Can you straighten teeth without braces?

Everyone deserves to look and feel their best, and straight teeth can provide a boost to your physical appearance whilst also correcting any orthodontic problems such as difficulty brushing/flossing, speech impediments, teeth grinding and jaw pain. Often the best course of action to correct misaligned teeth (malocclusion) is through the use of braces, but in some cases we may be able to explore alternate options. If you are concerned about your crooked or misaligned teeth, it’s worth bringing this up with your dentist to see what options may be available to you.

In this blog post, Sydney Park Dental will offer some insight into potential alternatives to braces.

Orthodontic Assessment

Most individuals seek out orthodontic treatment in order to either improve their appearance (aesthetic benefit) or correct an associated issue. Some people with crooked or misaligned teeth do not experience any problems, and there may be no need for any treatment. But if you have any concerns, it is important to speak to your dentist and request an orthodontic assessment to determine any potential risks and seek professional advice on suitable treatments.

Orthodontic treatments are often sought by teenagers and young adults, but they can also benefit older people. If you are one of the many who dislikes the way braces look and feel, it’s well worth exploring alternative treatments. The team of dentists at Sydney Park Dental are more than happy to answer your questions and clarify any concerns to help you reach a decision.

Treatment Options

Invisalign

Clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces, with the Invisalign being the most common. If your teeth display small gaps or are slightly crooked, this may be the ideal treatment for you. Invisalign aligners are made from transparent plastic, with a similar appearance to a mouthguard. This treatment is very effective at straightening teeth, and your aligner will be custom made in a dental laboratory to ensure optimal fit and comfort.

A major benefit of this orthodontic treatment is that not only is the aligner discrete, but it can also be removed at any time. This makes it easy to brush, floss and eat. You will be provided with a new set of aligners every few weeks, which will help to shift your teeth into the desired position. We recommend that aligners are worn for at least 22 hours per day to achieve optimal results.

Cosmetic Treatment with Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin coverings made from porcelain or composite resin which are bonded to the front of your teeth. Patients who do not have issues with their bite or any other underlying oral health issues may be eligible for this orthodontic treatment. This is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment which can improve the appearance of your smile by altering the outward appearance of your teeth and making your teeth appear whiter, but it will not permanently correct any alignment issues.

Less Visible Braces

There are a wider range of braces available than ever before, and if you are apprehensive about having traditional metal braces these options may appeal to you. Your dentist may recommend:

• Tooth-coloured ceramic braces
• Lingual braces which attach to the inner side/rear of the teeth

Both options are less visible than metal braces, however they do not exert anywhere near as much force and consequently cannot correct more severe conditions. It is important that you have a thorough orthodontic assessment to determine whether these options are viable for your condition.

Benefits of Correcting Misaligned or Crooked Teeth

• Improved Appearance
• More effective brushing/flossing
• Improved eating ability
• Improved speech
• Potential reduction in the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and cavities
• Reduced risk of mouth/jaw trauma associated with protruding teeth during accidents or contact sports injuries

Contact Sydney Park Dental Today

If you are interested in cosmetic dental or orthodontic treatment to correct your crooked or misaligned teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Sydney Park Dental today. Our dentists have a wealth of experience in orthodontic treatment, and we’d be more than happy to talk you through the various treatment options.

Call us now on 02 8084 7170, or book an appointment via our website.