I have been living with this annoying gap in my teeth my whole life. No that I’m an adult, I’d like to have it fixed. When the dentist told me I needed braces, my heart sank. A 40 year old woman with braces just isn’t what I had in mind. Do I have any other options? I keep envisioning my little brother taunting me and calling me brace face and metal mouth. Please tell me there is hope.

– Sandra in California

Well, there is good news. You don’t necessarily need have a mouth full of metal. There are other options. The next step would be to set up a consultation with an excellent cosmetic dentist. This type of dentist cares about the aesthetics just as much as the function of your smile. A cosmetic dentist is passionate about creating beauty.

Although, it is important to note that each case is different. So, it all depends on how severe the gap in your front teeth is and how they are positioned.

Assuming it isn’t too bad, here are some other options you may be a candidate for:

• Porcelain veneers are a viable option if the gap is relatively small. It will give the illusion of straight teeth, without having to endure the inconvenience of orthodontics. This cosmetic dentistry treatment requires a high sill level to deliver beautiful, natural-looking results. So be sure you research the cosmetic dentist’s credentials and ask to see cases similar to yours. Porcelain veneers require a tiny portion of the natural tooth to be removed to allow for a seamless fit.
• Dental bonding is another option. This treatment involves bonding composite directly to the tooth. It will require that the tooth bonding be redone regularly to keep it looking beautiful. Although, it may not be the best fit if the gap is quite large. Yet, it is worth a discussion with your cosmetic dentist.
• Invisalign is another alternative to traditional braces. It uses sophisticated computer technology to create clear plastic aligners that gradually re-position teeth to the correct positions. Patients love Invisalign.

Hopefully this gives you some hope that you do have options beyond metal braces. Just be sure to select a cosmetic dentist with extensive training and credentials and that you feel you can trust.

Thank you for your question.