3 Traditional Teeth Straightening Treatments

If you have dental misalignments, you may benefit from teeth straightening. There are various methods to treat crooked teeth, and the right one for you may depend on a number of factors including the severity of the problem, your aesthetic goals, and budget. Straightening the teeth improves your smile, but there are additional benefits as well.

The importance of having an uncrooked smile

Many people think of the visual advantages of having a mouthful of straight teeth. However, teeth straightening has healthful benefits as well. Misaligned teeth can cause multiple issues such as:

• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Uneven enamel wear
• Gum recession
• Difficulty chewing
• Higher risk of cavities and gum disease

Teeth straightening treatments

Both teenagers and adults search for ways to get a better-looking smile. Although the various treatment methods for crooked teeth all have the same result, one procedure may be more beneficial depending on your goals.

Traditional braces

Braces are what come to most people's minds when they think of teeth straightening. The most common type is metal braces. These consist of brackets that are attached to the front of the teeth, with metal wires that attach them together. Every four to six weeks, the wires are tightened. This is a gradual process of straightening the teeth and aligning the jaw. The amount of time that it takes to complete the straightening process varies based on how bad the misalignments are, but the average span is two to three years.  

There is an alternative to metal braces for those who are self-conscious about how they look. Ceramic braces work the same as metal ones and still have the metal wires, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored, so they are not quite as obvious. Ceramic braces are less durable than metal ones because the bracket material is not as strong and has a greater tendency to fracture or break off. The material also stains easily, so if you choose this type, you should limit dark-colored beverages and foods. 

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are a teeth straightening procedure that is similar to traditional braces. The difference is that the brackets are affixed to the back of the teeth instead of the front, so are less obvious. The continuous pressure of the wire tightening helps the teeth shift into their proper position.

Clear aligners

A popular option to straighten teeth are clear aligners. These consist of custom-made clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. They can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing, and they are much less noticeable than braces are. Aligners are more effective for people who have only slight misalignments. The average time for correction using aligners is around 12 months.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about crooked teeth,  research the different teeth straightening procedures. They are all effective, but they have different cosmetic features. In general, braces work better for those with more severe misalignments, while aligners are better for minor treatments.

Request an appointment here: https://modernsmilesaz.com or call Modern Smiles Family Dentistry at (602) 362-7065 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

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