Improve Your Smile: The Best Tooth Straightening Options
Crooked teeth can rob you of your confidence and be a constant source of self-consciousness. If the appearance of crooked teeth causes you to hide your smile, teeth straightening treatment may be right for you. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for crooked, misaligned teeth. Cosmetically appealing treatments like Invisalign® offer the straightening benefits of traditional orthodontics while eliminating the need for metal braces. To discuss which straightening treatment is best for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Brooklyn dentist Eugene D. Stanislaus. In the meantime, read this overview to learn more about tooth straightening treatment options.
Aesthetically Pleasing Invisalign® Treatment
It's not uncommon for adult patients to feel too old for metal braces; many may feel that they missed the window of opportunity for teeth straightening treatment. To the contrary, Invisalign® is a great option for adults and teens alike as it eliminates the embarrassment of traditional metal braces by providing patients discreet, unnoticeable treatment. Invisalign® uses a series of clear, custom-made trays to gradually realign the teeth. Invisalign® trays also offer the benefit of being removable, unlike traditional braces. The aligning trays can be removed while eating and brushing and flossing. Invisalign® treatment may last anywhere form 12 to 48 months based upon the needs of each patient.
Traditional Metal Orthodontics
Traditional metal braces remains one of most effective treatments for teeth straightening. In cases of severe misalignment or crookedness, traditional orthodontics may be the only suitable treatment. Metal braces work through a bracket and wire system; the wires are gradually tightened to reposition the teeth. Traditional orthodontics treatment is lengthy, usually lasting between 12 and 48 months, depending on the patient's needs. Once the teeth shift into proper alignment, the braces are removed and a retainer will need to be worn to ensure the teeth stay in place.
Porcelain Veneers as Instant Orthodontics
For those with mildly crooked teeth, porcelain veneers may be used as instant orthodontics. Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped fabrications that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to cover flaws, including mild crookedness. Porcelain veneers used as instant orthodontics can transform mild alignment issues in as little as two dental treatments.
The Benefits of Teeth Straightening
Though the cosmetic benefits of teeth straightening treatments are well known, there are many other benefits to be aware of. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved confidence:Teeth straightening treatments can help give you the confidence of a beautifully aligned smile.
- Improved aesthetics: Teeth straightening treatments improve the appearance of crooked, misaligned teeth to reveal a gorgeous smile and improve overall aesthetics.
- Improved dental function: For some, crooked or misaligned teeth can make eating difficult or uncomfortable. Misalignment can even cause or exacerbate pre-existing temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, symptoms. Correcting the alignment of the teeth can help alleviate TMD symptoms, as well as improve overall dental function.
- Improved oral hygiene: Crooked teeth can overlap each other. This makes brushing and flossing difficult and increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening treatments help reduce overlap, improving oral hygiene.
Find Out Which Treatment Is Right for You!
Schedule a consultation to find out which treatment is right for you.