Crooked teeth can lead to many dental issues, from an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease to a less-than-perfect smile. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to help correct any problems with your teeth’s positioning. In this article, we’ll explore four popular options for realigning your teeth and discuss the pros and cons of each. With the right treatment plan, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.
Best Dental Treatment To Fix Crooked Teeth
1. Dental Braces
This orthodontic treatment involves wearing metal brackets and wires that gradually move your teeth into their desired position over time. While braces can be uncomfortable and require regular visits to the dentist for adjustments, they are highly effective in correcting crooked teeth and can provide long-lasting results when worn as directed.
Unlike other treatments, braces are able to correct even the most severe cases of misalignment such as gaps between teeth, and crowded teeth. Additionally, braces can be customized to meet your individual needs and treatment goals.
Procedure for Getting Dental Braces
Getting dental braces is a straightforward process and typically begins with a consultation appointment. During this initial visit, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine the extent of your misalignment and create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. They may also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to create an exact model of them.
Following the assessment, your dentist will attach metal brackets to your teeth and connect them with an archwire. You will need to come in for regular appointments every 4-8 weeks to have the wire adjusted until your teeth are in the desired position. It may take around 18-24 months of treatment to achieve the desired results.
2. Clear Aligners
Similar to traditional metal braces, clear aligners use plastic trays that gradually move your teeth into place over time — but without the need for metal brackets or wires. The trays are designed to fit snugly around your teeth so they remain in place while you sleep or eat.
Clear aligners are much less noticeable than traditional braces — making them a popular choice among adults who want to correct their smiles discretely. Additionally, clear aligners may be more comfortable to wear since they do not rely on bulky metal brackets or wires. Furthermore, the trays can be easily removed for eating and brushing your teeth — allowing you to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine.
What To Expect During The Procedure?
When undergoing clear aligner treatment, you can expect to visit your dentist a few times throughout the course of your treatment. Your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to create a customized set of trays that fit snugly on your teeth. They may also provide you with instructions on how to properly wear and remove the trays in order to get the best results.
You will need to wear the trays for at least 20-22 hours a day and switch out each set of aligners every two weeks — or as directed by your dentist. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, it may take 9-18 months to complete the treatment.
3. Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth in order to correct minor misalignment and reshape their appearance. These shells are usually made from porcelain, resin, or composite materials and can help mask any discoloration or chips in your teeth. Additionally, they can make it easier for you to chew and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The Application Process
Getting porcelain veneers typically requires two visits to the dentist — one for the initial consultation and another for the actual procedure. During the first visit, your dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth in order to create a personalized set of veneers that fit snugly on your teeth.
During the second visit, your dentist will clean and prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. This allows for the veneers to fit properly and securely on your natural teeth. Afterward, they will bond the veneers in place using a special light-activated resin or dental cement. The entire procedure usually takes around two hours to complete.
4. Dental Bonding
This cosmetic procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to correct minor misalignment and reshape teeth. During this treatment, a tooth-colored composite material is applied to the surface of the affected teeth in order to improve their shape and color. The material is hardened with a special light and then polished for a natural look.
Cosmetic bonding is a relatively simple procedure and can usually be completed in one visit to the dentist. Your dentist will first prepare your teeth by roughening their surfaces and applying a conditioning liquid. This allows for the composite resin material to adhere better to your teeth surface. Next, they will apply the bonding material to the affected teeth and use a special light to harden them. Finally, they will shape and polish the material for a natural look.
Other cosmetic treatment options may also be used to help correct misaligned teeth. These may include lingual braces, crowns, and ceramic braces. Ultimately, your dentist can help you determine which treatment is best suited for your needs.
Contact Us Today
With today’s modern methods for straightening crooked teeth, you no longer have to live with unsightly misalignment issues that impact both aesthetics as well as oral health. Depending on your individual needs, there are many options available ranging from traditional braces, clear aligners, and other dental procedures. By partnering with our experienced dentist who specializes in orthodontics and other cosmetic treatments, you can rest assured knowing you’re in the best hands possible to help you get the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve beautiful straight teeth.
