Five Options for Achieving Perfectly Straight Teeth
A perfect smile is something that many of us strive for, and, unfortunately, it is often the case that imperfect teeth will diminish a person’s confidence and prevent them from smiling more naturally. However, the modern advances in dental care mean there are now more options than ever when it comes to obtaining straighter and healthier looking teeth.
As well as being a popular choice for cosmetic reasons, undergoing a procedure for teeth straightening isn’t uncommon for medical reasons as oral health is often impacted by the way that teeth are aligned.
When first researching the options, you might feel unsure which route will suit your individual needs and budgets. So, let’s take a look at the top teeth straightening options on the market and explore the best option for you.
Metal braces
Metal braces are the traditional and most common choice for fixing crooked teeth. Despite being the routine option for children and teenagers, plenty of adults opt for metal braces simply because they are a reasonably inexpensive and are an extremely effective way of achieving their ideal smile.
The way metal braces work is by having a dentist attach metal brackets to the teeth with a wire threaded through to help pull teeth into the correct position. Small elastic bands hold the wire in place with minor adjustments needed to be made every few weeks to tighten the brackets.
If you’ve seen metal braces before you may be concerned about what they will look like inside your mouth. However, recent improvements in technology mean that the braces’ framework is much smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
If you are still concerned about the appearance of metal braces, there are also clear, ceramic materials on offer, providing an even less noticeable look while still providing the same results.
Invisible aligners
Unlike traditional braces, invisible aligners don’t use brackets or wires and are a much more convenient way of straightening teeth.
Patients will instead receive hard, clear pieces of plastic that have been moulded specially for their mouth. The plastic aligner will apply gentle pressure on the teeth to achieve the desired shape over time, with regular visits to the orthodontist occurring every few weeks to receive new sets of aligners.
They’ve gained mass popularity in recent years as they are considered to be one of the more comfortable solutions for straightening teeth. Since aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and other activities, they are much easier to get used to and offer opportunities to continue to practice good oral hygiene.
However, perhaps the most attractive feature is that they are practically invisible to the eye. A majority of people will not be able to realise someone is wearing them. Unsurprisingly, this is a significant plus point amongst adults who want to fix crooked teeth without impacting their daily lifestyle.
It’s important though to keep in mind that there is a much higher price point for clear aligners so those on a tight budget may need to consider other avenues.
Lingual braces
By far the least noticeable braces on the market, lingual braces are fixed to the back of the teeth, making them only visible when opening the mouth very wide.
The braces are customised to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly using an impression of the teeth and then installed tooth by tooth to manage all misalignments correctly.
However, since the back of the teeth is harder to reach, the procedure will require a dentist with unique expertise which unfortunately comes at quite a hefty price. Those on a budget may have to consider other options or speak to their practice about the available payment options.
But, if you do choose lingual braces, there is no denying that the results are highly impressive. Plus, the advantage of being hidden from view will be more than worth the price tag for patients searching for a most discreet way of straightening teeth.
Veneers
Veneers won’t technically alter the position of your teeth but will provide tremendous cosmetic benefits as they make their appearance seem much more aligned.
This process works by a dentist drilling down part of the crooked teeth to fit a porcelain veneer over the top to mask any imperfections. This technique only works with milder cases, such as small gaps or a singular crooked tooth, rather than for those seeking significant changes to the appearance of their teeth. Veneers are perhaps the most appealing option for some as they are a quick and convenient way of improving the appearance of teeth.
However, it is essential to remember that the price of veneers depends on the number of teeth that will need to be treated. You may end up paying much more than you would for traditional braces if multiple crooked teeth require fixing. It is also worth keeping in mind that veneers aren’t a durable option with most only lasting around five to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Composite bonding
Composite bonding is a much more modern way to restore and straighten teeth, either to build tooth structure that has been lost or purely for cosmetic reasons.
The process involves bonding a tooth-coloured resin material on to the existing teeth to reshape them into a more aligned look or improve their colour.
As with veneers, composite bonding helps teeth appear straighter but doesn’t actually move their position in the way traditional braces do. Again, it is a procedure that is only suited for milder cases, but if patients take good care of their teeth, they can be worn for up to ten years before needing to be replaced.
Get straighter teeth today
Whether it be for oral hygiene reasons or simply for aesthetics, everyone deserves to have teeth they are proud to show off.
So, whatever teeth straightening option you finally decide on, we hope this article helps you well on your way to achieving that perfect smile that you aspire for.