Braces are one of the best ways to straighten and respace teeth and correct malocclusions or issues with your bite. For people with severe crowding, spacing, or bite issues, braces are perfect to help fix your teeth. But what if you have a mild spacing problem, you have slightly crooked teeth, or you have some minor bite issues? There are options you can choose from instead of braces.
What Are Braces Used For?
Braces consist of brackets, which are usually made of metal, porcelain, or plastic. Then, dental professionals thread wire between each bracket. Braces work because our dentist tightens the wires between each bracket to move your teeth into the proper position. They work very well to fix severely overcrowded teeth, severely crooked teeth, or problems with malocclusions. In general, you will have your braces tightened every other month or so.
While braces are effective, they are not for everyone. Braces can cause sores along the inside of your cheek, as well as your gumline. They can be difficult to keep clean. Treatment time for braces can take up to three years, and braces can be expensive.
What Are Some Alternatives to Braces?
You may want to look at clear aligners. These are made from heavy, medical-grade plastic. Aligners move only one or two teeth at a time rather than all of your teeth at once. Also, you can remove aligners to eat and clean your teeth. Aligners are best when they are used to respace crowded or protruding teeth or mild issues with your bite. Treatment time with aligners is shorter than with braces, and clear aligners are less expensive.
Another option for people with tooth issues is veneers. Veneers are perfect if you have multiple teeth in one jaw or both jaws that need fixing, such as slightly crowded or protruding teeth. However, veneers work more effectively for fixing broken or cracked teeth as well, so if you have some teeth that are crowded and a few cracked teeth, veneers may be perfect for you.
Not sure what type of fix your teeth need? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.
Braces are one of the best ways to straighten and respace teeth and correct malocclusions or issues with your bite. For people with severe crowding, spacing, or bite issues, braces are perfect to help fix your teeth. But what if you have a mild spacing problem, you have slightly crooked teeth, or you have some minor bite issues? There are options you can choose from instead of braces.