Ask a Family Dentist: What Are Adult Teeth Straightening Options?

If your teeth are spaced irregularly, you might not have great self-esteem and may consider trying teeth straightening. Plus, the issue might change your oral hygiene habits. One reason is that food might get stuck in them and be difficult to remove. That can weaken the teeth and gums, leading to complications. Keep reading to learn about the options to fix your teeth and how you can pick the right one for you.

About the options

Today, the teeth straightening industry is for more than just teens looking for a better smile. Instead, it is inclusive for children, teens, and adults. Today there are also more treatments open for individuals with different budgets and lifestyles. There is a range of convenient options for any individual.

Using aligners at home

Many dentists can provide patients with aligners to take home and wear to straighten their teeth. The dentist can design a treatment plan for the patient and give the patient a few sets to change out at specific times. Of course, patients will still need to see the dentist regularly so that the progress can be monitored. Still, the treatment time is relatively short as long as the patient complies with the instructions.

Another advantage of clear aligners is that they are not that noticeable. It will be hard for others to tell the patient is wearing them. Plus, these are removable, meaning patients can take them out for eating and cleaning. It will make the teeth easier to care for during the treatment.

Regular braces

There is no reason to avoid considering braces as a viable teeth straightening treatment option. These often work well for complicated cases and are comprehensive. The braces are great for many bite and misalignment problems. Those who might not do well with traditional treatments could choose braces instead.

Patients can often customize the band color holding the wire to the brackets. Patients can go for colored ones or clear ones for a more discreet look. Braces are relatively healthy, meaning patients will not need to worry about cracking or chipping. Unlike aligners, patients do not have to worry about taking the device in or out.

Lingual braces

These braces are relatively hidden in the mouth. They go on the back of the teeth instead of the front. It is hard to detect them when in place. The cost might be more, though, since the process is more complicated. The braces are almost invisible, and it is possible to customize them to the teeth. Plus, any staining that results from not caring for the teeth well is not always apparent since it is in the back.

Benefits of teeth straightening

Going through teeth alignment treatments can give a person more than a straight smile. Dedication is necessary for teeth straightening options to be successful. Each one can give any patient renewed dental health. Here are more benefits of teeth straightening:

• It makes chewing easier. A person with crooked teeth does not have a proper bite. Teeth do not meet well, making chewing difficult. The individual experiences pain, discoloration, and sensitivity. The teeth also experience enamel erosion. Teeth straightening can align teeth, making eating more enjoyable.
• It increases one’s self-esteem. Unaligned teeth result in jaw and bite problems. These issues can make a person feel embarrassed and awkward. Teeth alignment methods increase a person’s self-esteem by correcting any problem linked with unaligned teeth. These dental straightening treatments can lead to a better personal and professional life.
• It makes teeth cleaning easier. Over-crowded or crooked teeth are challenging to clean. These teeth result in gum pockets that a toothbrush cannot reach. Bacteria love to stay in these pockets. Dental straightening options allow better, more thorough cleaning. This can prevent teeth and gum infections that lead to tooth loss.
• It prevents jaw pain and strain. Over-crowded teeth can put more pressure on the jawbone and gums. This often results in issues such as neck and ear pain. Teeth straightening treatments can relieve the discomfort. It can improve the patient’s quality of life.
• It can extend one’s life. Teeth straightening can help keep teeth healthy. It can also protect teeth and gums from bacteria, keeping harmful medical issues at bay.

Visit a dentist for the right teeth straightening option

There is a wide range of treatments open to you. Since each person is different, the right one will depend on your current situation. Your dentist can help you decide on the right option for you. Then you will be on your way toward having a more beautiful smile.

Request an appointment here: https://smilecenterdentalcare.com or call Smile Center Dental Care at (253) 336-0023 for an appointment in our Federal Way office.

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