Having misaligned teeth can have a detrimental effect on your confidence, but braces aren’t always the best option for everyone. What many people don’t know is that there are other options when it comes to straightening your teeth. Luckily for you, modern dentistry and advances in technology mean that other options are widely available, including at our Duthie Dental Practices in Liverpool.
What are the Other Options for Straightening Your Teeth?
One of the most common things we get asked at Duthie Dental is how to fix crooked teeth without braces. Let’s look into a few of the most popular alternatives to braces for fixing misaligned teeth. We’ll go into each option in more detail, including what the treatment is, what the process involves, aftercare, and prices involved.
1. Veneers
Veneers can be a great option for those looking for the appearance of straighter teeth without using braces. Despite not changing the position of the teeth underneath, veneers can be designed to hide minor misalignment.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells or coverings that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They are typically made from either composite or porcelain, and are used to enhance the appearance of your smile by improving the shape, size, and colour of your teeth.
What does the process involve?
The process of fitting veneers usually takes around 3 appointments, and involves:
- An initial consultation with your dentist to discuss your requirements.
- Removing a thin layer of enamel to prepare the tooth for holding the veneer.
- Doing a 3D scan of your mouth in order to create the custom veneers.
- Typically, you would then have temporary veneers placed while your custom ones are being made.
- Attaching the permanent veneers with strong dental adhesive.
Healing and aftercare
Aftercare for dental veneers is fairly straightforward: maintain good oral hygiene, try to limit some foods and drinks that commonly stain veneers, and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure your teeth and the veneers are in good condition.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers in the UK varies depending on the dental practice, as well as the material used for the veneers and the complexity of each individual case. Good quality Porcelain Veneers cost between £750 and £1000 per tooth, Composite Veneers are typically between £400 and £600 per tooth. Prices can vary across practices and although you may find dentists who offer cheaper veneers there can be a difference in quality which can affect the look, fit and longevity of the veneer. It’s important you do your research. Check reviews and before and after photos and if you like a particular example ensure that the veneers you are getting are from the same Dental Laboratory.
2. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is also a great solution for those looking to correct crooked teeth without braces, it’s minimally invasive and gives great results.
What is dental bonding?
Dental Bonding, Edge Bonding or Composite Bonding as it’s most commonly known, is another cosmetic dentistry procedure. A tooth coloured resin material is applied to the teeth to improve their appearance. It is ideal for repairing chipped teeth and fixing gaps between teeth, but can also make your teeth look straight.
What does the process involve?
The composite bonding procedure is very simple and minimally invasive. You can expect the following to be done, typically all in one single appointment:
- Discuss your requirements and options with a dentist, including finding a shade that matches your natural teeth colour.
- The surface of your teeth will then be roughened to prepare them for the treatment.
- Resin is applied and moulded into shape, before being cured with a UV light.
- The teeth are reshaped and polished to finish them off and get the desired results.
Healing and aftercare
Recommended aftercare for dental bonding is generally nothing more than maintaining good oral hygiene, regular brushing and flossing, and keeping up with check-ups and cleanings with your dentist.
How much does dental bonding cost?
In the UK, you can expect to pay between £250 to £400 per tooth. At Duthie Dental, our composite bonding services start from just £250 per tooth, finance options are available.
3. Invisalign
If you are looking to permanently straighten your natural teeth, rather than just improve the look with cosmetic dentistry, you may want to consider Invisalign as an alternative to fixed braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are clear, removable aligners which straighten the teeth and can be used as an alternative to traditional braces. As the name suggests, they are almost invisible when worn, which makes them a very popular choice amongst adults wanting a straighter smile.
What does the process involve?
One of the many benefits of using Invisalign is that there is minimal to no invasive treatment involved. The process of getting fitted with custom aligners includes:
- An initial consultation where your dentist should discuss your suitability for Invisalign and what you want to achieve.
- A 3D scan of your mouth is taken and sent to Invisalign who reports back on the scan with a personalised treatment plan. They will produce custom aligners from this initial scan.
- On some occasions the treatment plan will recommend “Interproximal Reduction” which involves shaving away some edging of the natural tooth in order to improve the contact point between the tooth and the aligner. This is minimal and will ensure a better result from the treatment.
- Once fitted, you should expect regular check-ins to discuss progress with your dentist and pick up new aligners as your teeth alignment changes.
Healing and aftercare
It is important to keep wearing your aligners until your dentist tells you otherwise, to ensure the treatment is successful. Afterwards, your dentist will advise you on how often you should be wearing your retainer, to prevent your teeth from becoming misaligned again.
How much does Invisalign cost?
At Duthie Dental, Invisalign treatment starts at £3995, which is in line with the average cost of Invisalign in the UK. For more detailed guidance on the average cost of Invisalign in the UK and what is involved in the treatment, read our detailed guide or speak to our expert team.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question of how to straighten your teeth without braces, there are more options available than you likely thought! Whether it’s using aligners such as Invisalign to get your natural teeth looking their best, or opting for veneers or dental bonding to give you a straighter looking smile.
We’re here to help! For no obligation advice from our friendly team of dental professionals, give us a call today on 0151 707 4959 or get in touch via our online contact form.
FAQs
Can you fix crooked teeth as an adult?
It’s never too late to fix crooked teeth and get the smile you’ve always dreamed of! There are many options available, whether it’s to fix the problem with something like Invisalign, or cosmetic treatments like veneers or composite bonding to give the appearance of a straighter smile. To talk to a dentist about your options, contact us today.
How can you straighten your teeth at home?
It is not recommended to try to straighten your teeth at home without a treatment plan from a dentist or orthodontist, however there are options such as retainers that may be recommended to you that you can wear while at home. Speak to a dentist about your options before trying any treatment yourself.
Can crooked teeth be fixed naturally, without dental treatment?
There aren’t any natural or DIY methods of successfully straightening your teeth, so you should always consult a dentist or orthodontist to discuss a treatment plan that works for you.
What is the most affordable way to straighten your teeth?
Generally, traditional metal braces are the cheapest option when it comes to permanently straightening your teeth as an adult. However, it is important to find a treatment that suits you rather than just basing your decision off the price, as there are often finance options available to help with the cost.
Can I straighten my teeth on the NHS?
Orthodontic treatment is not usually available on the NHS for adults, so private treatment is required. There may be exceptions if it is needed for health reasons, so feel free to consult an NHS dental practice for more information before approaching a private practice.