17 Aug The Top Ways To Straighten Teeth Without Braces
Having straight teeth is desired by most people for function, health, and aesthetic reasons. However, some people’s teeth may be crooked or cramped due to various causes. If you or your child is in this position, you may be exploring ways to straighten teeth.
Most people are aware of the option of using braces to straighten teeth. These devices use pressure to gradually move the teeth into a more aligned position in a controlled manner. They may help when there are large gaps between teeth, teeth are crooked, jaws are misaligned, or the mouth is overcrowded. They are a popular choice, but you may wonder if other options are available. The answer is yes; in many cases, there are alternatives to braces.
Factors such as genetics, development, dental care, or injury can mean you or your child has teeth that are not straight. If you are looking to straighten teeth without braces, Boroondara Family Dentist can discuss the various options with you. For personalised advice, book an appointment at our practice today.
The Benefits of Having Straight Teeth
Straight teeth are seen as advantageous for a number of reasons. We will break these down into three categories.
Functionality
If your teeth are not straight, it may lead to issues such as having difficulty chewing certain foods or getting food frequently lodged between some teeth. Misaligned teeth may also place stress on your jaw and gums and cause irritation and discomfort. Your teeth may be at a higher risk of being damaged, too. These issues may lead to decreased functionality within your mouth concerning important tasks such as eating, drinking, and speaking.
Overall Health
If you have gaps or misaligned teeth, it may be harder to clean them properly. Bacteria can gather and cause oral hygiene issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. This has the potential to lead to more systemic issues. If your teeth are straightened, it may allow you to maintain your oral health with better results.
Aesthetics
Appearance may be a factor for many people when it comes to misaligned teeth. Straightening your teeth may help you attain the smile you desire.
Alternatives to Braces For Straightening Teeth
Like any healthcare or medical treatment, a personalised approach is best. It’s important to remember that every procedure carries risk – so learn about the treatment and ask questions so you can make an informed decision. We recommend discussing your options with one of our dentists to determine the most suitable choice for you.
Options for teeth straightening other than braces can include:
Clear Braces/ Aligners
These have become popular as they are generally more discreet than braces. Aligners are typically made with clear materials so that they are less noticeable.
They are also removable, unlike metal braces, which may be appealing to many people (though to maximise their effects, you should wear them for the recommended periods every day). They look similar to a thin mouthguard.
If we develop custom aligners for you or your child, we will typically provide enough devices for several months. As the teeth move, the aligners are updated and changed until the most suitable outcome is reached.
We use a number of systems to get the best result for you, including Invisalign, Trio Clear and Clear Correct.
Aligners are not appropriate for everyone, so we will undertake a thorough assessment before deciding whether they may work for you or your child.
Dental Veneers
Veneers may be helpful for people with mild issues. These are primarily cosmetic, so there may be more suitable choices for some patients with functional or health concerns. Dental veneers consist of thin composite resin or porcelain and are bonded to the front of your teeth.
Fixed or Removable Retainers
If the misalignment of the teeth is minimal, a fixed retainer may be suitable. In circumstances where the crowding of teeth is only slight, a removable retainer may possibly be beneficial. These retainers must be developed and managed by a dentist.
Find Alternatives to Braces at Boroondara Family Dentist
If you are looking for a way to straighten your or your child’s teeth, it is worth investigating the options. Braces may work well for some people, but other ways may be more appropriate for you.
Make an appointment with one of our experienced and friendly dentists for a comprehensive assessment and to explore the options.
Located in Balwyn North, Boroondara Family Dentist provides quality treatment to residents in Balwyn and surrounding suburbs such as Canterbury, Deepdene, Doncaster, Eaglemont, Hawthorn East, and beyond. Schedule an appointment with us.
