I have some crooked teeth that stick out a bit but feel I am too old for braces. I recently heard about this thing that is a dental flipper that fits over your teeth and makes them look straight. Would that work for someone like me?

Samantha

Dear Samantha,

I think you may have a dental flipper confused with something called Snap-on Smile. A dental flipper is a false tooth that is used to fill in an empty space. Snap-on Smile will fit over your teeth and make them look straight. They aren’t as attractive as something like porcelain veneers. Most people use them temporarily for something like a photo shoot or a special occasion.

One thing to be aware of is that because they fit over your teeth they will be a bit bulky. As your teeth already stick out a bit, that will make them look even more forward than they do already.

I know you said you feel you are too old for braces, but has anyone mentioned Invisalign to you. Instead of the traditional metal wires and brackets that braces use, Invisalign uses clear aligners. An example of Invisalign is pictured directly above. These are not only much more comfortable than traditional braces, but they will work in about half the time. Plus, they truly are invisible, even at a conversational distance.

They have an additional benefit as well. The aligners they use can double as teeth whitening trays. This will allow you to straighten and whiten your teeth at the same time. It is like getting a mini smile makeover.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Imam.