Adults seeking a straighter smile have options beyond traditional braces. Braces are still an effective option, but there are other ways to achieve the ideal smile without having to wear them.
Dental technology continues to evolve, offering more alternatives than ever before for adults who want straighter teeth.
If you are older than 18 and asking yourself “what is the best alternative to braces for adults” then this article is for you.
What are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth and correct misaligned bites. They come in both traditional metal form as well as clear plastic varieties, making them a discreet solution for adults looking to enhance the appearance of their smile.
Braces work by applying steady pressure over time that gradually moves the teeth into position. Regular adjustments may be required throughout the treatment which can last between eighteen months and three years depending on individual needs.
Braces can make enormous differences in not just appearance but also dental health, helping both adults and children prevent potential problems caused due to crooked teeth.
An official article from the NHS in the UK says that when braces treatment finishes you need to wear a retainer every night to keep your teeth in their new position. They are usually recommended to be worn for 12 months.
See our article: Is 40 too old for braces? Does a Patient’s Age Matter?
Pros and Cons of Braces
Braces create straighter teeth, correct an underbite or overbite, help with jaw alignment issues, reduce speech impediments caused by misaligned jaws, and may even prevent early tooth decay due to improper cleaning from crooked teeth.
However, wearing braces may involve minor discomforts such as soreness or irritation of your teeth and gums while they’re adjusting to the pressure from being in brackets.
Other cons include difficulty eating certain foods due to increased sensitivity and having food caught between wires and brackets after meals. Braces typically require more attention than other forms of orthodontic treatments too.
See our article: The Best Alternative to Braces.
Alternatives to Braces for Adults
Clear Braces
Clear braces are a popular orthodontic treatment option to straighten teeth and correct misaligned smiles. Unlike traditional metallic braces, which can be visible and highly noticeable, clear braces are designed to blend in with your teeth for a more subtle appearance.
Clear braces consist of clear plastic or ceramic brackets bonded onto the front of your teeth, along with a thin metal wire that is threaded through the brackets for precise positioning with each adjustment appointment.
The look of clear braces is far less noticeable than traditional style metal ones; however, should you require more complex movements with teeth alignment, metallic wires may be used as part of the treatment plan.
Clear braces remain one of the most sought-after orthodontic treatments due to their nearly invisible design and customized fit.
See our article: Clear Braces on The Top and Bottom Teeth – All You Need to Know.
Aligners
Aligners provide a unique approach to achieving straight teeth without traditional braces, offering numerous benefits over other treatment options.
Firstly, they are virtually invisible and barely noticeable when worn so you can feel confident in your smile while undergoing an aesthetic transformation. Additionally, their removable nature enables aligners wearers to maintain excellent dental hygiene as well as enjoy foods that may be prohibited with fixed orthodontics such is the case with metal braces.
See our article: Clear Aligners – Before and After.
Furthermore, since fewer visits are typically required than in normal dentistry practices including varying types of arch wires or brackets like those associated with standard brace treatments; patients have more control over scheduling which allows for greater flexibility overall.
Ultimately aligners offer convenience and comfort paired alongside improved appearance making them one of today’s most attractive teeth realigning options available on the market.
When choosing aligners most patients opt for invisible aligners due to their affordability, efficiency, and appearance.
Here you can see a selection of reviews for some of the best invisible aligners available:
NewSmile Review – A cheaper option and a monthly payment program with no down payment. A video call is offered to assist you when taking your mouth impressions. A choice of day or night aligners is available and each purchase comes with a free retainer and teeth-whitening foam.
SmileDirectClub Review – A popular choice this product offers the best in-store 3D scans if you want assistance with taking impressions of your mouth. They offer a 3D visualization showing how your teeth will look once treatment concludes. A free one-time replacement if you damage or break your aligners is also offered. See our article about Lifetime Smile Guarantee.
Byte Review – A top pick with a lifetime guarantee and 3D simulation.
Candid Review – The most similar product to Invisalign and offering a high level of customer service. These aligners are suitable for mild to severe teeth spacing issues.
ALIGNERCO – The cheapest at-home aligner brand with a monthly payment plan on a zero-down payment agreement. They offer 24/7 live chat support to all customers.
Retainers
Unlike braces, retainers are designed with convenience and comfort in mind; they come in both removable and permanent varieties, which allows users more control over their dental health journey at every step. Their removable nature also allows for greater flexibility and convenience in maintaining oral hygiene.
Most retainers require fewer adjustments than traditional braces, which means less time spent trekking back and forth from appointments.
Additionally, retainers are typically much less expensive than some forms of teeth-straightening procedures, saving you both time and money.
Perhaps best of all is how effective these devices can be: Retainer treatment has been proven to achieve healthier smiles faster compared to many alternatives available today.
See our article: What is the Difference Between Braces and Retainers?
Lingual Appliances
These discreet devices are tucked behind the patient’s tongue while still offering precision-fitting tooth movement without compromising comfort or aesthetic appeal. Lingual appliance users don’t need to feel embarrassed by metal wires as they can be completely hidden from view whilst achieving extraordinary results.
In addition, this type of treatment option is less intrusive than its counterparts due to its custom mold design that fits seamlessly against the roof of your mouth.
Moreover, the lingual appliance technique allows clinicians to correct complex malocclusion with greater accuracy and control than other methods due to precisely customized brackets that can’t be moved by tongue forces like normal braces often do, meaning fewer trips back into the clinic.
This type of product also has a heightened comfort level and causes less irritation in comparison with the conventional options available.
See our article: Incognito Braces Vs Invisalign.
Veneers
Veneers offer a revolutionary solution for those looking to address issues with their teeth. Not only are veneers less visible than traditional braces, but they also provide more comprehensive results in a much shorter amount of time.
With the help of state-of-the-art technology and materials such as porcelain or composite resin, these thin shells become custom fitted onto your existing enamel allowing you to customize both color and shape according to personal preference while still maintaining natural tooth sensitivity. All of this is possible without the need for extensive reshaping.
Unlike traditional braces, veneers take just two visits and minimal prep time; they require very little in terms of maintenance or modifications after the initial placement making them more desirable than numerous other dental treatments.
Furthermore, because veneers are designed with a special material that can stand up against erosion due to mouth acidity as well as staining from food and drink consumption, they offer longer-lasting results when it comes to straightening teeth.
See our article: Teeth Veneers Pros and Cons.
Accelerated Orthodontics
There are several different methods of accelerated orthodontics:
- Piezocision is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that facilitates the straightening of teeth quickly and painlessly. Through the use of targeted ultrasonic vibrations, Piezocision encourages bone remodeling as well as pronounced enamel reshaping to induce subtle shifts in the positioning of teeth without applying pressure or tension that can be uncomfortable for the patient. The treatment is typically completed in a single session and does not require extensive adjustments throughout the treatment period.
- Corticotomy involves making small cuts in the jawbone near the tooth roots, creating microscopic fractures to stimulate remodeling and facilitate quicker movement than conventional orthodontic treatment. This treatment type is most suitable for patients who have severe misalignment or large teeth crowding.
- Propel is a process of making tiny perforations in the bone that cause it to heal and stimulate the movement of teeth at the same time.
- Acceledent is a vibrating mouthpiece device that emits pulses that encourage bones to heal and teeth to move faster in place. This device is worn on top of braces for 20 minutes during the treatment period.
See our article: What Should I Do if I Don’t Like My Teeth?
Six Month Smiles
Six-month smiles is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear braces and wires to straighten teeth in an average time of just six months.
The technique was developed to address the aesthetic concerns of adults who are unhappy with their smile but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces for two years or more.
Unlike other types of braces, six-month smiles focus on the teeth that show when you smile, so they are much less visible. Clear braces are also smaller and more comfortable than metal braces.
Treatment with six-month smiles typically costs less than other orthodontic options as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Straighten my Teeth Without Braces?
Straightening your teeth without braces is possible, however, it’s important to assess the severity of misalignment and determine the best course of action.
Clear aligners are an effective alternative to wearing braces to straighten teeth. Aligners are removable trays that sit over your teeth and are easier to maintain during treatment, are more cosmetically appealing as they are virtually invisible to anyone else, and are cheaper than most other traditional teeth straightening options.
Which Braces are Best For Adults?
Clear braces offer a more subtle appearance than traditional metal braces so are a good option for more severe teeth straightening issues in adults.
Invisible aligners are a good solution as they offer a more discreet treatment and are an effective treatment for mild to mid-severity issues with teeth.
The choice should be determined by a qualified orthodontist based on your particular requirements.
