Odds are that you’re here today wondering what are the best alternatives to braces? You can’t ignore the fact that folks in general, are concerned about their appearance. According to Business Insider, people with an attractive smile just exude more self-confidence, get better jobs, usually have higher salaries and at the end of the day are just more successful people.
How Can I Avoid Braces?
There are a few different alternatives to braces that you need to be aware of that we discuss in this article. Maintaining a healthy smile is one of the best ways to enhance your appearance. However, not everyone has the genetics for beautiful straight white teeth. It can especially difficult to achieve for those with crooked or protruding teeth to achieve the ideal results that they’re looking for.
Sometimes Braces Aren’t The Best Solution
There are a few different reasons why braces might not be right for you or your child. An Orthodontist may advise against – and recommend alternatives to braces if they notice any of the following issues:
- Minor crowding or spacing issues
- Insignificant bite alignment problems
- Length of time required for treatment too long for the patient
- Financial cost of braces is too much for the patient
Does any of this apply to your or your child? If so, there are alternatives to braces that your Orthodontist may recommend as an effective form of treatment.
Alternatives to Braces
Retainers
Retainers are normally a removable dental device used to correctly position the teeth before or after treatment with braces. There are transparent versions which fit over the entire arch of the mouth.
Retainers such as the Essix Retainer are a perfect example of how to achieve correct positioning in lieu of braces. Orthdonists are able to achieve minimal tooth movement using these devices. They are often less expensive and easier to maintain than braces.
Headgear
Headgear gets a bad wrap because it’s the most visible form of orthodontic treatment. Normally used to correct extreme overbites in patients, this device works by exerting pressure on the upper teeth and jaw to hold the teeth in a certain spot.
Dental header is not a favorite among patients due to the restrictive nature of the device, but it only needs to be worn for a few hours a day. Typically patients wear the device while they sleep at night. Headgear must be removed for playing sports, brushing your teeth, or eating.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners such as Invisalign are the most popular alternative to braces for adults. Invisalign can fix anything from minor overbites and underbites to serious malocclusions. An orthodontist will provide a series of clear, removable “molds” that go over the teeth.
Patients are required to wear the aligner for at least 20 hours a day for 2 weeks til they can move on to the next series of molds. Each aligner slowly adjusts the teeth a little more as you move through the series. Patients with good strong teeth with gaps are perfect candidates for Invisalign. If your in the area, contact us about Invisalign in Woodbridge, VA.
Six Month Smiles
The six month smile is a dental device on a clear bracket with a wire that goes across the teeth. It’s not really visible and works best for mild corrective issues. Patients are typically on the program for about six months, sometimes longer depending on the patient. Prime candidates for this device are patients whose main focus isn’t alignment or bite issues.
Veneers
Veneers are popular with celebrities, athletes, and successful people. If you’ve ever heard of the term “capped teeth” then you’re already familiar with veeners. They are ideal for dental patients with gap, fractures and poor shape or contoured teeth.
The dentist typically will remove a layer of the enamel from the tooth and then affix a veneer in place using UV light sensitive resin. There are other options available for applying veneers that don’t involve removing the tooth enamel – called “No Prep Veneers” – acoording to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Accelerated Orthodontics will fast-track your orthodontic treatment. The process involves a system called micro-osteoperforation that weakens the bones in the jaw. This allows the teeth to loosen just enough so they can can move when the dentist exerts pressure.
How Accelerated Orthodontics Works
The process causes an increase in cytokine production – which allows teeth to be positioned quicker. It’s usually used in tandem with clear aligners or a retainer for optimal results. Adults are prime candidates for Accelerated Orthodontics because they come without the limitations and drawbacks normal with traditional metal braces.
Golden Pediatric & Orthodontics Provides The Following Services for Braces:
- Braces for Kids in Woodbridge
- Braces for Children in Burke
- Adult Braces in Woodbridge
- Braces for Adults in Burke
- Braces in Dale City for Adults
- Dale City Braces for Adults
- Invisalign in Dale City
- Woodbridge Dentist
- Burke Dentist
- Woodbridge Invisalign
This article is was written by the Dentists and Orthodontists of Golden Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as an informative guide to alternatives to braces. This is legitimate medical advice provided by an authority source. Always make certain that the medical advice you are receiving is supplied by a trusted medical professional.
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