Teeth may be straightened in a number of ways. One way is full orthodontics and another is Invisalign, Six Month Smiles or ClearCorrect appliances. Veneers are a third option for those who need minimal cosmetic straightening.

Invisalign, Six Month Smiles & ClearCorrect

These systems work in similar ways to straighten teeth. A mold is made of your teeth and sent to the lab. The lab creates a series of trays that gently, gradually move the teeth into the correct positions. They are practically invisible and take about the same amount of time as traditional braces to move teeth into place.

Trays are changed every two weeks, to continue progress toward your optimal smile. Follow-up with your dentist is scheduled on a regular basis to ensure that your teeth are responding well and that you are not experiencing any problems.

This technology has allowed many adults to pursue straighter teeth without having to wear braces. Of course, the systems work on teens as well.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers can treat a multitude of cosmetic needs. They may be used to correct teeth that are discolored from diet or coffee. Badly chipped teeth or teeth that are misshapen may also be covered with veneers. Correction or concealment of gaps, uneven tooth length, or slightly crooked teeth may also benefit from application of veneers.

The beauty of veneers is that they are placed directly onto the natural tooth. The process is less invasive than other treatments. Each tooth has its own veneer, so if one needs replacement in the future, only the affected one needs to be treated.

Application

Veneer application is painless. The two-visit procedure provides amazing results. During the first visit, your teeth are prepared for the veneers. A very thin layer of the front of the tooth is removed so that, when the veneer is applied, the tooth does not stick out and appear unnatural. A mold will be made so that the lab can customize veneers for your teeth. Temporary veneers are applied for comfort and protection until the permanent ones are ready.

When your permanent veneers arrive, the temporary ones will be removed. The customized veneers are bonded to your teeth, correcting the issues you were dealing with. The results are straight, white, natural looking, stain resistant teeth.

In some cases, crowns may be necessary to achieve optimal results.