Types of Teeth Straightening Treatments

If you have crooked teeth and need teeth straightening, you are not alone. This is a common issue that children, adolescents and adults face. This is not only a cosmetic challenge, but misaligned teeth have possible health consequences too. Fortunately, there are ways to repair this issue and correct your smile.

Why people seek teeth straightening

People usually notice another person’s smile when the first meet. Crooked teeth can make a person feel self-conscious and embarrassed. This can lead to low self-esteem and a desire to withdraw. Misaligned teeth can also be painful and uncomfortable. A person with this issue may have difficulty eating and speaking properly. Headaches, jaw pain and swollen gums can also result.

Traditional braces

For many years, this was the treatment that dentists and patients preferred. It was also the most readily available option. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastic bands. These put pressure on the person’s teeth, forcing them to move into the right places. Most patients will wear braces for about two years, though the time frame depends on the severity of the misalignment.

Clear braces

People who want the effectiveness of braces without other people noticing them may choose clear braces. Instead of using metal, this teeth straightening method turns to ceramic or porcelain brackets. The dentist cements these to the patient’s teeth, as the braces closely match the natural color of the person’s smile. Clear braces work similarly to metal ones. Some patients only wear these on the front teeth.

Clear aligners

Another practically invisible way to accomplish teeth straightening is to wear a clear aligner. This plastic apparatus fits in the person’s mouth and gradually moves the teeth. Unlike braces, the aligner is removable, which the patient can take out during meals. The length of the treatment is often shorter than it is with braces. Some patients can have straighter teeth within six months.

Crowns

Many people may think of a crown as a dental restoration treatment for broken, cracked or chipped teeth. Not only can a dental crown protect a tooth from further damage or stabilize a weak one, but it is aesthetically useful too. The dentist may recommend a crown for teeth straightening in some cases. The natural-looking artificial tooth fits over a crooked tooth, giving it a straight appearance.

Veneers

Unlike a crown, this thin sheet attaches to the front of a tooth. The dentist can fabricate it to match the color of the other teeth. It can also come in the desired shape and size. A porcelain veneer should last up to seven years. With proper care, it can do its job effectively for 15 years or more.

Make your selection

With various teeth straightening options to choose from, you may feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. A dentist near you can help you decide which method is right for you. Your dentist will examine you and determine how to correctly address your misalignment problems. The more you understand about these treatments, the more at ease you can feel when it is time to start the procedure.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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