For adults with crooked teeth, traditional braces may seem like the only option. Fortunately, however, your cosmetic dentist has several different options to help straighten your smile that don't require the time commitment that traditional braces do. If you are self-conscious about your crooked teeth, here are just a few options you can consider for your teeth.

Tooth Contouring

Tooth contouring helps to reshape and resize your teeth to create a straight appearance. This option is ideal if you have a few teeth that are slightly misshapen or that sit at a slight angle. During this procedure, your cosmetic dentist will remove a small layer of each tooth's enamel to create a new shape for the teeth. Your dentist can perform the tooth contouring on its own or in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures, such as tooth whitening or bonding.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers offer several benefits. They can be used to create a straightened look for your teeth and give you a brighter, whiter smile. The veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain that covers your teeth to create the new look, and they are placed over your teeth after a small layer of the enamel has been removed. Veneers can also be used to close the gap between teeth to complete your smile. You can have a veneer added to one or multiple teeth, depending on your needs.

Clear Braces

Some adults with serious alignment issues may be hesitant to get braces because of the appearance of the teeth while undergoing this type of treatment. Your dentist may be able to recommend clear braces or aligning devices which serve the same purpose as traditional braces. They help to pull your teeth into proper alignment over time, but unlike traditional braces, these devices are nearly invisible. This helps you to maintain a more professional look for the workplace while straightening out your teeth. The aligning devices fit over your teeth and can be removed at the end of each day, while the clear braces use transparent brackets to hide the braces on each tooth. Your cosmetic dentist can help you to decide which option is right for your teeth alignment needs.

In some cases, you may choose more than one of these options. You may decide that you need a bit of tooth contouring after having clear braces. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to help you choose the right options for your teeth, your oral health and your personal needs.

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