If you are self-conscious about your smile because you have crooked teeth, cosmetic dentists perform several outpatient procedures that might help you skip braces. Here are some options:

1. Invisalign

If you have the time and money to invest into your teeth, this could be the route for you. Invisalign can have your teeth straight within a few months (depending on the severity) without wearing braces. Using a set of clear, plastic retainers, the teeth are squeezed into position of the retainer mold. These are strong enough to bring teeth back into the ideal position. Unfortunately, Invisalign may not be an option for a patient that needs extensive orthodontic work.

2. Veneers

Porcelain veneers are possibly the most popular way to straighten a crooked smile. Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry in which a casing of tooth-colored porcelain is placed over the exterior of your teeth. Veneers are utilized to correct stained, discolored, gapped, chipped or crooked teeth. The cost of veneers could be remarkably lower than the price of braces or Invisalign, and the results are immediate.

3. Tooth contouring and reshaping

If you are looking for the most inexpensive way to straighten your teeth, tooth contouring might be the best option. The   With this procedure, the dentist works to scrape off a portion of the existing tooth enamel and then places a bonding compound or a veneer directly on the tooth. They may also use a laser to sculpt and shape the sides of the new tooth and existing teeth to create that picture-perfect smile.

As you can see, braces are not the only option you have to get a great smile! Your dentist might only perform one or all three of these treatments, but he/she will consult with you to give you the best option.