Funny (but true) story. I begged my prosthedontist to add braces to my first set of dentures when I was 8. Most of my friends had a mouth full of them, so I wanted them, too. Believe it or not, some studies suggest that more than half of Americans are concerned about their teeth. Even among people who practice good oral hygiene, misaligned teeth and jaws can create numerous issues. Most people turn immediately to braces to straighten their smile. As my kids near their teens, I’ve looked at many teeth straightening options. Did you know that there are solutions that don’t require you to be fitted for braces? Keep reading to learn how to get straight teeth at home.
How to Get Straight Teen At Home
Traditional Braces
Braces are the most common method for straightening your teeth, but they are not without their issues. Braces require you to visit a professional dentist to have them fitted. You also need to deal with many follow up visits, which has it’s drawbacks.
While historians say that braces date back to ancient times. That said, the metal braces we know are the oldest form of modern braces, first invented in 1819. Metal braces are also the most common type of brace. Many people fear the impact metal braces can have on their appearance. Modern metal braces are much more elegantly designed than previous versions. That said, they are still the most visible option.
The main advantage of metal braces is that they are cheap. They really are the most cost-efficient way to straighten teeth available. Metal braces could be the ideal solution for you, if you aren’t put off by obvious mouth gear.
However, as well as being relatively conspicuous, metal braces are also painful for many users. Your doctor will likely want to see you monthly for adjustments. These adjustments can leave teeth and gums feeling sore. Some people have also had bad experiences with bits of metal poking into them when they’re braces are in. Patients wearing metal braces will also need to be careful about how they clean their teeth and what they eat and drink.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are definitely an improvement on metal braces, but they are not without their own issues. For one thing, ceramic braces look a lot like metal braces; from the outside, there is little difference between the two. However, because ceramic is closer in color to the color of your teeth, ceramic braces tend to be a little less conspicuous than metal braces.
Another thing to consider with ceramic braces is that they take longer to have an effect than metal braces. This means that patients need to wear them for a longer period in order to complete their treatments. Finally, ceramic braces are nowhere near as durable as their metal counterparts. They require larger brackets, which can irritate some people’s gums. They also require you to be careful about what you eat and drink and how you look after your teeth.
Invisible Braces
If you want to straighten your teeth at home, without all that hardware, invisible braces may be for you. Unlike metal or ceramic braces, invisible braces don’t require a dentist to fit. Invisible braces have exploded in popularity in recent years, largely thanks to their subtle design, but also because users can order customized braces online without having to ever leave their home. Instead of relying on the often painful brackets that other types of braces use, invisible braces require nothing more than small plastic trays known as aligners.
When a patient is first fitted for invisible braces, an impression of their teeth will be taken. The dental impression is used to produce personalized braces, or aligners, that are custom fit. While this enables invisible braces to be effective, comfortable, and inconspicuous, it also makes them more expensive than the other options available.
Mewing
Mewing is a method of natural teeth straightening that involves pressing the tongue into the roof of your mouth so that you change the positions of your teeth and your jawline. The main advantage of mewing is it is something that anyone can do at home and without having to spend any money. You don’t need any equipment or instruction before you can start mewing.
Unfortunately, mewing can take a very long time to produce results. Some people require years of mewing to have an appreciable impact on their teeth and jawline. However, this is a method that dental professionals recommend because it is safe and simple.
Which One Is the Best Option?
Find more information on the various options on how to straighten your teeth at home, including clear braces and invisible braces in this guide on teeth straightening options from ALIGNERCO. For many people, clear braces are the most modern and comfortable option while still being very effective at their primary purpose. Not only are clear braces a very effective method of straightening your teeth, but they are far more comfortable and unobtrusive than older types of braces. Often times, invisible aligners are barely noticeable when they are in place.
If you are concerned about your teeth or a dentist has advised you that they need straightening, invisible braces are clearly the way to go. You can order the kit that you need to record your bite impression and order personalized aligners without ever having to speak to a qualified dentist.
