Fix your misaligned teeth with these 5 teeth straightening treatments

Crooked or misaligned teeth can lead to discomfort or sometimes even make it tougher to chew properly. If you are looking for ways to straighten your teeth, let’s take a look at what teeth straightening can do for you and the types of treatments available.

Benefits of teeth straightening

The benefits of teeth straightening go beyond the obvious improvement in aesthetics. It also plays a major role in reducing or eliminating dental decay. Well-aligned teeth become very easy to maintain and clean. There are some of us born with a naturally straight smile with well-aligned teeth, for others, there are multiple options to get the same outcome orthodontically or cosmetically.

How can teeth straightening be done?

Teeth straightening can be done in many ways. But the critical choice that the dentist and patient need to make is straightening by the orthodontic or cosmetic route. Read about all the ways for teeth straightening.

1. Fixed braces

Conventional orthodontic options for teeth straightening include fixed braces -either metallic or ceramic or removable braces which are the now popular aligners.

2. Dental veneers

Dental veneers, which involve placing a ceramic or plastic material on the front of your teeth,to reshape them perfectly, are a cosmetic alternative to straighten your smile. They can also be used to lengthen, widen and reshape teeth. This option is usually quicker and less painful and can enhance the smile more than braces but it also involves modifying your natural teeth and will require future replacements.

3. Metal braces

One popular choice is traditional metal braces, which are the most common type of braces. Metal braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, but they do require regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustments. They also require compliance with certain eating and oral hygiene habits to ensure their effectiveness.

Another option is ceramic braces, which are similar to metal braces. But they are less visible because they are made of tooth-coloured ceramic material.

Also read: 8 facts you must know about clear aligners before setting your teeth straight

4. Invisalign

Invisalign is a more modern and discreet option for straightening teeth. It is a system of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into the desired position. Invisible aligners are very well received by patients due to the following benefits:

• They are transparent, custom-made, and very sleek making them virtually invisible
• They can be removed for occasions
• Require fewer sessions
• Show the result even before starting
• Completely pain-free

5. Lingual braces

Another advanced straightening option is braces that go behind the surface of your teeth. Also called lingual braces, these tend to be more challenging to accommodate and can be done in certain cases only. This is a great option for those who want to keep their braces out of sight. However, lingual braces are more costly and require more maintenance than traditional braces. These can also be uncomfortable.

Also read: Do your teeth hurt during winter? Follow these 7 expert tips to prevent it

All of the aforementioned treatments include realigning your natural teeth, which requires monthly dental visits for at least one to two years in order to complete the process.

Takeaway

No matter which option you choose, it is important to speak with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.