Can You Straighten Teeth Without Braces?

There is really nothing more attractive than a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with perfect teeth.

When you have crooked teeth, this can cause low self-esteem and hold you back from living your best life. The good news is, you don’t have to live with crooked teeth forever.

There are ways to straighten teeth without braces so you’ll feel more comfortable about smiling. This article looks at straightening tips that will increase your confidence. Keep reading to discover insight into this process.   

Alternatives to Traditional Braces

It’s not uncommon for people to want to avoid braces if possible. This is why so many people try to avoid going to the orthodontist when they have crooked teeth. After all, braces are costly and the process is often unpleasant and painful.

Fortunately, there are alternatives. The key is to study the various ways of straightening crooked teeth without installing traditional braces.

The three most prominent methods of accomplishing this are through the use of a retainer, an expanding, or with Invisalign. Now let’s take a closer look at each of these three popular alternatives.

Retainers

A retainer is an oral appliance that is custom-made and is designed to be either fixed or removable. Retainers are often used to help teeth retain their new position following the removal of braces or as an alternative to braces.

There are typically two types of retainers used for straightening teeth. These are Hawley retainers and Essix retainers. Hawley retainers are made of acrylic and metal wiring, while Essix retainers and made of plastic that has been formed to fit your teeth.

Expanders

Oral or “Palatal” expanders are designed to create more space in your mouth by slowly widening the upper jaw. This might sound a bit painful, but it’s actually quite easy.

The typical situations that call for expanders include crossbite, crowding, and impacted teeth. 

Keep in mind that expanding the upper jaw has additional benefits. These include broadening the smile as well as shortening the overall time needed to complete the orthodontic treatment. Expanders generally require 3-6 months to produce the desired outcome.

Invisalign

The third option for straightening crooked teeth without braces is through the use of Invisalign. This option has become incredibly popular in recent years. 

Invisalign is a custom-made aligner that is made of clear plastic and can be removed when eating for brushing your teeth. Every few weeks the aligner is swapped out for a new one that is slightly different, thus allowing your teeth to move slightly over time. 

The complete process is intended to take 18 to 24 months and provides a level of comfort and convenience not available through the other teeth-straightening methods. 

Here is an Invisalign provider that can help you get started.

Alternative Methods to Help Straighten Teeth Without Braces

Traditional braces can be painful and expensive. Fortunately, this article can help you find a way to straighten teeth without braces.

Keep scrolling to find even more great lifestyle tips and advice.