I Don’t Want Traditional Braces: Do I Have Other Options?

Traditional braces get the job done, but they might not be your first choice for orthodontic treatment. Read on to learn about alternative treatments for straighter teeth.

Over 9 million people in the United States begin orthodontic treatment yearly. Straight teeth don’t just offer a more balanced smile aesthetic, but they’re also easier to clean so you can avoid cavities and gum disease.

While traditional metal braces have long been the gold standard of orthodontic treatment, their drawbacks dissuade some people from enjoying the benefits of orthodontic care.

The metal wires, brackets, and bands are inconvenient. For example, you can’t chew gum, eat hard candies, or enjoy corn on the cob, popcorn, and other favorites.

If you have reservations about traditional braces, our team at Hendricks Dental Specialists encourages you to consider alternatives. At our office in Brentwood, Tennessee, we customize your orthodontic treatment according to your preferences and needs.

Why orthodontics?

Orthodontists plan orthodontic treatment based on your needs after evaluating your bite. Some malocclusions, or imperfect teeth positioning, are more harmful to your oral health and function than others. Our team might urge you to consider braces or another orthodontic treatment if you have:

Crooked teeth
Rotated teeth
Crowded teeth
Wide gaps between teeth
Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite

Almost everyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment. An unbalanced bite can place excessive pressure on your teeth, leading to excessive wear or breakage.

Crooked teeth are also challenging to keep clean. This leads to bad breath, tooth decay, and gingivitis, among other complications.

Alternatives to metal braces

Metal braces aren’t the only way to get a healthier, more balanced smile. If you don’t want traditional braces, consider these alternatives:

Clear braces

Similar to metal braces, clear braces are slightly less visible from a distance because of their white ceramic brackets and frosted wires. The ceramic blends in with your natural teeth, so the braces aren’t as visible. They correct all the same issues as traditional metal braces.

One drawback of clear braces is that they’re not as strong as metal braces, which means your treatment might take a little longer. They can also stain if you smoke or drink pigmented beverages like coffee or wine.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment.

After detailed scanning and digital design, you receive a series of clear plastic aligners made of a flexible thermoplastic called SmartTrack™. This material won’t irritate your gums as you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day.

Our team advises you to progress to the next aligner in the sequence every 1-2 weeks. As you go through treatment, each aligner places precise pressure on your teeth. Over time, your teeth gradually shift into optimal alignment.

If you’re interested in Invisalign, consider these advantages over braces:

Aligners are barely visible in your smile
You can remove your aligners to eat, so there are no dietary restrictions
You can brush your teeth easily after removing your aligners
Aligners are easy to clean
There are fewer potential treatment complications
You’ll have fewer orthodontic visits during treatment

Invisalign is best for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, while more complex issues might require treatment with braces.

Review your options today

Our expert team can evaluate your teeth and help you decide on the best course of orthodontic treatment. Call Hendricks Dental Specialists to schedule a consultation today.