3 options to straighten your teeth – it’s not just braces anymore!

The term “braces” was first coined in the early 1900s, as modern orthodontics began to take shape. This orthodontic treatment remains an effective way to straighten teeth today. However, other options have come along since then that may not even require using an appliance or any “hardware” at all. At Manchester Dental, Dr. Abel Aguilar and our team in Manchester, Georgia, provide various orthodontic treatments, including the three alternatives highlighted below.  

No. 1: Braces

When you think about straightening your teeth, this is likely the first thing that comes to mind. This combination of brackets and wires secured to the teeth remains an appropriate option for many patients today across a wide spectrum of ages. They are designed to “do it all” – from fixing crooked or crowded teeth to correcting underbites or overbites and other problems with how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth rests. Plus, the latest braces are not only effective; they are also much more comfortable and far less bulky than the braces your parents or grandparents may have worn. Modern braces are made from advanced, flexible, and lightweight materials. They are also designed to blend in with your teeth and smile. You may choose brackets that are made from clear or transparent materials or wires that are tooth-colored. Dr. Aguilar has also invested in computer-guided technologies when planning orthodontic treatment. These technologies support precise planning, which, in turn, promotes a comfortable, efficient, and effective treatment experience.

No. 2: Invisalign®

Some patients may be able to correct their crowded, crooked, and gapped teeth without braces. Invisalign® is an effective orthodontic treatment based on the same fundamental and time-tested principles as braces. Like braces, this option places constant yet gentle force on the teeth. This pressure helps to move the teeth over time gradually. So, they eventually end up in their correct and healthy positions. The means to accomplish this are quite different, however. Instead of brackets and wires that cannot be removed, Invisalign® straightens teeth with removable appliances that resemble other transparent and lightweight oral appliances (like nightguards, whitening trays, and retainers). Since these “aligners” are made from a clear-colored and advanced plastic, they are both discreet and comfortable to wear. Our patients also like easily removing their aligners before eating meals and cleaning their teeth. Nothing stands between them, their favorite foods, or good oral care throughout treatment.

No. 3: Veneers and dental bonding

While these are not orthodontic treatments, they can be alternatives to braces and Invisalign® for the right patients. The idea behind these procedures is to use carefully crafted dental material (such as porcelain or composite) and apply and secure it to cover up the gaps or other spacing issues. In addition to disguising excess spaces or gaps between teeth, veneers and bonding can even create the appearance of straighter teeth. They do so by covering up each tooth’s front surfaces and sides to improve the appearance of crowded teeth. This is generally not an option for bigger gaps or more extensive orthodontic issues; however, it is an affordable and fast alternative for well-suited patients.

Manchester Dental is happy to discuss the differences among these treatments during a consultation and help you make a well-informed decision about your oral health. Call our team at (706) 981-6272 to schedule your visit at our office in Manchester, GA, today.

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