What are Alternatives to Getting Braces?
There is more than one way to deal with teeth that are less than perfect. Braces is often the solution of choice, but they are not right for everyone. Before you decide braces are the only option, talk with your dentist about these other approaches. One of them is bound to be just what you need.
Doing Nothing
Experts in dentistry do recognize that a patient can choose to do nothing about crooked teeth. While it’s an option, most professionals will discourage going this route. That’s because crooked teeth can increase the potential for other dental issues as the years pass. Some teeth may be worn down faster while others may be more likely to sustain cracking or chipping. Before you decide that living with crooked teeth is okay, go over some of the risks with your dentist. That should be enough to motivate you to consider another alternative.
Read more: What Are The Types of Dental Surgery?
Clear Aligners
Your Markham dentist is likely to recommend aligners as a way to gradually straighten your teeth. Unlike metal or ceramic braces that remain in place all the time, clear aligners can be removed for cleaning. They work by incrementally moving your teeth into the proper alignment. Once an aligner has achieved as much improvement as possible, you begin wearing the next one in the set. By the time you get to the last one, your teeth are looking much better.
Since the aligners are clear, they are much less noticeable than braces. This is particularly important for people who hate the idea of seeing a mouth full of metal every time they smile or detest the idea of attempting to brush around braces after meals.
Read more: What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Brackets
There is a device known as a tooth bracket. It fits directly on an individual tooth and helps to adjust the alignment. Even if you have several teeth that need straightening, they are less noticeable than traditional braces. You will also find it easier to brush around these corrective devices.
Veneers and Dental Bonding
Veneers and dental bonding may be appropriate in your case. The process involves grinding the surface of the teeth and then attaching the veneer. It may be topped with a crown to help correct the shape of the tooth. This works well when there is not a lot of straightening to do.
Dental bonding can be used to fill in gaps between teeth as well as reshape the tooth itself. Once the bonding sets, the dentist can contour or sculpt the material until the scale and shape is perfect.
Read more: What's the Difference Between a Family Dentist and General Dentistry?
Implants
Implants may also be right for your situation. This involves removing teeth that are severely crooked and replacing them with the implants. Each dental implant in Markham fits directly into the socket recently vacated by the tooth. The difference is the implant is positioned to a more natural angle. Once that’s done, a cap is prepare for the top of the implant. Since the cap looks like a real tooth, no one will know the difference.
There are alternatives to braces you can consider. Discuss
the merits of each one with your dentist. It won’t take long to find the
solution that’s right for you.
See what our patients are saying:
Everyone here is very friendly and provides excellent care. I received a full exam on my first visit, and everyone took time to answer my questions and ensured I felt comfortable the entire time - exactly what you want when visiting the dentist. I highly recommend Markham Smile Centre for anyone looking for great dental care.
There is an ample parking space before you get into the office. The receptionists welcome us friendly with proper COVID-19 procedures in place. The staff worked with patient very patiently and professionally. My teeth cleaning was done by Ying, she explained every detail to me and I did not feel any pain or uncomfortable at all. Thanks to the best team !
It's been a while since I've been to a dentist but I'm trying to get back on track with health in general. Overall it was great going to Markham Smile Centre! The receptionist (I believe she was Kim) was friendly. The hygienist, Ying, was attentive and gentle during the cleaning; x-ray tech (forgot her name, sorry!) was great too. Dr. Sara Riad explained things with good detail. Looking forward to going back!
I was someone who was nervous and anxious about visiting the dentist, but the team at Markham Smile Centre has made me feel SO comfortable. Kim is so patient and helpful and Dr. Hwang and Rory are both so professional and wonderful. They thoroughly explain the procedure to make you comfortable beforehand and are very gentle. I now look forward to visiting the dentist!
I found this place on a whim when I was looking for a new dentist in Markham. My hygienist ying was super nice and her cleaning was very gentle yet thorough. I saw Dr.Jason and he was very nice and informative in regards to what needs to be done and provided me with all the information I needed to make a choice. Would recommend this place to anyone looking for a new dentist, they’re accepting new patients!!
I have been to many dentists in my life, Dr. Jason is easily the best dentist I have ever been too. He does everything he can to make you comfortable no matter the procedure and is a true professional, as does all the staff at Markham Smile Centre. Truly an amazing dentistry
The clinic was clean and the staff was very polite. I particularly liked the fact that everything was explained to me before going in for the procedure so I knew what to expect at each step. The dental hygienist who did the cleaning for me was also very gentle and took my concerns into consideration. I will definitely recommend them.
Upon arriving to the Markham Smile Centre, my son and I were greeted with a warm welcome by the receptionists. The hygienists and Dentist were very gentle and transparent with what they were doing. The hygienist that worked on my 9 year old son was patient and very friendly with him, which helped ease his nerves. Our overall experience was A+.
Since I was little, I have always hated going to the dentist... Its always uncomfortable and unpleasant. These days, visiting the dentist isn’t so bad! Dr Jason, Rory, and the lovely staff at reception make the experience 100x better. I have had absolutely no issues with the gum graft and cleanings that I’ve gotten done here. Everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful, even when I’m calling in or emailing a hundred questions :). I would highly recommend Markham Smile Centre.
Love this place! All the staffs are friendly and Professional and I mean all, cause I've been to most of their office, Markham , Stouffville, North York, and Maple. Dr. Ko is very professional and patient. Whenever I have questions and concerns he would always reply me . I would say this this dental office take care of you all the way. I would highly recommend everyone to come here for any dental works. =)