Teeth straightening is a popular treatment for children and teens. However, adults can also straighten their teeth if they have problems like overcrowding or misaligned jaws.
Teeth straightening options for adults now include less invasive materials and shorter treatment times. Read on to learn about your best options for fixing crooked teeth and an uneven bite.
Metal braces
Metal braces are a traditional teeth straightening tool that has been in use since 1909. They consist of stainless steel brackets, bands, wires and ligatures (or color ties). In addition, they offer the advantage of being more effective than other treatment methods. Moreover, they are more affordable. Some insurance policies cover them, and medical credit cards are available to help you pay for them.
These metal braces apply a constant force on the teeth. These forces move them into the correct positions and help correct severe overcrowding. They can also be used to fix gaps, rotated or crooked teeth. They are also more effective than clear aligners, which can only straighten small sections of the teeth at a time. They can be used on adults and children alike.
Having straight teeth is an important part of overall health. It can reduce your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as lower your chance of developing heart conditions or high blood pressure. In addition, a straight smile will give you more confidence and allow you to speak clearly. If you are hesitant about getting braces, ask your orthodontist for recommendations and advice. They will be able to answer all of your questions and help you find the right treatment. They can also explain how the different types of braces work and what they will achieve for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that works to straighten teeth. It is a great alternative to metal braces and can correct a wide range of misalignment issues. These include crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, gap teeth, and cross bites. Clear aligners can also help to improve a speech impediment or lisp, and they can improve dental health by eliminating gaps where food particles can hide.
In addition, the clear aligners are not as visible as traditional braces, making them a more discreet option for many patients. However, patients should be aware of the fact that they can still experience pain in some cases. Fortunately, this pain typically goes away after a few weeks or months.
If you are considering teeth straightening, be sure to choose a provider that makes you feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. You should also ask your provider how they handle complaints. Choosing a provider you trust will give you peace of mind and ensure that you receive the best care possible.
Invisalign has been shown to be effective in improving malocclusions such as tooth crowding and closing small spaces, with some limitations for lingual movement, crown tipping, palatal expansion through bodily tooth movements, extraction space closure, canine and premolar rotational moves, and larger antero-posterior discrepancies. Invisalign is not intended to be a definitive treatment for all malocclusions, and it is not recommended as the sole therapy for complex crowding or spacing problems.
Veneers
Aside from orthodontic treatments that can fix the position and alignment of crooked teeth, there are other cosmetic dentistry treatment options to consider. These include dental veneers, which can help mask a wide range of tooth imperfections while giving the smile a more attractive appearance. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that can be bonded to the front of the teeth. They are available in a variety of shades to match the color and texture of the natural teeth. They are also stain-resistant, making them a good choice for those who have stained or discolored teeth that cannot be bleached.
Veneers are most often used on the front teeth, but they can be placed on the lower teeth as well. The dentist will first need to prep the tooth surface before applying them. This may involve trimming some of the enamel to allow for proper bonding.
During the consultation, your dentist will let you know if veneers are a suitable solution for your crooked teeth. They can camouflage a number of imperfections, but they will not correct the alignment of the teeth. If your crooked teeth are too severe, then your dentist will recommend another type of treatment to straighten them.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a great option for people who have cosmetic concerns like gaps, chips, cracks, discoloration, or crooked teeth. They are thin “covers” that are attached to the front face of the teeth and immediately transform them. Unlike veneers, Lumineers are translucent and look more natural in the mouth. They also don’t require any tooth thinning or shaping before they are applied, which makes them less invasive and more reversible.
Lumineer veneers are made of patented Cerinate porcelain, which is very strong and can last up to 20 years with proper care. The treatment process typically requires two visits to the dentist’s office spaced a few weeks apart.
The first visit is to examine and determine if you are a good candidate for Lumineers. After a dental impression is taken of the upper and lower teeth, the dentist will schedule a second appointment to apply the Lumineers. During this visit, the dentist will check that they fit properly and look natural in the patient’s mouth. The dentist will then make slight etches on the teeth and bond them to the Lumineers.
Although Lumineers are a less invasive and more reversible treatment than traditional veneers, they still aren’t appropriate for everyone. Those with more severe alignment issues might benefit from a more thorough treatment like braces or Invisalign.