Braces, Invisalign, retainers, or surgery? Are you struggling to get to grips with the teeth straightening options for adults?
Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
With over half of Australian adults feeling self-conscious about their teeth, it’s no surprise that now there are tons of options out there.
It’s normal to be apprehensive about straightening your teeth. But dentistry has advanced a lot in recent years, so there are many comfortable and discreet choices.
This article will discuss the 7 best teeth straightening options, their pros, and cons, who their suitable for, and give real-life reviews.
Table of Contents
Metal Braces
The most well-known option for a smile makeover is traditional metal braces.
A combination of brackets, wires, and elastic bands will align crooked or overcrowded teeth within 12-18 months.
The wires exert pressure to align your teeth, and your orthodontist will adjust them throughout your treatment.
Metal braces have come a long way. Today there are lighter, nicer options and you can even choose to incorporate your favorite colors.
One thing to remember is that metal braces require a touch more cleaning and attention than your usual hygiene routine. And some foods may be off-limits.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Aligners are a top choice for adults looking to make minor tweaks to their smiles.
So, how do clear aligners work?
Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made, easily removable, and more affordable than traditional braces.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of Invisalign clear aligners is that they are transparent, making them unnoticeable.
You’ll wear your aligners for most of the day, and will remove them to eat, brush and floss. And because they are changed every 2 weeks, this provides another benefit – better oral hygiene than traditional braces.
Because Invisalign moves your teeth in 3 directions at once, they work faster than other braces, so you’ll have your dream smile in a matter of months.
Ceramic Braces
While ceramic braces work the same as metal braces, there’s one big difference.
They’re less noticeable.
Because they’re made from ceramic or porcelain, they are clear or tooth-colored. That makes them the ideal choice for those wanting to disguise their journey to a perfect smile.
Ceramic braces are bulkier and more expensive than metal braces. But if you don’t mind spending a little more, you can get fast results.
Another consideration is that they can become discolored over time.
But if you steer clear of red wine, berries, and coffee, the color should last longer. Plus, they’re replaced quite often, so this shouldn’t be a major problem.
Retainers
Here we have another fantastic option for minimal corrections.
Retainers make little adjustments to your smile or hold your teeth in place after more extensive treatment has been completed.
It’s highly recommended for those who grind their teeth.
The great thing about retainers is that you have options. There are permanent or removable retainers. You can discuss these with your orthodontist to find the right fit for you.
Some people say that it can be scary to sleep with their retainer at first, but once they get used to it, they say they actually struggle to sleep without it!
Lingual Braces
Also known as “inside braces” or “invisible braces”, which gives you a clue about how these braces work.
They are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them super discreet and practically invisible. This makes them a fantastic choice for those conscious about the appearance of braces.
They are used for correcting most bite problems.
Although they are customized to fit you perfectly, they can affect your speech and eating habits. People say that they can be quite uncomfortable at first because they constantly touch your tongue.
Another downside is that they are more expensive and treatment is longer than traditional braces.
Dental Bonding
This cosmetic technique corrects crooked or uneven teeth.
It works by shaping and molding a soft resin onto the teeth to close gaps or repair a chipped tooth. Plus, dental bonding can even whiten your smile.
This is the best option for broken or chipped front teeth. The simplicity of the procedure makes it an ideal quick fix.
People love that it looks natural and boosts their self-confidence.
One downfall of dental bonding is that the resin is not durable, so it may not last as long as you hoped.
Teeth Straightening Surgery
Also known as corrective jaw surgery or orthodontic surgery, this is a serious procedure.
It addresses functional problems, so if you need surgical realignment, this might be the right path for you.
A surgeon will operate on your jaw to realign the teeth or bones. The healing time is around 6 weeks, and it’s common to wear braces following the surgery.
But remember, not everyone is a candidate for surgery.
It’s only available for those with genuine functional problems and is not for cosmetic changes.
