Teeth straightening helps fix crooked teeth, crowded teeth and misaligned bites. It is generally considered a cosmetic treatment, but it can also help prevent more serious issues such as jaw problems and tooth decay.
Adults today have more options than ever to correct their crooked 강남임플란트 smiles and align their bites. Read on to learn about the different types of teeth straightening treatments available.
Braces
Orthodontic braces are the most traditional way to straighten teeth. They apply constant pressure, gradually shifting crooked teeth into the correct position. They address a variety of issues, including overcrowding and gaps in the smile, uncrossed teeth, and bite problems like overbites and underbites.
Traditional metal dental braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to the fronts of each tooth. A dental wire passes through these slots and is expertly tightened at regular intervals. This pressure stimulates a remarkable biomechanical process known as bone remodeling, facilitating tooth movement.
Other components of dental braces include spacers that fit between the teeth to create a small gap, arch wires that run through the bracket slots, and elastic ligatures, which keep the arch wire in place and increase the amount of pressure on the teeth. Other ligature elastics, such as power chains and c-chain ligatures, are often used to increase the speed of teeth movement in particular directions or to close a gap.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear plastic trays are less noticeable than metal braces and are removable so you can eat, brush and floss normally.
The trays apply gentle pressure to the teeth to shift them into their correct positions. They must be worn for 22 hours a day to get the best results, but they are much more comfortable than braces, and most patients find they have little to no discomfort during treatment.
One drawback of clear aligners is that they can be easily forgotten or misplaced, so it’s important to wear them as often as possible. Patients who do not wear their aligners as instructed will likely experience delays in their treatment and will not achieve their desired results. In addition, clear aligners are not suitable for everyone as they may not be able to close gaps between certain teeth. Those with dental bridges, veneers or crowns, for example, may need to opt for traditional metal braces.
Invisalign®
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners have smooth edges so you don’t experience mouth abrasions when eating or drinking. Additionally, they are easily removed before meals and snacks so you can enjoy your favorite foods without worrying about getting food stuck in or chewing on wires or brackets.
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which can help to prevent dental problems down the road like gum disease or tooth decay. Straight teeth can also make it less likely that you will grind or clench your teeth at night, a condition called bruxism.
Invisalign can effectively treat a wide range of dental issues, from mild cases of crooked teeth to more complex corrections such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite. The duration of treatment can vary depending on the severity of your misalignment, but most patients who stick with their trays will achieve their desired results within 12 to 18 months. For the best results, you should wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat, drink and clean your teeth.
Other Options
While crooked teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern, they can contribute to problems like tooth decay, gum disease and jaw pain. Moreover, when teeth are misaligned they make it difficult to chew, which can affect digestion.
While traditional metal braces remain one of the most popular and effective teeth straightening options, there are other treatment options available. These include ceramic braces, which have clear or tooth-coloured brackets and wires, and are less noticeable than traditional braces. However, they work in the same way and require the same treatment time.
Another alternative to traditional braces is Snap-on Smile, which is a custom-made arch of straight white teeth that “snaps” over your natural teeth. This solution is quick, cost-effective and doesn’t interfere with your daily oral hygiene routine. Additionally, it is a great option for adults who want to correct their crooked teeth, but don’t need complex bite corrections. Retainers are also an excellent choice for patients who want to preserve their straight smile after orthodontic treatment has been completed.