In our series of articles around dental health and restoring your confident smile, we have discussed extensively on teeth whitening, from at-home products such as the use of toothpastes and whitening strips, to laser whitening treatments provided by dentists. In this article, we shall be looking into teeth straightening – a common dental treatment to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It is a related procedure to teeth whitening to the extent that it restores your smile by addressing aesthetic issues, but it is a more invasive and time-consuming treatment.
Straight teeth are not only more aesthetically pleasing, but they can also lead to better oral health. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and are more prone to plaque build-up and cavities. Straightening your teeth can help to prevent these problems from occurring.
Teeth straightening is usually carried out through the use of braces or Invisalign – clear plastic braces that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. Both braces and Invisalign work by applying pressure to your teeth over a period of time, gently moving them into the correct position. The length of time required for teeth straightening varies from individual to individual, but typically takes around one to two years.
Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether teeth straightening is the best solution for you, and will be able to provide you with an estimate of the treatment costs. Generally, teeth straightening is a more expensive treatment than
How Teeth Straightening Works
Teeth straightening is not just about achieving a perfectly aligned smile. It can also help to correct a number of dental problems, including:
- Crossbites
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Misaligned Teeth
Each of these conditions can lead to a variety of oral health problems, so correcting them can be hugely beneficial to your overall oral health. In addition, a straighter smile will make you look and feel more confident.
Types of teeth straightening treatments
There are various methods of teeth straightening, which will be dependent on the severity of your malocclusion (the misalignment of your teeth). The most common is braces. Braces are metal brackets that are attached to your teeth with dental adhesive. They are then connected together by metal wires that apply gentle pressure, which gradually moves your teeth into the desired position.
Braces tend to be associated with teenagers, as this is the age group when they are most commonly used. However, adults can also benefit from having braces if their teeth have become crooked over time. In fact, adult braces are becoming increasingly popular, as more and more people are realizing the importance of having a confident smile.
A list of the teeth straightening treatment options is as follows:
- Braces
- Invisalign
- Lingual Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Damon Braces
- Orthodontic Retainers
- Six Month Smiles
- Dental Veneers
Braces
These are metal brackets which are bonded to the front of your teeth and connected by a wire. Braces are the most common type of teeth straightening treatment, and are suitable for both adults and children.
Invisalign
These are clear plastic aligners which fit over your teeth and gently move them into the correct position. Invisalign is a popular choice for adults as they are virtually invisible once fitted.
Lingual Braces
These are braces which are fitted to the back of your teeth, making them invisible from the front of your mouth.
Ceramic Braces
These are similar to traditional metal braces, but the brackets and wires are made from tooth-colored materials, making them less visible.
Damon Braces
These are a type of ceramic braces which use a self-ligating system, meaning the brackets do not require ties to hold the wire in place. This makes them more comfortable to wear and reduces the need for adjustments.
Orthodontic Retainers
These are custom-made devices which are worn after your teeth have been straightened to keep them in position. Retainers can be either removable or fixed.
Six Month Smiles
This is a type of short-term orthodontics which uses clear braces and results in straighter teeth in as little as six months.
Dental Veneers
These are thin sheets of porcelain which are fitted over your existing teeth to disguise crooked or stained teeth. Dental veneers are popular because they are quick and easy to fit, and can last for up to 10 years.
The Benefits of Having Straighter Teeth
The primary challenge with crooked teeth is the dent in self confidence, self esteem and social life that often accompanies it. People with crooked teeth can feel self-conscious when they smile, laugh or speak. This is because crooked teeth are often a sign of poor oral hygiene and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
Straighter teeth, on the other hand, are generally healthier teeth. They are easier to clean and maintain, and are less likely to suffer from decay or gum disease. In addition, straighter teeth can give you a more confident smile, which in turn can boost your self-esteem and social life.
Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also affect your bite, causing pain in your jaw and headaches.
Straighter teeth not only look more attractive, but they are also healthier and easier to keep clean. This can boost your confidence and make you feel happier with your smile.
If you are considering teeth straightening, there are a number of different options available to you. Talk to your dentist about the best treatment for you, and enjoy a confident smile that you can be proud of! So whether you go for Six Month Smiles, dental veneers or traditional braces, having straighter teeth is definitely worth it! Not only will you have a more attractive smile, but you will also have better oral health and a more confident personality.
There are many reasons to consider teeth straightening. One of the main reasons is that straighter teeth look more attractive. They can also make your smile appear brighter and more even. In addition, having straighter teeth can improve your oral health, since crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and are more likely to develop cavities.
A confident smile is an important part of looking and feeling your best – make sure you take care of your teeth by getting them straightened!
How to prepare for your teeth straightening treatment
No matter what type of braces you choose, it’s important to follow the orthodontist’s instructions closely in order to achieve the best results. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid eating hard or sticky foods, which can damage your braces. You’ll also need to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and visit the orthodontist for check-ups every four to six weeks.
What To Expect During and After Treatment
Most people see a noticeable difference in their teeth after they’ve completed their braces treatment. In many cases, the crooked teeth are corrected and the patient has a more confident smile. It’s important to note that the final results may vary depending on the severity of your misalignment, and some patients may need to wear a retainer after their braces are removed in order to maintain their new smile.
The Cost of Teeth Straightening Treatments
The cost of teeth straightening treatments vary depending on the orthodontist, but in general they are quite affordable. Many insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost, and many orthodontists offer payment plans to make the treatment more manageable for patients.
To make a decision to move forward, you will need to discuss with your orthodontist, review insurance coverage, understand the cost implications determined by factors such and extent of malocclusion, type of straightening treatment, and duration of treatment.