Crooked teeth are a common problem that affects many children and adults. They can cause problems with oral health, speech and self-esteem.
Fortunately, there are several ways to fix crooked teeth. Your orthodontist will help you explore the best option for your needs, budget and goals.
1. Invisalign
Getting straight teeth is one of the most important things a person can do for their overall health. Crooked teeth can lead to serious issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and more.
Luckily, there are several options for straightening your teeth. One of the most popular options is Invisalign.
Invisalign is a set of clear plastic aligners that can correct a variety of dental problems. Treatment involves visiting a dentist for an initial consultation and receiving a custom treatment plan.
Once you and your dentist approve a treatment plan, they send impressions of your teeth to an Invisalign lab. From there, a series of clear aligners is created that slowly shift your teeth into their proper positions.
2. Clear Braces
If you are looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth, clear braces may be the perfect choice. These are less noticeable than traditional metal braces and can be used to correct a variety of issues, including misalignment, bite irregularities and more.
Clear braces are made from a ceramic material, color-matched to your tooth color. They are typically fitted with clear ties to keep surrounding wires in place, or innovative techniques like Pitts 21(tm) self-ligating braces allow them to be placed without the use of ties at all.
When you wear clear braces, you will need to be diligent about daily brushing and flossing to prevent plaque from accumulating in the hidden areas of your teeth. Additionally, you will need to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, tomato sauce and red wine.
While the cost of clear braces is usually slightly more expensive than metal braces, most orthodontists offer flexible payment options to fit any budget. It’s also important to remember that these non-traditional orthodontic appliances are more fragile than metal braces, so they may need to be repaired more frequently.
3. Lingual Braces
If you’re looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth, lingual braces may be right for you. They are fixed to the back of your teeth, so no one will know you’re wearing them.
Lingual braces also have a number of other benefits over traditional braces. These include the fact that they can address more serious misalignment issues, such as closing gaps around extractions or adjusting tooth height.
However, they do have some drawbacks as well, such as the need for frequent appointments to check your progress. These can make lingual braces a little more expensive than other orthodontic treatments.
In addition, some people experience pain when they wear lingual braces. This is generally caused by the tongue rubbing against the brackets and can be reduced by using topical pain relief gel or wax. It’s also common for lingual braces to cause a lisp, which can be corrected through speech therapy.
4. Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, also known as braces, are used to straighten teeth and correct malocclusions. They are designed and prescribed by an orthodontist to correct crooked, crowded and protruding teeth that do not fit properly together.
A variety of appliances are used to help move teeth, including fixed (cemented) and removable devices. These include traditional metal braces, clear braces, and even aligners that go behind the teeth.
The most common type of fixed orthodontic appliance consists of brackets and bands that are cemented to the front of each tooth. A thin wire is threaded through the brackets and guides the teeth into their correct positions.
These devices can help with a wide range of malocclusions, including crooked teeth, spacing issues, crossbite, deep overbite and lower jaw protrusion. Sometimes, delicate elastics are attached to the braces to help move the teeth more quickly.
These are a great way to fix malocclusions, and they can be a lot more comfortable than other options. Just make sure to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations and wear the device correctly to get the best results.