Teeth straightening treatments have witnessed a significant transformation over the years — from bulky headgears and metal bands to newer, less intrusive and effective options with shorter treatment times. People seek to straighten their teeth to get a more appealing smile. But it does not end there. Teeth straightening improves bite alignment, makes oral hygiene easier and reduces wear. This article talks about the teeth straightening treatments that are currently available.
Some of the options available for restoring the teeth’s alignment include:
This is perhaps the first option that comes to people’s mind when talking about teeth straightening. Metal braces have existed for decades and have evolved. They consist of metal brackets that connect to the teeth and metal wires to hold the brackets together. Metal braces are effective for correcting severe orthodontic problems and are easily the most accessible options.
However, they are visible on the teeth and may cause irritations to the soft tissues. Many adults shun braces because they are too obvious and often go for more discreet options. Tooth-colored or ceramic braces are also available.
Unlike metal braces, lingual braces stay behind the teeth and are hidden from view. The brackets and wires are customized for the patient and remove the privacy concerns that many people have about metal braces. Like regular braces, brackets are connected to each tooth and wire runs through the brackets to hold them and induce pressure on the teeth.
Lingual braces can also be slightly uncomfortable and require an adjustment period. Patients must limit their foods, and it may even cause a lisp. The dentist may apply wax to the brackets to minimize irritation, since patients may find their tongue rubbing over the brackets and wires as they speak.
Clear aligners have existed for several years now. They are made from transparent plastic and are removable. Aligners are almost invisible and must be worn over the teeth for at least 22 hours per day. Patients will receive new aligner trays every two weeks, which will slowly move the teeth further to their proper position. Since the trays are removable, cleaning the teeth and the trays is much more convenient.
Invisible aligners are effective for teeth straightening, but severe cases like twisted teeth and large gaps may require traditional braces. Since they are discreet, clear aligners are common among adults who want to straighten their teeth.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that the dentist bonds to the tooth surface. Although they will not shift the teeth to their correct position, they can hide the crookedness. To place veneers, the dentist will scrape and reshape the natural teeth to make the veneers fit over and make them look natural. The dentist can also use crowns to cover the entire tooth structure and transform the teeth’s appearance. The benefit of these options is that they are effective for fixing other cosmetic issues such as tooth chips or discoloration, but they cannot resolve severe dental misalignment.
To find out which teeth straightening options will work best for you, book an appointment with a dentist for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentalchicago.com or call Allure Dental at (312) 598-1770 for an appointment in our Chicago office.
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