All posts by SD Team

Dentures Vs Dental Implants – Is it Time to Update Your Smile?

Implants dentistry, , ,

The human body is prone to lose its strength and vitality as we age. The biggest proof of this comes in the form of tooth loss and gum disease. However, the good news is that the condition is no longer debilitating. One can replace the missing teeth with their ‘lookalikes’ through oral dentures. But when it comes to comfort, maintaining bone strength and dental esthetics, dentures are on the losing front to Dental Implants. Dental implants are the new age solution to the problem of missing teeth and are giving oral dentures a run for their money. Let us know more about the difference between them below.

Oral Dentures

Oral Dentures are a removable dental prosthesis that replaces multiple missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. These dentures can either be complete or partial, depending on the patient’s requirement. If some natural teeth remain then partial dentures are used, but if all teeth are missing then a complete denture is used.

Drawbacks of wearing dentures

  • Dentures do not provide stimulus and support to the underlying bone hence, there is slow, continuous bone loss, despite wearing the denture.
  • Dentures require frequent replacement (every 3- 6 years) due to constantly changing the resorbing underlying bone.
  • Although technology has done wonders for denture esthetics, they still do not look as natural and visually appealing as a dental implant-supported crown.
  • With dentures come limitations on food items that can be eaten, like apples, chocolates, corn on the cob, etc.
  • Partial dentures can weaken the adjacent natural teeth from which they derive support.
  • The slipping and poor retention of dentures makes it difficult to speak and eat.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are surgical posts which when placed inside your jaw bone, fuses with it to subsequently support a dental prosthesis such as an implant-supported crown, bridge or denture. These are made with a variety of tissue-compatible alloys or metals and are assisted by several accessories such as abutments, gingival former, fixture and cover screw. They are employed to replace missing teeth in multiple scenarios ranging from tooth loss due to decay or periodontal disease to a gap due to accidental injury.

Benefits overdentures

  • Life-changing treatment: These revolutionary implants promise the most patient-friendly, full jaw rehabilitation to enable you to eat and speak without any trace of discomfort or pain.
  • Graft-less, minimally invasive procedure: Bearing in mind that many patients requiring implants are elderly citizens, the special All-on-4 Implant procedure eliminates the need for any extensive graft placement surgery. These implants are tilted to be placed in a healthy and strong section of your jawbone.
  • Fixed and Permanent solution: The implants act as supporting pillars on which the entire bridge is placed. They provide enhanced stability and a strong foundation for your permanent teeth-set to fix upon.
  • Proven success rate: Dental implants placed are highly durable and are known to have an over 98% success rate.
The takeaway

As you see, dental implants have an edge over routine dentures. These implants have proven to be a long-term solution for missing teeth and are rapidly taking-over dentures as the to-go procedure when it comes to replacing multiple teeth loss. Their comfort, convenience and esthetic quality are far more superior to dentures. Not to forget the enhanced eating experience and esthetics they offer. Millions of people opting for these implants is proof that in near future these implants would become a standard procedure for teeth replacement.

Preventing Gum Disease with Proper Dental Care

General Dentistry, ,

Gum disease is a common dental affliction, affecting every third person in our community. The consequences of this disease can be severe and debilitating therefore, an early start of treatment with long term treatment planning is recommended. But as they say “prevention is better than cure”, good oral hygiene practices can do wonders for your gum health. They not only help maintain the hygiene of our gums but also play an important role in the treatment of gum disease. Wondering how you can improve your oral health by simple, homely measure? Read on to find the answers.

What is Gum Disease?

Gingivitis, more commonly known as Bleeding Gums is the most prevailing gum condition characterized by: swelling, redness and irritation of gums. Gingivitis is a milder form and early stage of Gum Disease called periodontitis. If the warning signs and initial symptoms of Bleeding gums are ignored the disease may progress from the gums to infect the underlying bone, causing more severe and complicated outcomes such as tooth mobility, bone loss, gum recession and tooth sensitivity.

Top Oral Hygiene Measures to Keep Your Gum Health in Check

REGULAR DENTAL CLEANINGS

Fix a habit of routine dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. Your hygienist or dentist can easily detect early signs of gum disease before any serious symptoms show up. Additionally, opt for dental cleanings as they are the only method to remove tartar build-up. These cleanings also remove any residual plaque missed during your oral routine. Finally, dental cleanings help reduce inflammation in gums and remove harmful bacteria- aiding in reversing the onset of gum troubles.

QUIT SMOKING

Kick that butt because smoking is associated with the onset of gum infections. Further, it weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight that infection. Also, remember that any smoker will have delayed and slow healing as compared to his healthy counterparts.

USE A THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASH AND FLOSS

A Therapeutic mouthwash comes in handy if you are looking to prevent gum infection and plaque accumulation. Swishing it around the mouth helps remove the food debris between your teeth and from hard to reach areas. It can also assist in plaque reduction and reduction of gingivitis.

WATCH YOUR DIET

Sticky or processed food is easier to break down by the bacteria in your mouth, resulting in faster plaque formation. Veggies like spinach and kale, on the other hand, are packed with vitamin C that helps reduce inflammation in your gums and promote healing. Onions also have antibacterial properties which help protect your gums. Therefore, changing your diet can go a long way in easing your gum troubles.

SCRUB THAT TONGUE

Not only your teeth and gums but your tongue also harbours bacteria, and it is the prime cause of bad breath. So, giving a gentle cleaning to your tongue with a soft-bristled brush is as essential as your routine dental care.

Concluding Thought

Your Gum health plays a critical role in your overall oral care-considering it seriously and adopting habits for its betterment goes a long way in keeping those teeth bright and strong. That said, one does not need to shell out big bucks to maintain the health of those gums. A slight change in our oral routines and a little mindfulness in our diet will do the job just fine.

Dental Tourism – An Alternative for High-Cost Dental Procedures

General Dentistry, ,

Human teeth are one of the hardest substances in the body, but they are equally exposed to a lot of wear, traumatic experiences and millions of bacteria. Commonly, these experiences take a toll on our dental or oral health, signaling the need for a dental appointment. Unfortunately, dental procedures and visits are not easily affordable and accessible to all. Many of us end up ignoring our dental demands owing to the hefty amounts of money these routine dental procedures require. This is especially true for individuals among us who reside in European or Northern American regions. Lately, the trend of dental tourism has come up as an opportunity for all of us to avail the best dental treatments in the world only, at affordable pricing. Let us know more about it.

What is Dental Tourism?

Let us all begin with a more generalized term, medical tourism. Medical Tourism, also called health tourism refers to the practice of visiting a foreign country to obtain medical treatment. Earlier, this term represented the travel from less-developed nations to major medical centers in developed countries. But now the tables have turned. Today, this term implies travelling to a developing nation to avail of the benefits of a low-cost yet high-quality treatment.

When this medical travel is specifically for undergoing dental, facial or oral procedures in a foreign dental clinic, the practice is called dental tourism. For the past few years now, the wave of dental tourism is on a high. There is an influx of many patients to countries like India, Thailand, Spain, Mexico, the Philippines and Dubai.

Perks/Highlights of Dental Tourism

  • Nowadays, there are many agencies and dental clinics that offer a complete package of paid vacation and dental procedures, this means you get more value on your investment, all the while still saving huge bucks!
  • Once you confirm your dates and appointment with the dental establishment, your Client Relationship Manager sorts out the rest for you, from your accommodations, airport pick-up/drop, to organizing your appointments. All you got to do is pack your bags for a vacation from where you return with a beautiful, healthier smile.
  • The process involves E-consultation with your head specialist before your visit to discuss out your concerns and requirements and chalk out a tentative treatment plan.
  • The best part of dental tourism is that many procedures are technology-aided, thereby completed on a single appointment.
  • After the vacation’s over, you can stay in touch with your dentist via telemedicine if and when you require any further assistance.
  • Most of the dental clinics have advanced technologies and are backed by highly trained cosmetic dentists that deliver globally competent dental outcomes.

India: An emerging spot for dental tourism

Out of the above-mentioned countries, one that is shining the brightest for dental tourism is India. Global connectivity and progressive economic policies have worked in favour of its dental experts. The clinical and research work of many Indian dentists has placed the country’s dental advancements in a global spotlight. Many dentists in India are renowned globally for their skill, experience and expertise in various dental specialists.

The country’s expert dental community together with the availability of economical treatment options has made it a favourite dental destination among international clients. The country’s spot of top travel destination due to its vibrant culture and must-visit places is a cherry on the cake.

To Sum-up

Dental Tourism is a sure-shot way to navigate skyrocketing dental treatment prices in your country. The occasion to turn your dental emergency into a budget-friendly vacation is not to be missed upon, especially when you are sure that the treatment provided would be top-notch. So, we’d reckon the next time you need to visit a dental facility, check out the dental tourism options you have nearby. Maybe you will finally end up having your dream smile and a memorable vacation.

LASER Teeth Whitening – The Better and Faster Option

cosmetic dentistry, ,

We all crave for a beautiful, spotless smile. But in this fast-paced world, who has the time for multi-visits, lengthy teeth whitening procedures? Because of this, various off-the-rack, at-home teeth whitening strips or gels have flooded the market, but the output they give are barely satisfactory. In such a scenario, what we all seek is a powerful solution that can remove those blemishes and yield quick results at the same time. LASER assisted instant teeth whitening is a new-age, in-office procedure that far exceeds these expectations. Curious? Let us know more about it below?

What is LASER teeth Whitening?

LASER teeth whitening is a cosmetic, professional teeth whitening procedure that relies on the power of LASER to deliver instantly white teeth on a single appointment. The technique is safe, irritation-free and a very popular choice to transform your smile within a single day. The results of this LASER-aided procedure is faster and enhanced than a conventional, at-home kit.

The technique is based on the concept of LASER stimulation of a whitening gel. This gel upon being stimulated releases chemicals that act on the outer surface of your teeth, remove the stains and deliver a blemish-free smile.

LASER whitening Procedure

  • The first step is to get regular teeth cleaning before the session which makes the teeth ready for whitening.
  • This is followed by applying a protective layer that isolates your teeth from the lips and gums to ensure a safe whitening experience.
  • Your dentist then carefully applies the whitening gel to your teeth and activates it with a pen-like laser.
  • The gel foams, signalling the start of the whitening action. This gel is then left onto the teeth for a few minutes. After the end of the stimulated time, the gel is removed via a small vacuum. These steps are repeated if desired.
  • Lastly, your mouth is rinsed, and the protective layer is removed.

Perks of LASER teeth whitening

  • A professional performing the procedure means no risk of teeth sensitivity or gum-burns, as usually seen with at-home kits.
  • The results are noticeable after a single teeth whitening session.
  • The process does not require any take-home products. This means no hassle of materials or techniques at home.
  • Faster results with no side effects is a win-win situation!

    LASER aided ZOOM teeth whitening is the quickest and safest route to achieving those pearly whites. The process can be completed in a single appointment, enabling you to go home in a brand new avatar.

Get a Perfect Smile in a Cost-Effective Manner with Invisible Aligners

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Many of us desire to get our teeth straightened to a perfect smile and achieve the million-dollar celebrity look. But something that clouds our future esthetics is the finance and budget of those costly long-term orthodontic treatment options. The high-end costs of these braces make the patient put their foot down, not to mention the unsightly appearance they impart to the face. Does that mean that one cannot achieve that flawless smile without shelling out large bucks of money? Well, worry not, because advancing technology has brought us an easily affordable solution under the title of invisible aligners. Let us know more about it below.

What are Invisible Aligners?

Invisible Aligners are an innovative technique to gradually straighten out your teeth and enhance your smile by using various sets of unique, clear, custom fabricated acrylic trays that do not require any brackets and wires. These aligners are removable and are effectively much more comfortable than the conventional metallic braces. Invisalign aligners are the latest trend in orthodontics that allows you to maintain your lifestyle while invisibly correcting your smile.

Types of Invisible Aligners

There are a few different companies around the world that work on invisible aligners. The products of these brands can either be in-office or at-home aligners. The most popular ones are:

Invisalign

Invisalign, a product of Align Technology, is the most known and in-demand invisible aligner system globally today. These are fabricated from SmartTrack material that promises a comfortable, quick and accurate treatment experience. The technology has delivered proven results by using ClinCheck software that maps the path to your perfect smile, from the tiniest shift to the brand-new you.

This aligner system is the first choice for many young adults, teens and tweens that look for immediate results without any pain or discomfort.

Candid

Candid is a highly effective clear-aligner system that works with the advanced care and delivers convenient results. The overall output data is similar to the Invisalign system, but the product is much lighter on your pocket, making it a win-win situation for you.

The trays are made from ZenduraFLX, a highly comfortable material that is stain-resistant, durable and BPA-free.
The company gives you the added benefit of 100% remote monitoring via the Candid App. The patient shares their progress every two weeks through the CandidScan device, available in the treatment package.

NewSmile

A patient-oriented, at-home aligner technology, NewSmile is a relatively new aligner system that allows you to straighten out your teeth and enhance your smile without visiting the orthodontic clinic. The system works with at-home impression kits and video conferencing with Impression Specialists to customise and design your unique trays.
They have options between Fast Track Aligners and Night Aligners.

Other Upcoming Brands

  • ALIGNERCO
  • SmileDirectClub
  • Byte

Multiple Payment options

With Invisible aligners, a multitude of budget-friendly payment options are available that makes the treatment affordable and accessible to all:

Flexible Savings Account(FSA):

Many multi-national employers offer flexible savings account wherein you can pay for your medical or dental costs from the account, with a monthly deduction from your paycheck.

Insurance Coverage:

Many Insurance companies these days cover Dental treatments, including Invisalign. The insurance may pay for a certain percentage of your treatment, or it may pay up to a money limit. Ask your insurance agent for more details.

Flexible and Affordable payment plans:

Many doctors offer flexible and affordable payment plans, which allow you to make small payments throughout your Invisalign treatment rather than all at once. Consult your Invisalign-trained doctor for his payment policy.

The Bottomline

Invisible aligners are the latest dental technology. They offer a unique blend of technology, comfort and esthetics. They are a no-age bar with Invisalign, enabling many adults to opt for this mode of teeth alignment. Individuals who were earlier apprehensive about orthodontic braces are now giving Invisalign a fair shot. The approach is safe, result-driven and provides lasting results.

Full Mouth Implant Restoration

Implants dentistry, , ,

Ageing has a manifold effect on our bodies. One common affliction in our elderly population is periodontal disease with eventual loss of teeth, healthy gum tissue and underlying bone. The disease ramifies to eating and articulation difficulties besides obvious esthetic concerns. A few decades back, any dentist would proudly suggest complete dentures to rehabilitate the patients. But those uncomfortable and sometimes painful dentures were hardly effective. Therefore, today, the most advanced dental implant-based technology is employed world-over to completely restore oral functions and look, as full mouth rehabilitation. Check out the technique below.

Is the Full mouth Implant rehabilitation for you?

Full mouth rehabilitation aims to restore the lost functions of mastication and speech due to trauma or periodontal disease, causing loss of teeth of multiple teeth. A full-mouth restoration with implants can follow either of the following techniques or a combination of them with zygomatic implants. In such a scenario, factors like your bone density, general health condition, bone height, etc, will guide the final treatment plan.

Procedure

Implant placement requires a high level of precision and expertise to deliver life-long results. The whole procedure duration might vary from case to case but on a whole, specialists can restore your beautiful smile within 3 appointments. Let’s understand the procedure below.

Stage 1: preparation and consultation

Before the treatment begins, your oral health needs to be accessed to reach an accurate diagnosis. For this CBCT Digital 3D Imaging is performed. This cutting edge tool analysis the bone and surrounding vital structures to assist your implantologist in planning a predictable treatment. Based on your bone condition and quantity the right type of implant and its placement angulation is determined. Finally, based on your needs and digital scans, a treatment is charted out.

Stage 2: Implant placement

In this appointment, small titanium implants are placed painlessly in your jaw bone. Once the implants are placed, the small opening created in the gums for this purpose is closed under highly sterilised conditions. After this appointment, the site left to heal for a period of four to six months. During this duration, your bone grows around and fuses with the implant, giving it enhanced stability and support.

Stage 3: final restoration placement

At your last appointment, the final restorations are fixed upon the small implant posts protruding above your gums. Once these bridges are placed, you can have instant restoration of your oral functions and an attractive smile.

Benefits of Implant-based restoration

  • Implants are synonymous with long-term treatment results
  • Excellent masticatory experience that cannot be delivered by dentures.
  • Restorations are practically indistinguishable from natural teeth
  • No hassle of removal, replacement or cleaning of the prosthesis
  • Restoration maintained with routine oral hygiene measures

Takeaway

Dental implants are a breakthrough when it comes to the rehabilitation of complete tooth loss. There are ideal for the restoration of the health, strength and beauty of your smile. Complete restoration with dental implants will be a one-time treatment for achieving enhanced esthetics and functions after you have experienced multiple tooth loss due to oral health conditions or trauma.

The Different Kinds of Braces

General Dentistry, ,

Most of us are not genetically blessed with picture-perfect teeth. That said, achieving a celebrity-like smile is now possible for anyone, courtesy of rapidly advancing dental technologies and a range of swift solutions. Commonly, the advice that most orthodontics give to their patients involves the use of a certain type of dental braces. These devices have proven to be so effective that their many variations have come up in the market, each tweaked a little; for a particular situation. So, when your dentist allows you to opt for a particular choice, which one should you go for? Read on for some assistance.

What are Dental Braces?

Let us understand the basics first.

Dental Braces are orthodontic devices that can slowly align and straighten your crooked and misaligned teeth. These braces aim to improve your bite and dental health along with the dramatic enhancement of your facial esthetics and smile. Dental braces can sometimes be supplemented with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or align the jawbones.

When should you go for Dental Braces?

Not all orthodontic corrections require the use of braces. You can expect your dentist to recommend them in any one of the following situations:
– Overcrowding in the jaw
– Gaps between teeth
– When the upper front teeth overlap the corresponding lower ones by a great amount. Either vertically(overbite) or horizontally(overjet).
– Open bite between the two jaws
– Other malocclusions

Types of Dental Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most used type of braces today. Metal braces comprise metallic brackets, attached to your teeth by cement and connected via arch wires. These wires are kept in place using coloured or silver elastics. The metallic braces have transformed over the last few decades, becoming lighter, comfortable, smaller, and more effective.

These are the least expensive type of braces out there but most noticeable at the same time. Some may feel self-conscious about their appearance wearing these braces.

Self-Ligating braces

This type of braces is like their metallic counterparts except that they use specialised clips instead of elastics to secure the archwire. These have the benefits of reduced friction and force applied on the teeth. Hence, the tooth movements are faster and more comfortable. Moreover, they require fewer adjustments and are easier to clean. However, they can cost more and still show.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional ones, but they are made up of clear, ceramic material that blends with the colour of your teeth. These braces, therefore, are less conspicuous but just as effective. They are the go-to option for patients who do not want to go for Invisalign but still prefer to straighten their teeth discreetly and less noticeably. On the downside, ceramic braces require more care as they are fragile and tend to pick up food stains.

Lingual Braces

They are like metallic braces in shape and function, except that they are attached to the inner side of your teeth rather than outside so, they are not easily visible. The entire appliance is customised to suit the shape of your teeth. A great option for someone looking for medium budget orthodontic braces.

Invisalign/ Clear aligners

Clear aligners are the most popular devices to straighten teeth these days. They are a set of unique, clear, custom fabricated, acrylic trays; that is fully transparent and do not require any brackets and wires. These are easy to remove and allow the freedom to eat or drink anything. However, they can only solve minor bite discrepancy or space issues and not complex orthodontic concerns.

Takeaway

Wall would agree that orthodontic braces are revolutionary tools in aiding our smile correction. They can help you achieve that dream smile and confidence within few months. Devices like lingual braces or clear aligners have taken the process a notch higher by giving us the option to be discrete during our treatment timeline. The technology of braces today is very convenient, comfortable, flexible, and even light on the pocket. So, contact your dentist today for your set of brackets, whatever type they might be.

Periodontal Disease: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

General Dentistry, ,

Periodontal disease is a common yet very formidable condition that can lead to dire consequences. Despite being a prevailing oral condition, our knowledge about the disease, its symptoms and management is limited. Knowing that gum health is crucial for maintaining overall oral health, we are providing below a brief guide to the gum disease, its usual symptoms as well as methods to prevent and treat it.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a gum infection that begins with the destruction of the gum tissue. If not intercepted at an early stage, it progresses to destroy the jaw bone with eventual loosening and loss of teeth. The stage at which the disease presents might vary in different individuals. Each form is caused due to the same factors, with gingivitis being the mildest form that might lead to periodontitis if the initial symptoms are ignored.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

Both gingivitis and periodontitis share the symptoms and disease process. Although some symptoms are subtle and thereby easily ignored, various symptoms may point towards the disease process:

  • Consistently swollen, red gums
  • Bleeding gums after brushing
  • persistent bad breath
  • development of narrow gap between teeth and gums
  • loosening or shifting of teeth
  • Receding gums
  • teeth sensitivity without any apparent decay

Treatment of Gum Diseases

Gum disease should be recognised and treated at the earliest to maintain our teeth and oral functions. This can be achieved by:

Full-Mouth Cleaning and Polishing:

This is the first and most essential step in healing those gums. The treatment aims to control the infection and prevent any further build-up. Your hygienist or dentist will employ special instruments called Ultrasonic scalers to remove the tartar build-up and deposits from your teeth.This is followed by a polishing procedure, whereby a high-standard polishing material is used to make the tooth surfaces smooth and hinder redeposition by bacterial agents.

Surgical Procedures:

If the infection is severe then the dental professional may recommend surgical procedures to cover up those exposed teeth and prevent bone loss. This can include:

LASER-assisted gum therapy: A painless and highly specialised procedure that helps to eliminate infection and thus preserves the tooth structure.

LASER-assisted new attachment procedure: LNAP helps in recovering the gums from microbial damages.

»Gingival Flap surgeries are aimed at disinfecting the periodontal tissues and making them regain health.

Top Hygiene Measures to prevent gum disease

REGULAR DENTAL CLEANINGS

Opt for routine dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. Your hygienist or dentist can easily detect early signs of gum disease before any serious symptoms show up. Additionally, go for regular dental cleanings as they are the only method to remove tartar build-up. These cleanings also help reduce inflammation in gums and remove harmful bacteria- aiding in reversing the onset of gum troubles.

QUIT SMOKING

Smoking is associated with the onset of gum infections and it weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight that infection. Further, remember that any smoker will have delayed and slow healing as compared to his healthy counterparts.

USE A THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASH AND FLOSS

Therapeutic mouthwashes are great to prevent gum infection and plaque accumulation. Swishing it around the mouth helps remove the food debris between your teeth and from hard to reach areas. It can also assist in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.

WATCH YOUR DIET

Changing your diet can go a long way in easing your gum troubles. Sticky or processed food is easier to break down by the bacteria in your mouth, resulting in faster plaque formation. Veggies like spinach and kale, on the other hand, are packed with vitamin C that helps reduce inflammation in your gums and promote healing. Onions also have antibacterial properties which help protect your gums.

SCRUB THAT TONGUE

Not only your teeth and gums but your tongue also harbours bacteria, and it is the prime cause of bad breath. So, giving a gentle cleaning to your tongue with a soft-bristled brush is as essential as your routine dental care.

The Crux

Periodontal disease is a preventable gum infection, provided we adhere to the above few measures. All said and done, one must be on the watch for any early signs of the disease and initiate the treatment if needed. An early start of the management will ensure that your treatment plan yields satisfactory and rehabilitating results. Awareness about this disease and its management is imperative for you to have a beautiful and strong smile.

Innovative Solutions to Straighten your Teeth

cosmetic dentistry, , , , ,

In this era of photoshops and filters, most of us are not satisfied with our looks, so we always tend to find solutions that would offer transformation and enhanced confidence. The same stands true for our smile as well. Although orthodontic braces are a sure-shot way to straighten up those teeth, these conventional metallic braces are sometimes not a feasible alternative. Many patients find them highly uncomfortable and are conscious of the wires showing when they talk or smile. Since these full metallic braces are not everyone’s cup of tea, below, we offer you a range of innovative solutions you can opt for achieving a perfect teeth alignment, depending on your case.

Retainers

These are removable dental devices with the primary function of maintaining the teeth at their corrected position after the treatment completion. These, however, can be used to correct slightly crooked teeth or minor overcrowding. Hence for minor tooth movement or small adjustments, a fixed retainer is a great alternative to full-fledged braces. They are far less expensive and easier to maintain than conventional braces.

Lingual Braces

They are similar to metallic braces in shape and function, except that they are attached to the inner side of your teeth rather than outside, so they are not easily visible. The entire appliance is customised to suit the shape of your teeth. A great option for someone looking for medium budget orthodontic braces. However, bear in mind that these braces are much harder to clean due to their back position and may elicit some discomfort initially due to tongue interference.

Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners are an innovative technique to gradually straighten out your teeth and enhance your smile by using various sets of clear aligners. These aligners are removable and are effectively much more comfortable than the conventional metallic braces. Invisalign aligners are the latest trend in orthodontics that allows you to maintain your lifestyle while invisibly correcting your smile. Invisalign has turned out to be the most convenient and popular alternative to metallic braces when it comes to teenagers and tweens for teeth straightening. The comfort and ease of these aligners are unmatched and thereby most suitable for active individuals, professionals, students or working adults.

Partial braces

Partial Braces are a variation of traditional braces which cover only a few upper or lower front teeth. The brackets are present only on four to six front teeth, with the archwires held in place via molar tubes placed on posterior teeth. They are highly useful to treat minor orthodontic concerns where only a few teeth are out of alignment or crowded. Such isolated issues respond dramatically to short-term partial braces.

Veneers

Ceramic Veneer is another effective alternative over braces. These are thin-shelled porcelain made from materials that have high-grade strength and translucency. These veneers can quickly cover up minor gaps, cracked, chipped or slightly crooked teeth to reveal perfectly aligned and natural-looking teeth. The ability of these veneers to provide immediate and permanent results makes them an ideal choice for mildly misshapen or gapped teeth

The Outlook

Straightening your teeth is the best route to improvise your look and boost your confidence. Given our different needs and lifestyles, traditional metallic braces are not the best choice for everybody, but these new-age orthodontic devices and tools ensure that we achieve that flawless, dream smile. Invisalign aligners and dental veneers are a must-try option if you desire discrete or instant results. Similarly, partial/ lingual braces and retainers are a suitable alternative if you have minor corrective issues. That said, these alternatives cannot correct every teeth or jaw alignment issue and hence, you must consult your orthodontist regarding your requirements to attain an ideal treatment plan.