Everyone wants a straight smile, but few people are naturally born with one. If you are an adult with crooked teeth, and you don't want the embarrassment that comes with traditional metal braces, there are many invisible options available. Check out these six options to fix your crooked teeth in secret.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are basically the same as traditional metal braces. Instead of being made from metal, however, they are crafted to be less noticeable. The brackets are made from tooth-colored or clear ceramic. In some instances, the wires attached to the brackets are also tooth colored. The brackets are prone to stains, if you fail to keep your teeth clean, but they are the most efficient invisible braces available, and they can correct many alignment issues.
Who should choose ceramic braces: If you have strong, healthy teeth that are severely crooked, rotated or too high, ceramic braces are an excellent option because they are the most efficient at moving teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses plastic aligners that fit on your teeth like a mouth guard. They are custom crafted to your teeth, and every two weeks, you get a new set that gradually move your teeth into place. Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning, but if you remove them too often, it slows the treatment time. Invisalign cannot correct severe alignment issues, such as overbites or severely rotated teeth. After treatment is finished, you may need to continue wearing an aligner at night to prevent teeth from moving to their original position.
Who should choose Invisalign: Invisalign is a great option if you have mild to moderately crooked teeth with no major issues, such as misaligned bite. You should also have the will-power to keep the aligners in most of the day.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are a unique approach to braces. Like traditional braces, they are made from metal. However, instead of being placed on the front of your teeth, they are placed on the back or lingual portion of teeth. Lingual braces are more complicated to clean than other options, and they aren't a good choice if you have severely crooked teeth. They are, however, completely invisible when you smile and mostly invisible when you talk.
Who should choose lingual braces: If you have healthy teeth that are mild to moderately crooked, and you don't want to be able to remove your braces, lingual braces are a good option.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one alternative to braces, and they can correct mild to moderate crookedness and gaping of your front teeth. Veneers are thin shells the dentist places over your teeth. To hold these shells, some of your tooth enamel must be removed, making veneers a permanent option. Without the veneer, your tooth is exposed and weak. Veneers don't just fix crooked teeth. They can correct many issues, including discoloration, uneven teeth and small cracks and chips.
Who should choose porcelain veneers: Veneers are a good option if you have mild to moderate alignment issues and other cosmetic concerns, but you only want to fix your front teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
Similar to porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns are placed over your tooth, so some tooth structure must be removed. However, crowns cover your entire tooth, and they can be placed on back and front teeth. Like veneers, they can fix many cosmetic dental problems, but they also strengthen your teeth, protecting them from future decay or breakage.
Who should choose porcelain crowns: Porcelain crowns are a good idea for people with extremely bad and weak teeth. Weak teeth may not be able to withstand the stress of braces, but crowns can actually strengthen the teeth.
Bonding
Bonding is similar to porcelain veneers, except the results aren't as cosmetically appealing. The material used in bonding is white, but it doesn't have the same look as natural teeth. Bonding, however, is a quick procedure because it is directly placed on your teeth by the dentist. Some tooth structure may need to be removed, but not as much as with veneers. Like veneers, bonding can correct minor teeth alignment issues and other cosmetic concerns, such as chipped teeth.
Who should choose bonding: Bonding is an inexpensive option, costing about $300 to $600 per tooth, so it is a good option if you want veneers but can't afford them at this time.
You can correct your crooked teeth, and there are many invisible ways to do it. If you're tired of that same misaligned smile, contact a dentist in your area today. Schedule a consultation and determine which treatment is best for you. You can check out sites like http://www.cresthillfamilydental.com for more info and to help you find a dentist.
