Straightening your teeth can help you achieve a better and more attractive smile. If you are considering this route, ask your dental professional about available options. Understanding what techniques are available can assist you in choosing the one that suits your specific needs. This blog describes the different options for teeth straightening available at most dental clinics.
Dental bonding is a common method of straightening teeth and addressing minor misalignment problems. This cosmetic dental procedure can effectively correct crooked or uneven teeth. It makes crooked teeth straighter by reducing the gaps between them and makes shorter teeth have the same length as longer teeth. The procedure utilizes a material known as composite resin, which is the same one used to make tooth-colored dental fillings.
The dental bonding procedure entails putting the composite resin material onto the affected tooth and modeling it to the required shape. The dentist then takes a light source and heats the composite resin material, cementing it onto the tooth. The composite resin material resembles the color of the tooth. The eventual outcome is that no one can differentiate between the dental material and the natural tooth.
Dental bonding is among the less costly teeth straightening methods and can often be completed in a single dental visit. You could also use dental bonding to repair or whiten chipped teeth.
Putting on orthodontic retainers is a technique for teeth straightening that patients use as a supplement once they finish orthodontic treatment. Once you undergo an orthodontic procedure, your teeth may shift from their original position. This is where you need to use the retainer to keep the teeth from shifting, preserving your new smile once you remove braces.
Retainers can also polish the outcome of the orthodontic procedure and enhance teeth positioning. Conventional retainers are metal-made. They are worn over the bottom arch or beneath the top arch.
During treatment, the dental professional first takes an impression of your gums and teeth, clearly showing your dental alignment. The dental professional will then mold the retainers from the impression. They will have to adjust the wires to obtain proper alignment.
You may opt for a removable or permanent retainer, depending on your preferences and needs. In many cases, you must wear the appliance for at least four months and a maximum of six months. However, this period can increase depending on how severe your case is.
Headgear is an orthodontic appliance that dental professionals recommend patients wear alongside their braces. Even though braces are restricted to rectifying jaw alignment, wearing headgear alongside them will enhance the shape and growth of the jaw to improve facial structure.
Headgear can address alignment problems like open bites, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. In many cases, dental professionals recommend putting on headgear for a minimum of 12 hours daily, and the dental treatment could last one or two years.
Braces are an effective teeth straightening option. There are various types of dental braces. These are:
Traditional braces are metal braces that have been assisting individuals in straightening their teeth for years. These braces are now smaller and less visible than they used to be, and they offer reliable results for all types of alignment problems. Most people think that metal braces are only for teenagers, but even though this is usually true, traditional braces can also be utilized on adults.
These appliances typically consist of metal brackets and wires held together with rubber bands. The brackets attach to your teeth with spaces that the wire passes through to attach to them. The brackets slowly push your teeth into the correct alignment, and your dental professional will tighten the pressure during the treatment. The jawbone grows around the realigned teeth, leaving you with straighter and more perfect pearl whites.
Metal braces have remained among the most affordable and effective ways of straightening the jawbone and having an ideal smile. It often takes around sixteen to eighteen months for metal braces to straighten teeth, and the advantages go beyond merely a more beautiful smile. Whenever you wear metal braces to straighten your teeth, you also help prevent jawbone erosion and usually enhance your speech. Ultimately, it will boost your confidence and improve your quality of life.
Lingual braces function like and resemble traditional metal braces. The one difference is that they are placed behind the teeth instead of the front, making them entirely unnoticeable from the outside. However, because the connecting wires and brackets are very close to the tongue, they could interrupt tongue movements and impair eating and speech. Also, these braces can take an extended period for a person to get used to them. This places them at a great disadvantage, and most people opt for more modern options such as clear aligners and ceramic braces.
If traditional metal braces are not your teeth-straightening style, ceramic braces may be appropriate for you. Also called clear braces, these orthodontic appliances are used to straighten teeth and fix bite issues. They comprise tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets attached to the tooth surface with similarly colored rubber bands and wires, which give more discretion.
These dental appliances work like traditional metal braces, though they blend in with the teeth’s color more perfectly. Because the period required to rectify your teeth problem using either metal braces or ceramic braces is the same, the only difference between these two is that one is ceramic and the other metal.
Although compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are less painful on the cheeks and gums since the ceramic is not as harsh. They are also hardly noticeable as the ceramic brackets’ color can resemble natural teeth's color, making them challenging to see at a distance. Lastly, ceramic braces are highly durable. Some people are reluctant to undergo treatment with ceramic braces as they think they are not long-lasting or will not last throughout the procedure without replacement. However, these braces are hard to damage and last throughout the treatment.
On the downside, ceramic braces are slightly more costly than conventional metal braces. However, they are still a cost-effective technique to fix crooked teeth compared to alternatives such as invisible aligners, which are more expensive and take longer to achieve the desired effect.
Clear aligners are a relatively new type of treatment. They are transparent plastic trays that move teeth gradually with no brackets or wires. Clear aligners are among the latest, most effective methods to straighten teeth. You can simply take them out while cleaning your teeth or eating. Your dental professional will give you several sets of these invisible aligners during teeth straightening treatment.
You should wear every aligner set for 14 days or more and then shift to the next set as the jaw slowly shifts back to its required position. You can opt for invisible aligners to correct misalignment issues, such as open bites, overbites, gaps, crowded teeth, and underbites.
Therefore, whether you desire the demonstrated effectiveness of conventional braces or wish for a discreet option such as aligners, there is a teeth straightening method that will fit your aesthetic and lifestyle preferences.
Even though veneers may not always be preferred to straighten your smile, they are an ideal short-term alternative. Veneers refer to thin shells put over the front surface of teeth. When the front surface of your teeth is not seriously crooked, veneers could be a good choice since they can entirely transform your smile in only two visits. Veneers improve the size, color, and shape of teeth.
Dentists usually only recommend dental veneers if you prioritize aesthetics over functionality. During the veneer placement procedure, the dentist takes a mold of your front teeth and sends it to the lab to customize the veneers for a perfect fit. After being bonded to the teeth, the veneers are permanent. Thus, you should be sure that you want to place these dental appliances first before doing so.
Cosmetic contouring is another word for teeth reshaping. If you have misshapen teeth, you can undergo cosmetic contouring with your teeth straightening procedure. In this case, the dental professional changes the length and shape of the teeth, resulting in a more beautiful smile.
The dental professional can utilize a sanding drill, although most patients prefer a laser. These pieces of equipment can assist the dentist in removing the tooth enamel, which helps alter the shape of the teeth. The dentist then polishes the teeth to finish the treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is conducted to reposition the chin, low jaw, or upper jaw. It is designed for individuals too old to use appliances such as palatal expanders or with conditions too severe for regular orthodontic treatment.
During the procedure, a surgeon conducts a comprehensive assessment and talks to a patient about what the procedure can do and how they (the patient) may look when it is done. At times, surgeons use other methods, such as liposuction, to enhance the results, although that is unnecessary.
The procedure is conducted in a hospital facility, and recovery could be extensive. Even though research says most individuals can resume work ten to fourteen days after the procedure, facial swelling might persist for multiple weeks. Drinking or eating naturally after the procedure is also challenging, and talking could be problematic.
This kind of surgical procedure is generally reserved for severe cases. Even though it might not be your first option, it is a good choice if you have significant problems that cannot be fixed through another method.
The palate refers to the hard bone on the roof of the mouth that supports the upper teeth. The teeth will crowd if the plate is bent at a sharp angle or is too small.
A palatal expander gently presses on the palate, pushing it into a new shape with sufficient space for the teeth. Dental professionals widen it through a set of appointments.
These dental appliances work best for minors with still-developing jaws. When placed at the appropriate stage of development, they may solve crooked teeth issues before they even begin.
The teeth straightening journey for the best smile differs among patients. The appropriate method varies based on different factors, such as budget, age, oral health condition, and lifestyle.
Teeth straightening methods are not ideal for everybody. Various conditions, such as tooth decay, toothache, or gum disease, need treatment before orthodontic treatment starts. Consult with your dental professional, who can evaluate your oral health comprehensively, before deciding what method suits your needs.
Teenagers and children often respond perfectly to conventional metal braces since their jaws have not fully developed. Adults may prefer lingual braces and clear aligners, which are more discreet while effectively straightening teeth.
If your job entails much public interaction or you lead an active social life, metal braces may not be an excellent idea because they are noticeable. In this situation, clear aligners that are virtually invisible and can be removed during special occasions or meals might fit perfectly into your lifestyle.
Particular options, like ceramic braces, usually cost more than others, yet they offer advantages such as less visible brackets compared to metal braces. Knowing what every technique costs will assist you in making an informed decision regarding what fits in your budget without compromising on quality dental care.
Selecting the correct teeth straightening technique is not a swift decision. You must thoughtfully consider several factors and seek professional advice to achieve the best smile.
There is no doubt that straightening teeth is the secret to an attractive smile. If you consider teeth straightening in Beverly Hills to enhance your smile, we at Dr Joseph Goodman Clinic can help. Talk to one of our competent dental professionals who can recommend the ideal treatment. We will also help you through the teeth straightening procedure and ensure optimum results. Call us at 310-860-9311 for a consultation.
One stop shop for all your dental needs. Incredible dentist with an incredible staff and team. Highly recommend.
Dr. Goodman is Amazing!!!
Extraordinary care that is on another level.
My sincere Thanks & Gratitude to Dr. Gooman for Your expertise and superior skill in the restoration Of my teeth. Thank you Kat and Your entire team, for your extraordinary care and kindness. Simply the Best Dentist & office one could find!!
My crown (installed by a diferent dentist) broke in half on a Friday night causing painful jagged edges on my back molar. My dentist was not available so I texted Dr. Goodman (my son's dentist) that night and he replied irnmediately that I can corne in for a removal and temporary crown on Saturday. I was a new patient and he fit me into his already booked schedule to remove the damaged crown and put on a temporary crown. I am so impressed with Dr. Goodman for going above and beyond to respond to my dental emergency and his care and dental work exceeded all my expectations. As a very anxious and fearful patient, Dr. Goodman made the crown removal and replacement very tolerable as he provided light sedation during my crown procedure. This completely reduced my stress and made the procedure mostly pain-free. Thank you Dr. Goodman, Kat and your entire team for making this such a pleasant experience! I am happy to recommend you to future patients and will continue to see you for my dental needs.
