Dental Flipper for Straight Teeth?

I have some crooked teeth which have bothered me my entire adult life. My smile has always embarrassed me and led to me hiding my smile as often as I can. I finally have the money to do something about it but feel I am too old for braces at this point in my life. I have seen someone my age with a mouth full of metal wires and brackets and, truthfully, it looked ridiculous. I want my smile to look better, not worse. I heard a dental flipper could fit over my teeth and make them look straight. Do you think that would be a good solution for me?

Callie

Dear Callie,

A Dental Flipper Doesn’t Cover Your Teeth

I think there is some confusion here. A dental flipper doesn’t cover your teeth. It is actually a temporary tooth replacement. It is designed to be worn for a short period of time while you are waiting on your permanent tooth replacement, such as a dental implant.

It’s possible what you’re thinking of is the Snap-on Smile. This is made out of acrylic resin and snaps over your teeth. It can make your teeth look straight, but I’ll be honest. While they’re acceptable and can make your smile look great for a photoshoot, I wouldn’t consider it a permanent solution. They can last up to four years and then you have to replace them.

Straightening Your Teeth Without Braces

I don’t blame you for not wanting a mouth full of metal. The great news is you don’t have to anymore. There have been fantastic advances in orthodontics over the years. Now you can straighten your teeth without anyone even knowing. Both Invisalign and Clear Correct use plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. No one can see them, even at a conversational distance.

You’ll wear each pair of aligners for two weeks and then switch them out for another pair. In about half the time as you’d spend wearing braces, your teeth will be perfectly straight.

A Mini-Smile Makeover

These “invisible braces” have an additional benefit. If you’ve ever considered whitening your teeth, you can do it simultaneously with your orthodontics because the aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. You just need to request some professional teeth whitening gel from your dentist that you’ll wear for a minimum of 20 minutes a day.

By the time your Invisalign treatment is done, you’ll have straight white teeth. It’s like getting a mini smile makeover.

All the best to you.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville, IL Dentist Dr. David Potts.