What Are My Options for Straight Teeth?
Did you know that misaligned teeth can be more susceptible to cavities? One reason is that crooked teeth have more crevices and niches that can be hard to clean. As such, plaque and tartar can hide in these areas, thereby causing decay.
So, if you have crooked teeth yourself, it may be time to look into your treatment options for straight teeth.
This guide rounds up some of today’s top orthodontic treatments, so be sure to read on.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, hence the term train-track braces. In this case, an orthodontist glues a bracket on the visible surface of each tooth. Then, a metal wire, also known as an archwire, connects all the brackets on that arch together.
Those components then place a controlled amount of pressure on each tooth. In doing so, they coerce the tooth roots to press against the supporting bone.
As a result, a tiny area of the bone dissolves, and each tooth then moves into that space. Once the tooth has shifted, new bone forms in that vacated spot.
According to studies, treatment with metal braces takes about 19.9 months on average. It still depends on the severity of the malocclusion, though.
For minor to moderate teeth spacing, traditional braces can take as short as 12 months. However, it can take up to 2 years or longer for more severe crowded teeth or bite issues.
Lingual Braces
Like traditional metal braces, lingual braces also use metal brackets and wires. These teeth straightening devices can also correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
The chief difference is that lingual braces go on the back of the teeth, not the front. As a result, they’re not as obvious or visible to other people.
So, if you’d like your braces to be discrete, see a top orthodontist specializing in lingual braces.
Ceramic (Clear) Braces
Ceramic braces also involve using fixed brackets and wires. Thus, they also serve the same purpose as traditional metal and lingual braces. However, instead of metal, ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires.
The Invisalign System
Developed in 1997, Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that uses removable aligners. Moreover, it incorporates digital imaging technology to project treatment results. The images also allow Invisalign providers to fabricate patient-tailored aligners.
The aligners themselves are see-through, which is why they’re almost invisible. They’re also easy to remove, which you need to do before eating, drinking, or brushing. However, be sure to pop them back in as you need to wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day.
Invisalign may help correct mild to moderate teeth crookedness and bad bites. For instance, a 2020 review found that it’s about 46% to 56% accurate in treating such conditions.
Explore Your Options for Straight Teeth and Healthy Smiles
Always remember that treatment options for straight teeth aren’t for cosmetic purposes alone. The beautiful smiles they create are just pleasant side effects. Their primary goal is to create a functional bite that also makes the teeth easier to clean.
So, as early as today, visit an orthodontist to find out which teeth straightener best suits you. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can get healthy, dazzling smiles.
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