You decided you want to straighten your teeth, and you also decided you might not want traditional braces. The good news is there are other options besides braces that can give you a new smile!
Here are a few of our top orthodontist-approved alternatives to braces. As always, talk to your orthodontist about which treatment options will work for you. Not every treatment works for every patient, so always discuss your options with your orthodontist.
1. Invisalign
Invisalign is the most common braces alternative. It is virtually invisible as well as removable, which makes it a perfect option for people who want to straighten their teeth without covering up their teeth.
When a patient comes in for a consultation, we will let them know if Invisalign will work for them.
In many cases, our adult patients choose to get Invisalign instead of braces because it is removable and less visible.
Invisalign is a great teen braces alternative as well. Did you know Invisalign makes aligners specifically for teenagers? They come equipped with a blue-to-clear indicator dot on the back that will let you know if the aligner has been worn. Now your teen won’t slip their aligners off after they leave the house…
Your orthodontist will tell you exactly what their pricing is, but Invisalign is usually a little more expensive than braces. It depends on your teeth and what you are correcting, though. Most of our Invisalign patients are happy with their decision!
2. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, or incognito braces, are both a braces and an Invisalign alternative! The cool thing about lingual braces is they sit behind your teeth—like on the inside next to your tongue. You can’t see them from the front and they can straighten your teeth as effectively as traditional braces.
Now you might be thinking, “Did you really suggest braces as an alternative to braces?” We promise lingual braces are a great option for people who don’t want to see their wires and brackets every day!
Lingual braces can be more expensive than regular braces. They are worth it if you want your braces to be completely hidden, though.
3. Retainer
A simple retainer is an even cheaper alternative to braces. We should note that this is not usually an option for patients.
Retainers can only fix little imperfections in your smile, but they can be a great alternative to braces if you only need a minor fix.
If you have had braces and your teeth are starting to shift back into their original place, then your orthodontist might recommend wearing your tight retainer to straighten your teeth again.
Talk to Your Orthodontist!
As always, ask your orthodontist if this is an option. They might tell you that braces are the only way to align your teeth. If that is the case, then don’t worry and love your braces!
Have you had another braces alternative that we didn’t list? Let us know what your orthodontist recommended for you in the comments below! If you are in Las Vegas and looking for an orthodontist, then give the staff at Hansen Orthodontics a call.