My parents never got me braces due to financial issues, but now that I'm older I hate my teeth. They aren't too bad, but I have a serious overbite (not one that sticks out of the mouth though) and my bottom row is a little crowded. I want to have straight teeth, but I don't think that I want full on braces at this point. ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES??
2007-02-11 10:41:36 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
Depending on the severity of the crowding and the extent of the overbite, you might be a candidate for Invisalign. Moving just one or some teeth isn't an option. In order to correct the over bite and straighten the lower crowding which would need extra space, all of the teeth must be shifted to correct your occlusion or the way the teeth fit together when you bite. You would really need to discuss this with your dentist. He can take models along with some measurements and photos of your mouth and send them to Invisalign to see if you would benefit from them. If not the the traditional braces may be what you will have to do. You wouldn't be in them all that long, usually 18 to 24 months for most cases and the dentist will be able to judge that when he sees you. If you want to correct your teeth and perfect your smile, either method would be the best thing you could ever do for your self. The next step is for you to call the dentist and see what can be done. Don't put it off, this is something you'll regret "not" doing for the rest of your life. It's amazing to see patients whole attitude, confidence and facial expressions change along with their smile. You're never too old to have this type of work done, some patients are in there 50's and up wearing braces. Hope I've given you the encourgament to talk to your dentist about your options and find a solution that will work for you to correct your teeth. Good luck!
2007-02-11 11:21:11 · answer #1 · answered by HeatherS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on the state of crowding in your mouth, and the things that would need to be done to correct your teeth to make them straight there are some alternatives.
The very best and most straightforward is full braces. Although they're not what you personally want they are probably the most effective, least time consuming option. And when you're done you'll have a perfect smile.
If you go with the invisalign option they use clear retainers and shaving to get your teeth as straight as they can. The only down side to this is that not everyone is a candidate - as they can't move teeth up or down and they don't achieve the same results that normal metal braces do.
You could also ask your dentist about regular retainers just to straighten your teeth out. They don't move the roots but they reposition the crowns so that the overall effect is more aesthetically pleasing.
I'd go to an orthodontist in your area and get his/her opinion on what can be done and some of the pricing guidelines.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-11 11:35:38 · answer #2 · answered by flutterby 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Invisalign for sure! That's what I did, because there was no way I was going to wear braces. They are barely noticeable and produce results in less time than braces. Also, you never have to worry about getting food in them because you take them out before eating.
2007-02-11 10:47:08 · answer #3 · answered by bchic89 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem and I am in the process of getting braces. Lots of orthodontists offer free consultations and they will be able to discuss with you the best treatment plan. Find 2 or more dentists that offer free consultations and take the plan that best suits you. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-02-13 07:37:30 · answer #4 · answered by Mom of Three 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak to your dentist. S/he might be able to adjust your bite with a special retainer, but it depends on how bad the overbite is. You might not have a choice but to have braces to correct it.
2007-02-11 10:45:34 · answer #5 · answered by Blue Jean 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go to the invisalign.com site
2007-02-11 10:45:50 · answer #6 · answered by ottsooh 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
invisalign!
http://www.invisalign.com/generalapp/us/en/index.jsp
2007-02-11 11:15:25 · answer #7 · answered by Marty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
invisaline
2007-02-11 11:36:15 · answer #8 · answered by Bridget 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
invisa-line
2007-02-11 10:44:30 · answer #9 · answered by Orlando Knight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea.... invisa-line or you could get a retainer.
2007-02-11 11:08:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋