4 ways to straighten your teeth
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<p>Crooked and misaligned teeth are common in many children and adults. If your teeth are not severely crooked, there’s no need to straighten them. However, if you’re hiding your smile and the condition is taking a toll on your confidence or causing speech or health issues, modern dentistry makes it possible to realign them.</p>
<p>In this article, we share some dental procedures to help straighten your smile or at least reduce the appearance of slightly crooked or misaligned teeth.</p>
<p><strong>1. Braces </strong></p>
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<p>In terms of straightening teeth, metal braces are the most popular procedure used. Braces are a great choice for people of any age, provided that their gums and teeth are strong enough to hold them. It’s particularly beneficial for kids who still have flexible and malleable bone tissues and gums.</p>
<p>In general, braces work by exerting constant pressure on your jaws and teeth to change their position and straighten your smile. Due to the gradual pressure, the treatment can take about two to three years, subject to the dental brace type you choose and the severity of teeth misalignment. You may choose from the following types of dental braces:</p>
<p>● Metal Braces</p>
<p>This is what most people think of when talking about braces. This classic brace comes with individual brackets glued and attached to each tooth. A flexible archwire then connects each bracket, putting pressure on your jawline and teeth. This archwire is attached to the brackets using elastic O-rings.</p>
<p>Metal braces are often the best choice for someone with more complicated dental alignment problems.</p>
<p>● Invisible Braces</p>
<p>This type of dental brace is nearly invisible and is meant to be worn by adults and teens only. Unlike metal braces, invisible braces like Invisalign use clear plastic aligners that are custom- made to fit your teeth. They have a snug fit, much like a mouth guard, that creates pressure and gradually moves your teeth into position. In general, this should be removed and replaced twice a month to ensure a perfect fit.</p>
<p>Take note, however, that invisible braces may take a lot longer to straighten your teeth than metal braces. The upside is that it’s painless and more flexible than traditional braces. You may check out the <a href="https://www.ariadental.net.au/dental-articles/how-does-invisalign-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Invisalign procedures explained</a> online if you want to learn more.</p>
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<p>● Ceramic Braces</p>
<p>Ceramic braces work like metal braces; however, they are less visible and more discreet. This is because ceramic braces are made of clear, tooth-coloured material, so they don’t stand as much as metal brackets.</p>
<p>Ceramic braces are popular among patients who want the aligning power of braces but want it to be discreet like Invisalign. They are also more affordable than metal braces, making them an appealing option for those on a budget.</p>
<p>However, ceramic braces are slightly bigger than metal braces. Besides, depending on your brushing habits and diet, ceramic braces may be prone to staining. They are also less durable than metal brackets and can break easily.</p>
<p>● Lingual Braces</p>
<p>Did you know that the side of your teeth facing your tongue is called the lingual surface? That said, lingual braces are a type of invisible braces placed on this surface. This means that brackets are attached to the back sides of your teeth.</p>
<p>Lingual braces are the most specialised and least common type of braces available. This is because they require a different set of orthodontic skills. Due to their rarity, lingual braces can be expensive.</p>
<p>Because they are placed in the teeth, it’s best for those who don’t want noticeable braces. This type of dental brace may also take longer to work and get used to. Plus, it’s more difficult to clean. Lingual braces are also not suitable for severely crooked or misaligned teeth but are more effective in correcting most bite issues.</p>
<p>● Self-Litigating Braces</p>
<p>Self-litigating braces are similar to metal and ceramic braces, relying on brackets and wires to move your teeth into place. The only difference is that self-litigating braces use brackets with clips or doors to hold the wire, instead of an elastic rubber O-ring.</p>
<p>Like traditional metal braces, self-litigating braces will still need periodic adjustments. However, orthodontist visits are generally shorter because your dentist only needs to open, adjust, and shut the self-litigating brackets instead of replacing individual O-rings. Self-litigating braces are also easier to clean because there are no rubber ligatures that trap food particles. Likewise, some patients experience less discomfort with self-litigating braces.</p>
<p><strong>2. Veneers </strong></p>
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<p>Veneers are wafer-thin shells of tooth-coloured materials attached to the front of your teeth. This helps cover minor imperfections, including discoloured, stained, chipped, crooked, and misaligned teeth. If you’re dealing with minor teeth misalignment, then veneers can help create the appearance of straighter, <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/9-foods-to-avoid-to-keep-your-teeth-white" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brighter teeth</a> without the pain and discomfort of regular braces.</p>
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<p>However, note that veneers are semi-permanent. Thus, you’ll need to replace them every 5-10 years, depending on your oral hygiene. Additionally, your dentist will need to buff away some of the enamel on the teeth’s surface to attach the veneers.</p>
<p><strong>3. Dental Crowns </strong></p>
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<p>Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are used to cover and reinforce a damaged tooth or set of teeth. In addition to protecting a severely decayed tooth after a root canal or filling, dental crowns can also be used to straighten your smile.</p>
<p>In particular, crowns are useful when you need to change the colour, shape, or size of a tooth to match neighbouring teeth. You can choose crown materials that match your natural teeth as closely as possible. This creates the appearance of a straight and perfectly aligned smile. Dental crowns are also quite durable, allowing you to have a straighter smile for years to come.</p>
<p><strong>4. Teeth-Straightening Surgery </strong></p>
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<p>If you have severely crooked teeth and you want a faster way to straighten them, then teeth- straightening surgery is your best option.</p>
<p>For slightly crooked teeth, your orthodontist may suggest a minor surgical procedure to reposition your gums and bones to hold your teeth in place.</p>
<p>However, for severely misaligned or crooked teeth that affect your chewing or speech, your dentist may recommend a more involved surgery designed to completely realign your jaw, also known as <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/jaw-surgery/about/pac-20384990#:~:text=Jaw%20surgery%2C%20also%20known%20as,also%20improve%20your%20facial%20appearance." target="_blank" rel="noopener">orthognathic surgery</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Takeaway </strong></p>
<p>Having straight, perfectly aligned teeth not only gives you a charming and beautiful smile but also offers several health benefits, including a cleaner mouth and reduced risk of developing tartars and tooth decay.</p>
<p>As you can see, you have various options to get your teeth realigned. However, the best procedure to straighten your teeth will depend on several factors, including your oral health history and the severity of the issue. In general, your dentist can help you decide on the best solution for your needs.</p>
<p><em><strong>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.ariadental.net.au/dental-articles/how-does-invisalign-work/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aria Dental</a>.</strong></em></p>
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