Can You Avoid Braces?

No one in the history of the planet has ever uttered the words, “I really want braces.”

OK, that may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it underscores the point: Braces are no fun.

But they’re also a rite of passage for millions of teens and adults. Like it or not, odds are good that at least someone in your family will need braces.

Is this avoidable? Yes and no.

How Do Braces Help?

A type of orthodontic treatment, braces help fix crowded, crooked, protruding or misaligned teeth. If left untreated, though, you’re opening yourself up to a myriad of oral health problems, like tooth decay, gum disease and even loss of teeth, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The reason? Cleaning crooked or crowded teeth can be very difficult.

Furthermore, misaligned teeth can even make it difficult to bite or speak, and it can create jaw problems, plus they can wear out the enamel. Braces, though, will keep your teeth and gums healthy – and your teeth straight.

Are there Alternatives to Orthodontics?

Dental plan provider Smile says cosmetic contouring can help improve the appearance of teeth, particularly if you have slightly crowded teeth. The procedure takes about an hour and is more cost-effective than other types of cosmetic treatment, although it’s not recommended for children.

Even the Australian Society of Orthodontists admits there are options for braces, like clear plastic plates, or sequential clear aligners, for “straightforward cases.” Extreme or severe cases, though, are not ideal for alternatives.

One consideration: invisible braces, or aesthetic braces. These braces are made of a transparent ceramic, hence the name “invisible,” but they’re still placed on the outside of the teeth, just like traditional braces.

Another potential way to ward off trouble: Be proactive about it. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking your child to an orthodontist and visiting regularly starting around the age of 7 or 8 can help in the long-run,explains Mommy DDS. Pediatric dentists and orthodontists look at teeth and jaws differently, but a specialist can help monitor the growth and development of the structures. For example, an orthodontist may recommend removing baby teeth early so that the permanent teeth entering the arches come in in a more optimal position, MommyDDS explains.

Give Canada Bay Dental’s Six Month Smiles a Try

If you need braces, you can virtually count on wearing them for 18 months to three years. That’s a long time.

However, Canada Bay Dental offers an affordable alternative to conventional braces through its Six Months Smiles treatment, something few dentists offer. The new, innovative cosmetic braces system uses proven orthodontic techniques and modern materials to gently straight and align your teeth. Canada Bay Dental guarantees you’ll have straight teeth within six months.

And it’s affordable, costing about 50 percent less than conventional braces. If you have questions about the Six Months Smile treatment or any other questions, call us today to set up an appointment.