For someone who lacks confidence when smiling, even the mention of Instagram or family photos is enough to precipitate panic. This is unfortunate, especially given how many wonderful things there are to smile about. When you’re preoccupied with keeping your teeth under wraps and dodging cameras, you miss out on opportunities to capture the most memorable days of your life. At Modern Dentistry of Shrewsbury, we offer several options to improve the appearance of crooked teeth in Shrewsbury, MA.

Option 1: Invisible Braces

Our adult patients are often surprised to learn that traditional metal braces are no longer the only available option for rectifying crooked teeth. Many have delayed treatment for years as a result, thinking that they would have to contend with the always-on-display metal orthodontics. Instead of metal brackets, wires, and bands, ClearCorrect and Invisalign aligners are all but invisible when worn. Each aligner is made of durable, clear plastic that snaps over the teeth and looks similar to an athletic mouthguard. If your answer to the following questions is “yes,” you may be a candidate for invisible braces:

• Are most or all of my teeth in need of straightening?
• Am I willing to visit my Shrewsbury dentist’s office every few weeks to receive a new aligner?
• Am I willing to choose a longer treatment time (about 12 months) if it means getting noticeable results?

Option 2: Tooth Contouring

Your dentist may recommend tooth contouring, which subtly alters the shape of one or more teeth by buffing or sculpting away a small amount of tooth enamel. We usually use this treatment for patients whose teeth overlap at some points, or whose teeth have very slight crookedness. If you have sufficient tooth enamel, Dr. Pizzi can contour the tooth without resorting to orthodontic appliances. Before considering tooth contouring, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are only one or a few of my teeth overlapping or crooked?
• Do I want a treatment that entails fewer office visits and results that are immediately visible?

Option 3: More Options to Consider

For straighter teeth with a shorter treatment time, Six Month Smiles appeals to busy parents and professionals who don’t mind wearing visible braces. Unlike metal braces, Six Month Smiles uses tooth-colored brackets that are less obvious when worn.

Questions about straightening teeth in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about our services, or to request an appointment with Dr. Todd Pizzi, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in North and South Grafton, Millbury, Boylston, Southborough, and the surrounding areas.