How to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

Traditional braces are effective for straightening crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth. However, the prospect of braces is met with hesitation by some patients, many of whom are worried about the aesthetic impacts of having metal brackets and wires on their teeth. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available to help patients achieve the beautiful, more uniform smile they desire without the need for braces. Our experienced team of Buxton cosmetic dentists offer a comprehensive array of dental solutions, including two popular alternatives to metal braces: Invisalign® and porcelain veneers.

Invisalign®

This innovative approach to orthodontics continues to be a popular choice on account of its discrete and comfortable design. The Invisalign® system uses a series of clear, flexible plastic aligner trays to gradually correct crooked or crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and other forms of misalignment such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. In addition to their aesthetic advantages, Invisalign® aligners are designed to be removed when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing for enhanced convenience and comfort. In most cases, Invisalign® also requires less visits to the dentist, since there are no bands that need to be tightened or adjusted.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can help conceal minor gaps and other forms of tooth misalignment with natural-looking results. Made up of extremely thin sheets of durable dental porcelain, veneers are meticulously designed for optimal aesthetics before being bonded to the front and sides of your natural teeth. Since they can often be created, prepared, and placed in as few as two dental visits, veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics.” Furthermore, veneers are a versatile treatment, and they can also address other aesthetic dental concerns such as chips, cracks, and discoloration. This allows them to provide comprehensive smile rejuvenation. That said, veneers cannot typically treat the underlying causes of misalignment, so they are generally recommended for those seeking a purely cosmetic solution.

Contact Saco River Dentistry today to learn more about these effective alternatives to traditional braces. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to answer any questions and/or help you schedule a consultation to determine the best fit for your dental goals.