Advances in orthodontic technology have made it possible to correct misaligned teeth without using metal braces. Depending on the severity of your dental misalignment, you may be able to straighten your teeth with Invisalign braces. Instead of using the bracket-and-wire arrangement employed by traditional braces, Invisalign straightens teeth with a series of aligning trays. The trays are clear, and can be removed when wearers need to eat, or brush their teeth. People who suffer from milder cases of crooked teeth can talk to their dentist, to find out how they can remedy this issue without resorting to metal braces.
The first step in using Invisalign is for your dentist to take impressions of your mouth, to develop the trays you will need. A sequence of clear trays will be developed, with each tray making slight realignments to your teeth. Instead of having metal braces which are not removable for the duration of their use, you will be able to remove Invisalign trays when you eat, or when you need to brush and floss your teeth. Because Invisalign is clear, the trays will be inconspicuous while you wear them.
Cosmetic treatments can sometimes be used to remedy the appearance of crooked teeth. You may be able to cover the appearance of misaligned teeth with porcelain veneers. While porcelain veneers do not realign your teeth, the veneer shells provide cover, so that you exhibit the appearance of straight teeth. Veneers can also provide you with a whiter smile.
One advantage of having straightened teeth, beyond the improvement to your appearance, is that it eliminates overlap between teeth, which can make certain areas harder to keep clean. These hard-to-reach areas carry a greater risk for cavities.