There are a variety of nearly invisible adult teeth-straightening options that cost less than you think. Clear adult dental braces are popular and many of the most popular brands (Invisalin, Fastbraces and others) are appealing because they don’t include an invasive procedure. You may even want to considering clear ceramic braces which are similar to traditional braces, but their brackets are made of tooth-colored porcelain, and so only the connecting wires are visible.

Clear adult acrylic aligners are custom fitted to your teeth and are removable. The major advantage is that they are essentially invisible. They are also easier to clean than traditional braces because they can be removed during eating. Let’s be clear about something though, clear acrylic braces are more costly and they often take a bit longer to work than traditional braces and even after wearing them some people may still end up requiring regular braces to get the results they are looking for.

The cost of braces or aligners is generally $3,900 to $4,500, but the price will depend on which clear dental braces you choose and the severity of your problem. Some medical and dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of orthodontic cost, so check with your provider(s) to find out if they can offset any of the $$ you have to spend.

Good news – Veneer technology has dramatically improved over the years. Of course if you have older, dull or yellowed, porcelain veneers you would have to replace them to experience the benefits of today’s advancements. Replacing porcelain veneers can be very expensive, and the cosmetic dental procedure can somewhat invasive. Cleaning discolored porcelain veneers is an option is often measured in varying degrees of improvement.

Teeth become discolored from substances you eat or drink, such as coffee, tea, berries. Peridex or (chlorhexidine) anti-bacterial mouthwash is the worst at causing stains. Porcelain veneers are generally very stain-resistant. However if veneers have mistreated with air abrasive instruments, treated with acid fluoride treatments or polished the glaze will break and the tooth veneer becomes rough and porous. Once this surface of the tooth veneer has been compromised discoloration and staining will become a problem. Yellowed or dull stained porcelain veneers can sometimes be cleaned with dramatic results.

Try using a tooth paste formulated to dissolve the pellicle that attracts these tooth stains. A product specially designed for using with cosmetic dental work-veneers and bonding. Some cosmetic dentists offer products that are great stain-removers. These products tend to be very gentle so that it doesn’t cause scratching or roughening or premature deterioration of the composite bond.

If you are unable to remove the veneer stains unsing the specialty products designed by the cosmetic dentistry industry you should schedule a consultation with certified cosmetic dentist for a maintenance polish. An expert cosmetic dentist can polish most veneers so that the stain goes away and so that they won’t become stained again soon. The expense of getting back your old smile, getting those pearly whites, white again is always worth it.