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It’s not exactly easy to hide your teeth. When you smile, talk, eat – they’re always there. That’s why it can be difficult to appreciate them if they’re crooked.
While some people are comfortable with teeth that aren’t so straight, you may not be one of those people. That’s okay! The good news is that there are so many options on the market for teeth straightening.
Don’t worry, it’s not only braces anymore, there are other simple and effective ways to get your teeth straightened with plans that work with your lifestyle. This is a comprehensive guide to all of the different options you have to straighten your teeth as an adult.
Let’s get to it.
Teeth Straightening Options
Regardless of your age, you can straighten your teeth. While it is better to start when you’re a teenager since the jaw and mouth area is still developing, many adults seek teeth straightening treatments and receive great results.
The main ways to get your teeth straightened include:
- Traditional metal braces
- ‘Invisible’ aligner braces
- At-home teeth straightening kit
These aren’t ways to straighten teeth but they’re important to mention:
- Retainers
- Veneers
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are often the most affordable option to straighten your teeth and the one most people are familiar with. Braces are made of metal or ceramic, wires, and bonding material that attaches to your teeth. The way they work is by applying constant pressure on your teeth, which pushes them into a straighter position.
There are small rubber bands that hold the wires in place and adjustments have to be made every month or so. It can be quite time-consuming and even if it’s a more affordable option, it is still costly. Luckily there are often financing plans available.
The results are often very effective. Of course, they may vary depending on your specific dental situation but they’re the most popular option for a reason. If you’re considering braces as an adult, there are plenty of resources for what the process entails.
Invisalign or Braces?
One of the most popular types of braces is the ‘invisible’ kind. Usually, this is a clear tray that fits your teeth. The same principle of pressure applies here, where pressure is applied to your teeth with each changing plastic tray.
The most popular company for these invisible braces is Invisalign. They have gained a lot of notoriety for their ability to straighten your teeth in a convenient and almost unnoticeable way.
So you may be wondering, besides the invisible aspect, what else is the difference between traditional metal braces and Invisalign?
One of the differences is that you have to wear braces 24/7 and they are noticeable. Invisalign can be removed and they’re made of clear plastic, a more inconspicuous option. Another big difference is the cost, braces cost between $1,800 – $5,000 while Invisalign is on average $5,000.
Clearly, there if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, go with traditional metal braces. Also, if you have complicated teeth, you’re better off using metal braces since they’re more effective at straightening more complex teeth issues.
Some people go for ceramic braces which fall in the middle between Invisalign and the metal braces. They have the same structure as traditional braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets.
At-Home Teeth Straightening Kit
Another growing sector in the teeth straightening market is at-home teeth straightening kits. This process usually involves going through a website that will send you a kit to make teeth impressions. Then you send that back to them and they create a customized plan.
The plan is a bit similar to how Invisalign does things, by sending trays periodically that apply pressure to straighten your teeth over time. It is usually the most affordable option and convenient for busy schedules. This is aimed more toward very minor dental corrections that need to be made.
Despite all this, at-home kits are not the most ideal option since there is no orthodontist supervision and it is easy for the teeth impressions to be misleading. If things start to go wrong, there is no orthodontist you can visit regarding the specifics of your aligners.
Ultimately, when it comes to your teeth, there should be no worries. You want to make sure there’s a professional who can keep track of your progress.
Retainers: Part of the Process
Once you decide on the best way to get your teeth straightened, you’ll need to keep them straight by wearing a retainer. Although they aren’t used for straightening teeth, they’re important to mention because they will likely be a permanent part of your life.
For every option mentioned previously, once your teeth are exactly how you’ve dreamed, you’ll have to keep them that way by wearing a retainer. This means usually wearing it all day for a while so your teeth don’t move and gradually wearing it all night.
Veneers: Alternative Solution
Dental veneers are not used to straighten teeth but if you’re mainly concerned about cosmetic fixes as opposed to mechanical, you might want to consider Veneers. What are they? They are thin tooth colored shells that attach to the surface of your teeth to improve their appearance.
They’re made usually of porcelain and can be done in as little as 2-3 appointments! For slightly crooked, stained, or chipped teeth, veneers are a great option.
Finding the Right Orthodontist
With something as delicate as your smile, you’ll want to make sure your teeth are in good hands. After all, this is a lifelong commitment! If you think it’s too late to find a comprehensive teeth straightening system that works for you, just look at all the options you got.
Between all the traditional braces and the invisible aligners available, you’ll be sure to find what works best for you.
If you’re in Oklahoma and interested in a dazzling new smile, be sure to sign up for a digital consultation!
