Cosmetic dentistry can use other appliances besides braces to enhance the alignment of your teeth. Braces were the conventional way to improve teeth alignment for over a century, but they are conspicuous devices.
Braces being so visible in the mouth forces some people to hold off getting the teeth straightening treatments that they need. There is no need to do that anymore. Dental innovations have led to new appliances that can straighten teeth without compromising the way that a patient's smile looks during treatment.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments used to straighten teeth
Here are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can be used to straighten teeth without braces.
1. Clear aligners
These are transparent trays that slowly push a person's teeth to a better alignment. These rigid trays are virtually impossible to notice when worn and are more comfortable than braces. Patients get many trays at the start of their treatment. Each is worn for approximately two weeks before being switched with another set further in the series. Each set of trays pushes the patient's teeth closer to the targeted position. The gradual increase in pressure on the patient's teeth leads to a more comfortable experience for the wearer.
Clear aligners are removable devices, so they do not get in the way of oral hygiene or meals. That is a feature that anyone who has ever worn braces will appreciate because braces make it difficult to eat certain things, like apples or corn. Braces also make it more challenging to clean teeth, since food particles and plaque gets stuck underneath the brackets and wires.
During the consultation for clear aligners, the dentist will make a 3D model of the patient's teeth. This is used to run projections of what treatment will look like. The information is then sent to a lab where clear aligners are made.
2. Veneers
Veneers are another cosmetic dentistry restoration that can be used to straighten a person's smile. These tooth-shaped covers are cemented to the front-facing surface of teeth and hide all the flaws and imperfections behind them.
Veneers do not straighten teeth; they only create the appearance of a straight smile. Dentists typically straighten teeth with veneers when the patient has other existing issues that need to be addressed with veneers, like discolored teeth due to tetracycline antibiotics.
The installation of veneers requires the removal of enamel from teeth surfaces, meaning that the tooth will always need a restoration to protect it.
Get a straighter smile
Ready to straighten your smile without having to deal with braces? Call or visit our Peabody clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.northside-dentalcare.com or call Northside Dental Care, PC at (978) 206-7077 for an appointment in our Peabody office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Are you missing teeth? You are not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 36 million U.S. residents have no teeth. An All-on-4® treatment can treat a full arch of missing upper or lower teeth, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and swallow normally while providing a natural look.All-on-4® dental implants are fixed…
Dental implants replace missing teeth and help with chewing, speaking, and smiling. They can consist of titanium or a combination of titanium and ceramic materials. Dental implants serve as anchors for artificial replacements: full dentures, partial dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. If you are considering dental implants, this guide will help you know what to…
Approval for dental implants puts you one step closer to restoring a complete, healthy smile. Dental implants can restore both the appearance and functionality of a full set of teeth. This way, patients can enjoy a full set of teeth along with a smile they enjoy showing off. The process is somewhat lengthy, so knowing…
Dental implants are artificial roots that a dentist surgically places into the jawbone. The prosthetic tooth is then attached to the implant and acts like a real tooth, replacing missing teeth or repairing broken ones. This guide will review the three different types of dental implants available today.Endosteal implants contain titanium that dentists place into…