options to correct them, but I prefer not to get braces. Is it easier to extract the teeth and replace them with dental implants? Other than that, what else can a dentist do to straighten my teeth? Thank you. Grayson from VA
Grayson,
Thank you for your question.
When your teeth are crooked, you have two options for correcting them. Please do not consider extractions and dental implants as your options. Either braces or porcelain veneers can straighten your teeth.
Correcting Crooked Front Teeth with Orthodontics
Invisalign clear aligners instead of ceramic or metal braces
Orthodontic treatment is the least invasive way to straighten crooked front teeth. Although you mentioned that you don’t want braces, a dentist or orthodontist can offer you several options, including:
- Metal braces – You can get low profile braces to correct your teeth
- Ceramic braces – Less noticeable than metal, ceramic braces are more comfortable and will align your teeth
- Invisalign – Most people will not notice that you are wearing Invisalign. Clear, plastic aligners fit snugly over your teeth and straighten them.
Porcelain Veneers for Crooked Front Teeth
An advanced cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers to correct crooked front teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the fronts of your teeth. Depending on the condition and position of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist may recommend veneers for teeth nearby the crooked ones.
In general, the porcelain veneers process includes these steps:
- Removing a small amount of tooth enamel for the teeth that require veneers
- Making a mock-up of your smile with veneers
- Letting you try on temporary veneers
- Working with a dental ceramist to make your porcelain veneers
- Bonding the veneers to the fronts of your teeth
We suggest scheduling a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist experienced with porcelain veneers and orthodontic treatment. The dentist will examine your teeth, explain your treatment options, and describe the results you can expect.
Rekha Reddy, DDS of Dallas, TX, sponsors this post.
