I have crooked teeth but feel too old for braces. I wish I had gotten them when I was younger, but my parents couldn’t afford it. I’ve heard there is a dental flipper that snaps on to your teeth that will make your teeth look straight. Will this be useful for people like me?

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

A dental flipper is used as a temporary tooth replacement. It doesn’t fit over your teeth, instead, it fills in the empty space from a missing tooth. This isn’t going to help you.

You may be thinking of Snap-on Smile. This is made of acrylic and snaps over your teeth. It looks okay. Not great. Because it snaps over your teeth, it can also make them look bulky. You do have other options though.

Straight Teeth with a Total Smile Makeover

If you get porcelain veneers, this will not only make your teeth look straight, it can completely remake your smile. These tiny porcelain magicians can change the shape, color, and size of your teeth. It is what Hollywood celebrities and wannabe celebrities go to in order to get those stunning smiles you see on the big screen. Mind you, this is your most expensive option. It’s an investment in your smile. Those who get porcelain veneers done by a skilled, preferably AACD accredited, cosmetic dentist find their confidence skyrockets.

Straight Teeth with Orthodontics

I know what you are thinking when you read this heading. “I said no braces!” Yes. I know that. It isn’t what I am going to suggest. I totally get not wanting a mouth full of metal as an adult. Has anyone mentioned to you about Invisalign? Instead of metal, this uses clear aligners. It will allow you to straighten your teeth without anyone even noticing. Generally, it does it in half the time of traditional braces as well.

In addition, it has a hidden benefit. The aligners used, are custom fit to your bite using a sophisticated software program. That also enables them to double as teeth whitening trays. All you will need then is to ask your dentist to provide you with professional teeth whitening gel and you can straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. This gives you a mini smile makeover at a fraction of the cost.

I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by La Jolla Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Stephen Doan.