If you have crooked teeth and are embarrassed to smile, you may be considering teeth straightening. Not only does straightening the teeth give you more self-confidence, but it also helps to prevent other dental issues. Depending on the severity of the misalignments, your aesthetic goals, and your budget, there are multiple straightening procedures you may want to research.
Benefits of having straight teeth
One of the obvious benefits of fixing crooked teeth is a boost in confidence because you are happy about your smile. Another benefit is better oral health. When you have misaligned teeth, it is harder to brush and floss. This results in a buildup of plaque, which can lead to decay and infection. As a result, teeth straightening helps to prevent cavities and gum disease.
When there are severe misalignments, this can affect how you speak and eat. After fixing this issue, may be able to speak more clearly, chew normally, and place less pressure on your facial muscles.
Teeth straightening options
If you have decided to straighten your teeth, there are numerous options available depending on various factors. The time it takes to get results from the different methods ranges from hours to years.
Veneers
While veneers do not actually move the teeth to correct misalignments, they do provide an aesthetic benefit for those with minor crookedness or uneven teeth. The restoration consists of a thin tooth-covered material that is placed over the front of each tooth. This covers up imperfections and gives you a straight, bright smile. This procedure often takes only one or two visits to the dentist, and the results are quick and long-lasting.
Metal braces
Metal braces are the traditional teeth straightening option. They consist of attaching metal brackets to the front of the teeth and connecting them with a metal wire. The wires are tightened periodically to help the teeth move into proper position. The total straightening time varies, but the average is around 24 months.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces, but the brackets are clear. This makes them less obvious than the metal type, but they are not quite as durable as traditional braces. The straightening time is about the same as with the metal ones.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are metal braces, but they are attached to the back of the teeth, which makes them almost unnoticeable. The teeth straightening time is similar to traditional braces, but the lingual type is only an option for those with minor misalignments.
Clear aligners
Aligners are another option for those with minor to moderate crookedness. These clear trays are customized for each patient, and they can be taken out when you eat or brush your teeth. Typically, the straightening time is shorter than braces, although it depends on the severity of the issue.
Conclusion
When it comes to teeth straightening, there are various methods that get the job done. Discuss the options with your dentist to see which method is the right one for your situation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.
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