Metal braces are one of the fastest and most effective ways to correct gaps in teeth, but they also have many drawbacks. Braces can irritate the cheeks and gums; make it difficult to eliminate food particles and plaque; and make the adult wearing them feel that they look juvenile. If you would like to correct gaps in your teeth without experiencing any of these drawbacks, here are a few possible alternatives you might pursue.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Clear tooth aligners, the most common brand being Invisalign, are a subtle, unobtrusive way to correct small gaps in the teeth. As the name implies, Invisalign aligners cannot be seen easily while worn on the teeth, meaning no one needs to know you are correcting your alignment unless you tell them. While Invisalign tends to be expensive, it is often no more expensive than metal braces. However, significant gaps or malocclusions may require a more rigorous treatment method.
Dental Veneers
If the gap in your teeth don’t cause you any problems aside from an undesirable aesthetic appearance, veneers can alter the shape and size of your teeth, including closing small gaps. However, it is important to understand that veneers are a serious commitment. In order to apply the veneers, the dentist must remove a small amount of natural enamel from the tooth surface. This enamel cannot be regrown or replaced. For that reason, veneers are often not the best choice for patients with sensitive teeth, or teeth that only need very slight cosmetic corrections.
“Back Teeth” Metal Braces
In some cases, it’s possible to close gaps with traditional metal braces that are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front. While not the most comfortable or discreet option, metal back-tooth braces typically work much faster than clear aligners, making this a great choice if you would like to close your gap by a certain time, such as an upcoming wedding.
Night Retainer
In some cases, it may be possible for you to close your gap by wearing a retainer or similar dental apparatus at night. Instead of wearing brackets on your teeth all day, you would ideally straighten your teeth while you are at home and/or asleep. However, patients who choose this option typically have to wait very long to see results.
Choosing the Best South Charlotte Tooth Straightening Option
All options on this list have unique benefits and drawbacks. The “best” method for you will depend on the size and shape of your gap, as well as other factors like lifestyle, preference, and budget. The best way to know whether a treatment will work, how long it will take to work, and what kind of results you can expect is to speak to a licensed dentist. To schedule an appointment at 32 Inspired, a premier South Charlotte dentist boutique, please click here.