If you are not happy with how your smile looks, you are not alone. Millions of dental patients have issues with teeth crowding, gaps, and crookedness that they wish they could change. Once you are an adult, the process of correcting your teeth is more complex since your jaw has already finished growing. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution to your smile issues.
Most adults would rather avoid traditional braces’ heavy and complex systems to correct their teeth. The unsightly metal braces of the past are not the best look or easy on the ego. Luckily, there have been some significant advancements in dentistry and available teeth correction methods in the past decade.
There are more ways to straighten your teeth than you may think. From invisible aligners to veneers, several viable options are available to help you get the smile you have always wanted. Let’s take a closer look at some of the alternatives to braces for adults.
Clear Aligners
Over the past 20 years, the popularity of invisible braces has soared. These clear medical-grade plastic molds worn discreetly over your teeth can help you correct your smile in just a few months. Aligners come in a set of custom-designed molds that will gradually move your teeth into the right position. As you progress through your molds, your teeth will become straighter and properly aligned. You have the choice of in-office or at-home aligners. In-office aligners require working with your dentist closely to have each set of molds individually created. At-home aligners are made for you using an at-home mold and don’t require a visit to the dentist.
Lingual Braces
If you want to correct your smile but don’t want to deal with the metallic look of traditional braces, you may want to try lingual braces. These braces are constructed similarly to metal braces but are placed on the backs of your teeth. They are gradually tightened and adjusted to move your teeth into perfect alignment and cannot be seen when you smile. Lingual braces can work quickly and effectively but may take some time to get used to.
Ceramic Braces
If your job involves a lot of interaction with clients and contacts, you may not want a mouth full of metal that may be off-putting or embarrassing. Rather than the metal braces standard for youths, you can try ceramic braces that are more subtle for adult use. Ceramic braces are designed in the same format as metal braces but are colored the same shade as the enamel on your teeth and are much harder to see, making them less obvious to others.
Veneers
If you have small gaps in your teeth, have a chipped tooth that is visible in your smile, or some of your teeth are misshapen, you may want to consider veneers as the perfect correction for your smile. Veneers are a porcelain cover that is placed over your existing teeth to make them appear more aligned and attractive. Veneers are used primarily to deal with cosmetic issues and not as a correction for your smile.
If you are constantly hiding your smile because you don’t like how it looks, it’s time to make some changes. Talk to your dentist about one of these incredible alternatives to braces for adults.