costly, they may be worth it if they greatly improve your confidence and allow you to embrace your laughter and full smile, showing all of those beautiful teeth. Your dentist can help determine your best options using an intraoral scanner and other tools for amazing results.
Invisalign
A lot of people who grew up seeing braces and never wanting to have them, only to realize they needed to fix their overbite, were elated to find out the existence of Invisalign. They are discreet, as they don’t show up like braces do, but they do require upkeep and need to be used frequently. You’ll want to take them out to eat and drink, so there is also that to consider.
While this was definitely an improvement on braces, there are also a lot of other options that don’t feel as uncomfortable as wearing a retainer for the better part of your day. This dentist in Tampa FL also recommends Invisalign only for mild cases of misalignment.
Dentures
This is, of course, a drastic way to get straight teeth and is not recommended for anyone who is young, unless you have serious decay that is impacting your health or quality of life. Partial dentures are also an option that you can consider if you are already missing teeth and need something to fill the gap while you consider implants.
Again, this is not a common way for people to get their teeth straightened, but if, at the end of the day, you’re a senior who would love to finally have a mouth of straight teeth when you smile, this is the way to go. Only consider dentures if you have to remove a number of teeth, and it may be the best option for you at this time.
Dental bonding
Back in the day, if you had gaps in your teeth, many dentists would recommend braces. Now, dental bonding is often used to help fill in these spaces. While there are those who embrace the gaps, there are others who may feel a bit embarrassed about them. With resin, dentists can help fix chips, gaps, or other small issues with your teeth.
This can be an ideal way to spend less when you’re only dealing with minor issues. While you may need a touch-up in about 10 years, this is a great option for many people who have minor issues that may not even be all that obvious.
For kids: palatal expanders
While this isn’t an option for everyone, for parents who have kids who need their teeth straightened, you may want to consider going an alternative route to braces. Palatal expanders are used to fix anything from crossbites to crooked teeth. Not commonly used for adults, not many people realize that this is a modern option offered by orthodontists in today’s world.
In Conclusion
From veneers to dental bonding and Invisalign, there are a number of options for people who want to straighten their teeth nowadays. You don’t have to look like an adolescent at 30+ years of age anymore. With all the modern developments in the world of orthodontics, you have options to choose from. Visit your orthodontist today to find out what option would work best for you and your smiling needs.