smile blog

Are you avoiding a trip to your Nova Scotia orthodontist because you don’t want to get metal braces? A crooked smile is unattractive as an adult, but unfortunately the alternative – a mouthful of metal – is hardly any better. Adult braces can be uncomfortable, awkward and downright embarrassing. Wondering how to straighten teeth without braces? Good news: common orthodontic problems including crooked teeth and overcrowding can be corrected without braces.

How to Straighten Teeth Without Braces

If you are searching for options to straighten your teeth without braces, you may already be familiar with Invisalign. This alternative to metal braces uses clear aligners to comfortably straighten your teeth over 18 to 24 months. With Invisalign, you can take the aligners out any time you eat or need to brush your teeth. You can eat all the foods you enjoy and brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health. Invisalign effectively treats a variety of issues including over-crowding, crossbite, overbite, underbite and spacing.Invisalign is one of the easiest ways to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces, but it’s not the only option. Retainers and expanders are two additional options, depending on your alignment needs. While straightening teeth without braces is not for everyone, you may be a good candidate if you have any of the following orthodontic conditions:

1. Limited overcrowding. Crooked teeth can be a cause for embarrassment and are one of the most common reasons adults decide to get braces. If your teeth are only slightly crooked due to minor overcrowding, you may be able to straighten your teeth without braces using Invisalign. Once your teeth are straightened, a fixed retainer can then hold the teeth in place. Fixed retainers are attached using dental cement to the inner surface of your teeth, which prevents the teeth from shifting over time. They’re virtually invisible and will keep your smile straight for years to come.
2. Bite misalignment. Has a dentist or orthodontist told you that your bite is misaligned? If so, you may have a condition known as a malocclusion. Orthodontic retainers or other hardware will slowly realign your bite. Correcting your bite alignment will reduce strain on your teeth, jaws and muscles, reducing your risk for everything from a broken tooth to TMJ pain.
3. Narrow upper jaw. If your top teeth are crooked, the problem may be a narrow upper jaw. Rather than braces, your orthodontist may recommend the use of expanders to create space for your teeth to move into their proper position along your upper jaw. Expanders are fastened to the upper molars using dental cement. Expanders are virtually invisible and you may only experience limited discomfort when the expanders are adjusted.

Next Steps: Straightening Your Teeth Without Braces

Ready to say goodbye to embarrassing crooked teeth and hello to your perfect smile? The next step is to schedule an appointment with a Nova Scotia orthodontist. After a diagnostic evaluation, your orthodontist can then recommend whether Invisalign, a retainer, or an expander is the right approach. No matter which option you choose, all three will help you achieve your goal of straight teeth without painful, awkward adult braces.