Teeth Straightening Options
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite may leave you feeling too embarrassed to show off your smile. Crooked teeth do not only affect the aesthetics of your smile. There are also serious health problems that can be caused by misaligned and crooked teeth. These problems include headaches, facial pain, pain while chewing, and TMJ disorder, just to name a few. It is very important to correct these problems to maintain your health and regain confidence in the appearance of your smile. Fortunately, with ongoing advances in dentistry, our Boston cosmetic dentists offer several options for teeth straightening. Read on to learn more about those options.
Braces
The solution that may first come to mind when thinking about teeth straightening options is the use of metal braces. Traditional silver braces are an option that is commonly used on pre-teen and teenage patients. When braces are used, small square brackets are placed on each tooth. These brackets are then connected by wires. As the wires are tightened at monthly intervals, the teeth gradually move into place. Braces are one of the most conservative options for teeth straightening; however, the treatment is also the least discreet. Fortunately, tooth colored braces are now available. These tooth colored braces help the braces to blend in with your teeth, making the braces appear less obvious.
When considering braces, it is important to remember the following:
- Good oral hygiene and strict tooth brushing habits are essential
- Treatment may take 18-24 months
- A further retention period may be required once the braces are removed
Invisalign
At our dental office in Boston, invisalign is quickly becoming a popular teeth straightening choice for our patients. Invisalign involves the use of a series of thin, clear aligners that are worn over the teeth. Each patient is usually given eighteen to thirty slightly different aligners made for their mouth. Each of these aligners is to be worn for about two weeks before progressing to the next set of aligners. This process gradually straightens teeth and aligns the bite. When considering invisalign, consider the following:
- Invisalign is virtually invisible
- Invisalign can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing
- On average, treatment takes 9-15 months
Veneers
Dental veneers are a way to quickly change the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are thin, tooth colored shells that are custom made to adhere to the surface of the teeth. The veneers are bonded to the teeth to change the appearance of your smile. The use of dental veneers will not actually straighten your teeth. However, it will improve the look of your smile instantly. When considering veneers, it is important to think about the following:
- Veneers are a cosmetic option for misaligned teeth
- Dental veneers do not require any special care
- Dental veneers can last for 5-10 years
Schedule an Appointment
If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite that has been bothering you, schedule an appointment today. Our staff in Boston is eager to teach you more about the teeth straightening options available for you. We will examine your teeth and come up with a solution to best fit your needs. We look forward to repairing your teeth and giving you back a confident smile.