Alternatives to Braces for Teeth
Wearing braces to straighten teeth, but can also cause self-consciousness (particularly among juveniles and teenagers). Braces can also be physically uncomfortable to wear. They further complicate dental hygiene. Some alternatives to braces evolved in the late 20th century, albeit with some trade-offs.
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How Braces Work
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Braces are metal bands which are glued to the teeth, then joined together with rubber bands. The braces gradually re-align the teeth so that they are straight, and so that the lower and upper teeth are aligned properly. The braces are readjusted periodically as the teeth become straighter. Braces are worn for varying lengths of time, usually between one and three years. Most people who wear braces are teenagers, but there is no upper age limit as long as the teeth are healthy and sound.
Invisalign
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Invisalign is a brand name for an alternative system to straighten teeth, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the late 2000s. The Invisalign system works by making a cast of the teeth, then creating a transparent mold that fits into the mouth. The transparent mold gradually straightens the teeth. The process is repeated a number of times with new transparent molds until the teeth are straight. The process can often be completed in about a year. It is generally reserved for adults, but some teenagers are also considered good candidates for the process.
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Veneers
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Porcelain veneers are another alternative to braces. With porcelain veneers, the original teeth are not straightened. Instead, an artificial surface is applied to the teeth, which gives the appearance of straight teeth. Veneers are often applied over tooth stubs after a root canal or other orthodontic procedure.
Retainers
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A retainer is a metal band that an orthodontist fits around the teeth in order to keep them straight. A retainer is usually fitted after the patient has completed the straightening process with braces. In many instances, the patient uses the retainer for one or two years, which is the period during which teeth are most likely to revert to being crooked after braces are removed. However, some dental professionals recommend that retainers be worn at least periodically for the life of the patient.
Warning
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Invisalign and veneers are often advertised by dentists, who are not orthodontists. In many instances, these dentists do not have previous experience with orthodontic procedures. Also, veneers will often need to be replaced at several intervals throughout the life of the patient, which can be very costly and can result in residual tooth damage.
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