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:
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.
