People underrate the importance of having a beautiful smile. Not only does it boost confidence, but it also makes the quality of life better. Not so many people are born with a perfect smile, which is why there are ways around it. If you have decided to straighten your teeth, there is more than one treatment option. Most people are aware of the metal braces, but there are other ways you can get a perfect smile.
1. Invisalign
The newest treatment used to straighten teeth is Invisalign. It is very comfortable, and one of the advantages is that the aligners are almost invisible. People will not notice that you are undergoing the treatment. The Invisalign dentist will create a series of customized aligners after examining your mouth and jaw. The clear aligners are attached firmly to the teeth to help push them to the correct position. You never know how long the treatment takes until you go for a consultation. However long it takes is determined by the condition of your teeth. It can go for only six months if the teeth can be treated quickly. Before you jump on the new treatment, you have to decide which method works best for you. This method, however, is fast and allows you to eat anything.
2. Metal Braces
Everyone with teeth alignment issues has considered metal braces at one point. They are the most common teeth-straightening method. They are more effective than other methods in treating extreme tooth overcrowding. Metal braces are brackets and wires attached to the teeth. The metal brackets are bonded to the teeth using adhesive. They are what exerts pressure on the teeth and encourage them to move. There are also wires that run through the brackets and bands, which will be replaced for gradual progression. Acquiring metal braces is very simple, and it’s often considered cheap compared to the rest. They are also effective for fixing overbites, closing gaps, and straightening teeth. Whether it’s for a medical or aesthetic reason, you should expect the best results from the braces. They come in different colors to improve the smile during the treatment.
3. Cosmetic Contouring
Cosmetic contouring is also a dental procedure that can be used to straighten teeth. Irregular-shaped and placed teeth will become better looking after the treatment. It entails small changes that will significantly affect your overall appearance. The dentist will remove some of your enamel to change the shape and length of the teeth. It’s a painless and fast way to get your desired smile. Most people go for the procedure because it can be completed with one visit. However, this mainly works with minor imperfections. When you need extreme straightening, the reshaping may not give you the best results. Sometimes the dentists will alter the position of the teeth being straightened to get a more attractive look. The procedure uses a sanding grill to remove enamel until the tooth has achieved the best shape. After all the teeth are done, the dentist will smoothen them to get the last look. Cosmetic contouring is done on healthy thin only. Anyone with gum issues, thin enamel or any other problem is not eligible.
4. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, can be used to straighten teeth. Veneers are made using porcelain material. They probably are the only method that will require so much preparation before they are applied. Your teeth will appear straighter and whiter after they are permanently bonded with the veneers. They will give you a perfect look, especially for people with stained teeth. They are stain-resistant, but the edges may show signs of staining after five years or so. They are also customized according to the treatment you need. The lengthy preparation involves thinning your teeth so that the veneers can fit perfectly. There is no turning back once you go for veneers, which most people consider a disadvantage. They are permanent, so your enamel will be compromised. When taken care of, they can last even up to twenty years. You should take advice from your dentist first before you decide veneers are the best treatment.
Conclusion
These four treatments are practical when you want straight teeth. There is no one dental treatment method that fits everyone. So consult your dentist, who is better positioned to give you advice. Crooked teeth are a more common problem than you may think. They mostly don’t need treatment unless they start causing health issues. But you can treat it for aesthetic reasons to get the appearance that you want.