
Table of Contents
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Metal Braces
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Why Look for Alternatives To Metal Braces
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Braces Alternative For Adults
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Clear Aligners
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Ceramic Braces
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Dental Veneers
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Palatal Expanders
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Smilepath to the Rescue
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The Smilepath Process for Treating Buck Teeth
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How To Order Smilepath Clear Aligners?
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Initial Assessment
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Capture Your Smile
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Confirm Your Treatment
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Custom Treatment Plan
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Get Your Aligners
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Final Thoughts
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FAQs
Gone are the days when metal braces were the sole option for straightening teeth. Now if you want to achieve the smile of your dreams, there are varied options that you can rely on. Metal braces remain one of the most recommended and effective solutions for misaligned teeth. But, why impact your appearance and bear the pain of metal brackets when you can opt for other discreet options? In this guide, let us help you explore alternatives to braces for adults.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the longest-known method to align teeth. The metal brackets are fixed on the surface of the teeth with attached wires for the desirable movement of teeth. Traditional braces are recommended for all sorts of cases, mild, moderate, and even severe ones. The effectiveness is well-known; however, the presence of metal brackets impacts an individual's overall appearance. It is one of the main reasons individuals looking forward to getting their teeth aligned look for alternatives to braces.
Why Look for Alternatives To Metal Braces
When metal braces are an effective tool for teeth straightening, you must be wondering why to look for an alternative to braces for adults. Here is why:
Impacted Appearance
Some individuals are hesitant to compromise their appearance during their smile journey. If you have a public-facing job or do not want to get stuck with metal brackets, you can look forward to alternatives to braces.
Longer Treatments
Metal braces usually take more than a year to provide the desired results. On the other hand, revolutionized orthodontic treatments, for instance, clear aligners have made teeth straightening faster and more convenient than ever.
Dietary Restrictions
The presence of metal wires and brackets often makes it difficult to chew food properly. Your orthodontist might recommend you avoid sticky foods to prevent any damage to the wires. You might have to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods for a smooth journey.
Braces Alternative For Adults
The following are some of the braces alternatives for adults.
- Clear aligners
- Ceramic braces
- Lingual braces
- Dental veneers
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are dental appliances composed of BPA-free plastic worn on the teeth to move them to a desirable place. Over time they exert a gentle pressure on the teeth for movement. Unlike traditional braces, aligners are not fixed but worn and are barely visible. It makes aligners an ideal alternative to braces for individuals who are hesitant to get metal braces and do not want any compromise to their appearance.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Barely Visible
- Easy to Remove
- Fast treatment
- Customized for each individual
Drawbacks of Clear Aligners
- Not recommended for severe dental issues
- Must adhere to the wear time for optimal results
Treatment Duration of Clear Aligners
The treatment duration for clear aligners ranges between four to six months. However, if a patient fails to adhere to the wear time, the duration may elongate. The treatment may also vary in individuals with severe dental issues.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are as effective as metal ones. They include brackets and wires, but what differentiates them from metal ones is the color. Ceramic braces are fixed on the teeth but are not as visible as traditional metal braces. They are among the different alternatives to braces.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces
- Tooth-colored brackets make them barely visible
- Effective for even severe dental issues
Drawbacks of Ceramic Braces
- Costly procedure
- Requires proper cleaning and maintenance
Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are placed on the front surface of teeth. It helps fix the shape, alignment, and color of your teeth.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Instant results
- Customized shape
Drawbacks of Dental Veneers
- Irreversible
- Costly procedure
- Doesn’t fix the tooth position
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders widen the upper jaw to correct bite issues and make space for proper tooth alignment.
Benefits of Palatal Expanders
- Effective for children
- Prevent teeth crowding
Drawbacks of Palatal Expanders
- Only effective for children and teens
- Require regular adjustments
Smilepath to the Rescue

Smilepath offers a discreet and convenient solution to straighten your teeth without traditional braces. Our clear aligners are customized to each individual’s dental structure. They are worn on both arches of the teeth to bring about a desirable change to the smile.
Affordable Transformation
Who says teeth straightening has to be a luxury? Smilepath makes teeth straightening more affordable than ever. With our varied treatment plans and flexible financing options, aligning your smile has never been easier
At-Home Ease
In addition to our affordable pricing, Smilepath offers an ease to transform your smile from the comfort of your home. It means no need to wait for your dental appointments, just order your desired plans and start your journey.
Expert-Reviewed Plans
Each of the treatment plans is closely reviewed and approved by a licensed orthodontist. For optimal results, you just have to adhere to the wear time.
Custom-made Aligners
Smilepath Clear Aligners are customized to each individual’s dental structure. In addition to customized aligners, they are gumline-trimmed, making them convenient and comfortable for usage.
The Smilepath Process for Treating Buck Teeth
Here is a step-by-step process on how it works at Smilepath. Follow the simple steps for a hassle-free journey.
Step 1: Impression Taking

Once you determine that you are eligible for a clear aligner treatment, order a plan that best suits you. Our impressions kit will be delivered to you so you can create your dental impressions at home. The Impressions kit includes everything required to create perfect impressions. Follow the guidelines mentioned in the box to craft your impressions perfectly.
Step 2: Confirm your Treatment
After receiving your dental impressions, we will share a 3D treatment preview. Once you approve the preview, we will fabricate your aligners and deliver to your doorstep.
Step 3: Begin your Smile Journey
Get your aligners at home and begin your straightening journey. Wear your aligners as prescribed by our expert to get your desired results within the given time frame.
How To Order Smilepath Clear Aligners?
Initial Assessment
Start with a free smile assessment to determine if you're a good candidate.
Capture Your Smile
Use our at-home impression kit to make an accurate impression of your teeth. Send the impressions back to us.
Confirm Your Treatment
On receiving your aligners, we will fabricate a 3D smile projection for you to approve.
Custom Treatment Plan
Let our experts create a personalized clear aligner treatment to fit your needs.
Get Your Aligners
Get your customized clear aligners at your doorstep and begin your journey by following the wear time as prescribed.
Final Thoughts
Straight teeth should not be a hassle to achieve, with all the new treatment options, there is something that works for everyone, depending on their needs. If you want an easy at-home treatment with amazing results, Smilepath is the best option. With its orthodontist approved treatment plan and best quality aligners, you can get the smile of your dreams in no time.
FAQs
Yes, over time different orthodontic methods have made it easier to achieve a straighter smile without the hassle of metal braces.
Yes, clear aligners have emerged as a popular option for teeth straightening. They are best known for mild to moderate dental issues.
The average treatment duration for clear aligners ranges between four to six months. However, you must adhere to the wear time to get the desired results within the given time.
Veneers are porcelain or composite shells that are placed on the front of the teeth. They do not move teeth but help correct the alignment of teeth by reshaping them.
References
Novo Smiles Advanced Dentistry. (2023, June 12). Tooth Straightening - Clear alternatives - Advanced Dentistry Wellington – Novo Smiles. Advanced Dentistry Wellington – Novo Smiles. https://novosmiles.co.nz/orthodontic-cosmetic-dentistry/tooth-straightening-clear-alternatives/
Pecc. (2024, August 6). Types of adult braces in New Zealand: Choosing the best option for a straighter smile. Orthodontics New Zealand. https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/types-of-adult-braces-in-new-zealand/
Professional, C. C. M. (2024b, May 1). Teeth Braces. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces
Stott, J. (2024, August 23). 8 alternative ways to straighten your teeth without metal braces. Open & Affordable. https://www.openandaffordable.com/post/alternatives-to-metal-braces
Bronte. (2023, November 6). Treatments: all about braces, plates, and aligners. Orthodontics New Zealand. https://www.orthodontists.org.nz/treatment-options/#:~:text=Clear%20aligners%20(like%20Invisalign)%20are,aligners%20for%20the%20recommended%20time.
Cheapest clear braces in New Zealand | Duxton Dental. (2024, October 2). https://www.duxtondental.co.nz/cheapest-clear-braces-in-nz-and-other-stories