Today, contemporary teeth straightening treatment methods are designed to be as unobtrusive and practical as possible so patients can get on with their lives with confidence. There are many questions that patients normally ask us regarding straightening their teeth such as- what options do they have to straighten their teeth, for how long will the treatment last etc.
So, to answer all your questions and to help you all to understand teeth straightening better, we have posted this blog.
Reasons to straighten your teeth
The main reason people want to align their teeth is to feel more confident in their smile. However, having orthodontic treatment can also improve your bite, reduce tooth wear and help with dental hygiene. Ignoring problems related to your teeth and bite may seem convenient, but the treatment needed to fix your concerns may be more simple than you think.
Teeth straightening options include-
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are popular among adults and older teens who are looking for an effective teeth straightening option with a less obvious appearance. They are less noticeable than standard metal braces because they have clear or tooth-colored brackets and optional tooth-colored wires. While ceramic braces are much less visible, they work in precisely the same way as metal braces, producing the same results in the same treatment time.
Lingual (inside) braces
Lingual braces are truly invisible – these custom-made braces are attached to the inside surfaces of your teeth, instead of the front. Lingual braces are 100% personalized to follow the individual contours of your teeth, ensuring they are as comfortable and effective as possible.
However, because lingual braces are located near the tongue, they can take some time to get used to and may impact on speech and eating more than regular braces, which is one of the reasons many people opt for alternative treatments.
Clear Aligners
Clear plastic aligners can provide an almost invisible alternative to fixed braces but are generally better suited to correcting less severe orthodontic problems. Clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible, but if they’re not worn consistently or are removed from the mouth too often the treatment will not work. Invisalign clear aligners is one such example of this type.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most common type of braces used for kids and teens, but they’re also an option for adults, particularly those who are on a tighter budget.
With this type of treatment, small metal brackets are attached to the teeth and are then connected with a thin wire, which is adjusted or changed at regular intervals to gradually align your teeth and correct your bite – making them a very effective and reliable treatment option. Modern metal braces are much smaller and more comfortable than ever before. In younger patients, you’ll often see them jazzed up with colorful elastic bands to make it look fun and fashionable!
What is the cheapest way to align your teeth?
The cheapest way to align your teeth is to take the traditional route with metal braces. Generally, clear aligners are also quite affordable as it requires cheaper materials to make. And you can also ask your orthodontist about payment plans to help you spread out the cost of your treatment. Saying that, each case is different and the only way to know the costs is to have a consultation with your dentist and the braces specialist known as an orthodontist.
How to straighten teeth without braces?
Removable plates are not a true alternative to braces or aligners as they can only provide limited corrections. Plates are mostly used in young children who still have baby teeth present and whilst they can certainly be very helpful for correcting some simple problems in this age group, the second stage of treatment with braces will usually be needed after all the adult teeth have come through a few years later.
While there are alternative treatment options available, if you are looking for ways to correct your smile without braces, these treatment options may not be suited to everybody. It is always best to discuss the treatment options to straighten your teeth when you make an appointment with your dentist and orthodontist.
Can teeth be straightened at any age?
There is no cut off age for getting braces, which means your teeth can be straightened at any age. Saying that having corrective treatment as an adult can be more complicated for a number of reasons including fillings, missing teeth or other dental issues. Your dentist and orthodontist has a wealth of knowledge and clinical experience, which means that you should have no problem overcoming any challenge. In your consultation, your orthodontist will carefully assess your oral health and flag any concerns that may arise. Also, when you are of younger age, the bone in your mouth is more pliable and in such cases straightening your teeth becomes much easier and predictable.
How can I get my braces off faster?
Speed is a top priority for many patients and this is a common question we are asked. To help your treatment progress as quickly as possible, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and take care of your appliance by brushing and flossing two to three times a day or after every meal.
If you’re undergoing clear aligner treatment, you must keep your appliance in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day or for the recommended amount of time and only remove your appliance when eating, drinking or brushing your teeth to maximize its effectiveness. Also, make sure you do not miss any appointments with your orthodontist as this can cause a delay in the treatment time.
Importantly, you should never try to speed up your treatment on your own, such as by adding elastic bands when they haven’t been recommended by your orthodontist or trying to ‘push your teeth’ further. This can cause damage to the teeth and gums which can actually slow down your treatment or require costly actions to correct.
You should always consult your dentist and your orthodontist before commencing any form of orthodontic treatment. They will be able to make an assessment based on your teeth, gums and bone growth and will guide you through the process safely.
