Having a great smile can never go out of fashion. But what should one do to sport that perfect smile. Get on to braces? Traditional braces, worn between 18 to 48 months, are best used when there is an absolute misalignment of the teeth. Fortunately, dentists have a few alternatives to traditional braces which can shape up a patient’s smile.

The best dental treatments to straighten the teeth are:

Transparent teeth aligners (Invisalign)

There are aligners like Invisalign which can realign the teeth using custom-made retainers. A retainer is made by taking the impression of your teeth. These aligners can be taken out while eating or brushing in order to follow a good oral hygiene. Depending on your requirement, the procedure can last between 12 to 48 months. If only your front teeth needs to be corrected, then go for Inman Aligner. Once the teeth are corrected, slight pressure is applied to move the teeth and then retainer is used so that teeth remains in the desired position.

Six month smiles

If you have slightly crooked or crowded teeth, it can be rectified in less than six months. Six Month Smiles is a combination of traditional orthodontics and modern technology. Here tooth colored traditional wires and brackets are used, so it is hardly noticeable.

Lingual braces

Another alternative where braces and wires are placed behind the teeth rather than on the outside. The fixed braces can only be removed by an orthodontist. This treatment is not that popular.

Metal braces

In order to straighten upper and lower teeth, metal or ceramic braces are fixed on the tooth and threaded with wires. The wires are gradually tightened over a period of time by applying slight pressure on the teeth and thus, moving to selected positions.

Porcelain veneers

If mildly crooked, porcelain veneers can be used. These veneers are shaped like your tooth and are used to improve the look of the crooked tooth. When used as an instant orthodontics, these veneers can create an even smile. The procedure might take one or two visits.

Cosmetic contouring

If you have overlapped, crowded or unevenly spaced teeth, then cosmetic contouring is a great option. Performed under local anesthesia, it is used to restructure a patient’s teeth. A little amount of tooth structure is removed to get that pleasing smile. If you have chipped or cracked tooth, then it is smoothened and shaped to change the appearance of your smile.

Next time you visit your dentist’s office, find out about the best teeth straightening options or get an appointment with a local orthodontist who can suggest some options to shape your smile!