Can I straighten my teeth without braces?

SPOILER ALERT: In a word yes, it is possible to straighten teeth without braces; however, the longer answer is more complex.

Orthodontic braces are dental devices that cleverly use pressure to progressively move and straighten teeth. They’ve been used since the 1800s and remain a successful way to straighten teeth. Thankfully, the metal braces used today are a far cry from the original models, but patients are sometimes reserved about having braces. The biggest concerns are how they will look, what they will eat, and how they will keep them clean.

Why do dentists use braces for orthodontic treatment?

Braces can correct misaligned teeth, crowded mouths, wonky smiles and gapped teeth. The great thing about braces is the orthodontist (a dentist whose speciality is to fix dental and facial irregularities by aligning teeth) adapts the custom dental treatment to how your teeth respond to the realignment, so they are highly effective at doing the job. And it’s for this reason braces are so well regarded for straightening teeth.

What are the alternatives to traditional metal braces?

Innovations in dentistry have developed alternatives to metal braces which should always be explored by your dental care provider:

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Invisalign braces

Don’t be put off by the ‘b’ word! The Invisalign braces system is a series of clear almost invisible aligners that are always worn other than when eating. They are highly effective and the least visible which makes them popular braces for adults and teens alike – great results but with minimal discomfort, zero requirement for recovery time and with no social impact.

At our Invisalign Christchurch dental clinics clear braces are recommended for patients with minor to moderate misaligned teeth (most patients fall within this bracket).

Veneers

Although falling under the umbrella term of cosmetic dentistry, in some circumstances veneers are recommended to reconstruct teeth that are misshapen, discoloured and have gaps. Veneers are created from an incredibly thin but durable porcelain material which, when applied correctly, give a perfect smile.

Duxton Dental are leaders of cosmetic dentistry Christchurch NZ and take great pride in our patients’ natural looking veneers.

So why, if there are alternatives to traditional metal braces, do orthodontists still use them?

This is a question often asked in our Christchurch orthodontic dental clinics. Everything about your teeth, gums, oral hygiene, oral cavity, and health is carefully evaluated by our Riccarton dentists to ensure you get tailored quality dental care, but also the greatest results possible for your unique scenario. Dentists will continue to use traditional metal braces, but only if they are the best solution.

Until the health and dynamics of your mouth are investigated and evaluated it is not known which the best way is to straighten your teeth. This is why it is so important to do your homework and not just look for the cheapest braces in NZ – there is no off-the-peg solution.

We can help you achieve a perfect smile if you're worried about how to achieve straight teeth. The only or first way to straighten your teeth is not with metal braces. We can arrange an appointment to explore the best option available to you. Call today on 03 348 5488 or arrange online here.

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Straight talk: how Invisalign aligns more than just your teeth

By Briar Crammock-Sands • March 30, 2025

Tired of your crooked teeth? Desperate to be able to smile with confidence? When it comes to straightening your teeth, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the aesthetic impact of cosmetic dental treatment . And with good reason: orthodontic braces can transform even the most challenging set of teeth into a Hollywood-worthy smile. With dental care innovations skyrocketing over the past decade, Invisalign is the comparatively new kid on the orthodontic block – delivering the same results as traditional braces but with near invisibility, supreme convenience and incomparable comfort. But Invisalign offers much more than just a cosmetic dentistry upgrade and welcome boost to your self-esteem and confidence. As one of the leading options for teeth alignment, Invisalign transforms not only the appearance of your teeth but also improves your overall dental health. Whether you’re looking for a discreet solution for teeth straightening or seeking better dental care, Invisalign treatment provides several benefits that go beyond aesthetics. At Duxton Dental clinic in Christchurch, quality Invisalign treatment is tailored to your individual and unique needs to give you that perfect smile but also the health benefits of Invisalign: Improved oral hygiene and health A major benefit of Invisalign treatment is its ability to enhance your oral hygiene routine. The wires and brackets of traditional orthodontic braces can make brushing and flossing a challenging task, which can result in poor oral hygiene during the teeth straightening process. However, with Invisalign, the removable aligners allow you to brush and floss your teeth without any obstructions. During the Invisalign process, you’ll notice how straighter teeth make it easier to clean your entire mouth thoroughly. This ease of cleaning maintains overall dental health by ensuring plaque and food particles don’t get trapped around teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities and gum disease and promoting healthier gums and teeth.