Teeth Straightening Without Braces

Article by Dr. Leaver & Dr. Gardner

ALTERNATIVES TO BRACES FOR TEETH STRAIGHTENING

Seeing children in braces is quite commonplace. Maybe because kids know all the protests in the world won’t change anything. But teenagers will often try to negotiate, argue and bargain to avoid braces. The appearance of having metal hunks in your mouth and causing you to talk differently, puts any self conscious teen off. Adults are not so worried about the petty squabbles of teenage drama concerning braces, but their discomfort mostly stems from being perceived as someone not to take seriously, especially in the business world. Something about an adult in braces just makes a lot of folks fill out of their element in adulthood. But the good news, depending on the individuals circumstances, getting your teeth straightened doesn’t have to mean traditional braces!

LEAVER AND GARDNER ORTHODONTICS WOULD LIKE TO NAME A FEW ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL BRACES.

1. Types of Retainers. For patients with minor malocclusion or misaligned teeth, retainers are a common alternative that have been utilized nearly as long as braces have. Depending on the severity of your case, retainers are either worn throughout the day or just in the evening during your slumber. In more serious cases however, braces can be used for the starting treatment and then completed with a retainer.
2. Clear Aligners for Teeth. Becoming increasingly popular, clear aligners or Invisalign is an exceptional alternative to straightening teeth, but is much more discrete than metal braces. The treatment consists of several clear plastic trays custom designed for the patient. Throughout the course of treatment, you get a new tray every few weeks after the previous tray straightens out your teeth as much as it can. You get new trays that straighten your teeth in stages until eventually, there is no longer a need. They are worn between 22-24 hours a day and removed for cleaning, oral hygiene and food consumption. The use of Invisalign is more preferred among patients who have a more severe case of crooked teeth, but don’t want the more obvious approach of braces.
3. Serial Extraction of Teeth. Most often than not, a malocclusion is a byproduct of baby teeth and adult teeth interacting with each other. The most likely event that takes place is when multiple teeth erupted without the available space for them to do so. Serial extraction is an affordable and effective option for this particular situation. However, to explore this option, the dentist has to track your child’s teeth early and painlessly remove the baby teeth as the adult teeth look close to pushing through the gum line.
4. Porcelain Veneers. In the early stages of veneers, most patients would shy away from the procedure. But over time, modern technology and engineer’s research has advanced, and veneers have become a more acceptable approach in recent years. Fine, thins strips of porcelain, or similar materials, are matched to the same shade of your teeth to make up veneers. After a few trips to the dentist to ensure the perfect fitting, veneers will help give the appearance of straight teeth.

RETAINERS, INVISALIGN CLEAR ALIGNERS TREATMENT & TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES TO STRAIGHTEN CROOKED OR MISALIGNED TEETH IN THE LAS VEGAS VALLEY OF SUMMERLIN, NORTH LV & HENDERSON NEVADA

Catching crooked teeth problems early is a lot more optimal in correcting any malocclusion. Along with efficient oral hygiene care, your teeth can be better preserved to last throughout your life. If you desire straighter teeth, but prefer avoiding the use of braces, come see us at Leaver and Gardner orthodontics, we can consult with you on your specific needs and optimal options. Call us today to schedule your appointment.