4 Options for Straightening Teeth

Theresa Porter Dentures

Your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you. Sadly, a lot of people feel embarrassed or reluctant to smile because their teeth are crooked. These insecurities can impact a person’s day-to-day life.

If you struggle to smile confidently because your teeth are improperly aligned, perhaps you should consider one of the many teeth straightening options available. ,Here are four teeth straightening possibilities to help you achieve the megawatt smile of your dreams.

1. Traditional metal braces

Metal braces are one of the most effective options available, in terms of both cost and performance.
The process involves bonding metal brackets to the outer surface of your teeth with a special adhesive. Once the brackets are in place, your orthodontist will connect them with wires. Over time, your dentist will make gradual adjustments to the wires, slowly tightening them to gently pull the teeth into proper alignment.

The drawback of traditional metal braces is that they can cause some mild discomfort when tightened and they are the least discreet of all the teeth straightening options available.

2. Invisalign™

Invisalign™ is an excellent choice for those who want to straighten their smile with more discretion than traditional braces. Invisalign™ treatment utilizes a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners to reposition the teeth slowly.

Patients need to wear each aligner 20-22 hours a day for two weeks. After two weeks, they switch to the next aligner in the set and repeat the process.

Invisalign™ is popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth but choose not to because of the perceived social impact of braces. It is also far less invasive than traditional metal braces, and patients can remove the aligners for eating, brushing, flossing and special events.

Straightening Teeth

3. Lingual braces

Lingual braces are very similar to standard metal braces. The key difference between the two is that your dentist will bond the brackets to the rear surface of your teeth, rather than the front. They are virtually impossible to see, offering a far more discreet alternative to traditional braces.

The downsides of lingual braces are that some patients find them uncomfortable and keeping them clean can be more challenging than other teeth straightening options.

4. Ceramic braces

Another far more discreet alternative to conventional metal braces, clear ceramic braces are an excellent choice for patients who want to straighten their teeth but are reluctant to get braces because of the potential consequences for their social image.

Ceramic braces are very similar to traditional braces, but a clear ceramic material is used for the brackets instead of metal. Patients can also opt for lighter-colored wires and ligatures for optimal discretion.

However, ceramic braces are vulnerable to staining, and patients may find they have to avoid certain foods and beverages during their treatment.

teeth straightening

Final words

Undergoing orthodontic treatment can be an incredible confidence boost for anyone living with crooked teeth. Any of these treatments can achieve excellent results. Choosing which one is right for you comes down to the severity of your misalignment and personal preference.

Treatment time depends on the current position of your teeth and the results you hope to achieve. Minor problems can be corrected in as little as six months while treating more significant issues can take two years or longer in some cases.

Whichever treatment option you choose, you will need to wear a removable or permanent retainer after the conclusion of the orthodontic treatment to prevent the soft ligaments in your mouth pulling your teeth back into a misaligned position.

If you would like to know more about orthodontic treatment, contact a reputable provider of teeth straightening options in Michigan and book a consultation with a qualified dental professional.

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