Having a mouth full of metal can be cute when you are a kid (and often not even then), but many adults and teens have an aversion to traditional metal braces, unsightly head gear or retainers. If you have good overall dental health and a normal, healthy bite but feel uncomfortable with the appearance of your smile, instant orthodontics may be the perfect solution to give you the smile you always wanted…in a fraction of the time of traditional braces.
How does instant orthodontics work?
Instant orthodontics is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that permanently bonds thin shells of porcelain veneers or laminates to the front and sides of the “problem” teeth to create a straight, even smile. The entire process will only take a few visits to the cosmetic dentist’s office, and the patient will have a new smile in about a month. The steps include:
· The teeth will be slightly reshaped and lightly buffed prior to the application of the veneers to ensure proper bonding and shape following application of the veneers.
· After the teeth are prepared, a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to a laboratory so the veneers will be perfectly created for your unique trouble areas.
· Temporary veneers are placed on the teeth until the permanent veneers arrive.
· The temporary veneers are removed and the instant orthodontics are permanently bonded to the teeth using a special light.
· The patient will return to the cosmetic dentist a week or two after the procedure to ensure that the veneers were properly bonded.
What can instant orthodontics fix?
Instant orthodontics can correct problems such as:
· Gaps between teeth
· Crooked teeth
· Misshapen teeth
· Cracked teeth
· Discolored teeth
· Crowded teeth
· Short teeth
· Narrow teeth
· Overbite or crossbite
What are the advantages of instant orthodontics?
· Generally pain-free; typically requires only local anesthetics
· No time commitment or inconvenience of braces
· Results in a whiter, brighter smile
· Teeth look and feel natural
· Low probability of tooth sensitivity following application
How much does it cost?
Instant orthodontics are generally placed on the entire row of upper and/or lower teeth to create a uniform look to the smile. The cost of the procedure can range from $10,000 to $30,000+, depending on which teeth are included in the process. Be sure to get a cost estimate from the cosmetic dentist before any work is started.
In some patients, it may be beneficial to use a combination of partial “traditional” orthodontics and veneers to achieve the desired results. An experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist will be able to assess your teeth and overall dental health to make recommendations on which procedure will be right for you.
