Orthodontic Tooth Straightening Treatments

Dental advancements using less obtrusive materials have lead to a growth in the number of adults having orthodontic tooth straightening treatments. What was once regarded as a treatment mainly for children has now become a popular option for many image conscious adults.

The Need for Orthodontic Straightening

Tooth straightening procedures are performed for a number of reasons. Many people are born with teeth that are not perfectly straight, or teeth can become crooked with age leading to bite problems. Crooked teeth can also become a long term problem if left untreated; they can place strain on the jaws and jaw muscles leading to other problems such as headaches. In some cases crooked teeth look simply unsightly, and if the front teeth are crooked they can be easily damaged.

How Can Orthodontic Procedures Help?

Orthodontic procedures will be able to straighten crooked teeth and move them into the best position in the mouth. Having straight teeth also makes cleaning easier, which in turn can help eliminate decay to the teeth and gums. A dentist may be able to carry out the necessary orthodontic treatments after a full evaluation, or they may refer the patient to an orthodontist. Having a full examination is vital to assess which dental procedure will be the most suitable for the patient.

Surgery Involved In Teeth Straightening

In many cases surgery will not be needed with the straightening process. However, if there is not enough space in the mouth for the permanent teeth to align then some surgery may be involved. This could include removing some permanent teeth, and with more serious bite problems may mean jaw surgery. A short stay in hospital may be necessary for this type of dental surgery. A dentist will look at all alternatives but surgery may be the only option for people with very serious bite (malocclusion) conditions.

Teeth Straightening Devices

There are a number of non surgical dental devices used to commonly straighten teeth. Many people, at some point in their life, will have known people that have worn braces for a period of time. However, braces are no longer the obtrusive or unsightly devices that they once were. The dental braces market has come a long way in recent years, and braces are now designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and provide a faster straightening period. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to give information on the types of braces available. If the procedure is a cosmetic treatment for adults then there will usually be various prices depending on the different types of braces.

Common Braces

Braces do vary from the more traditional fixed braces to the very popular Invisalign system that has no visible wires. Most adults will choose braces which are not visible and are removable for cleaning of the teeth. In most adult cases the brace will need to be adjusted at regular intervals as the teeth straighten. There are top of the range orthodontic treatments such as the 6 Month Smile Brace System that cuts down the straightening time from around two years to only six months.

Other Teeth Straightening Options

Porcelain veneers are a very popular method of giving the appearance of straight teeth without the need for braces. Veneers may be suitable for people that do not have any major orthodontic problems but would like to improve the colour, shape and alignment of their teeth. The advantage of porcelain veneers is that the procedure can usually be accomplished in just a few visits. There will be some removal of the natural tooth structure to allow the veneer to sit on top of the tooth. Dentists will be able to advise if porcelain veneers are a suitable option.

For many people, having crooked teeth can result in severe bite problems and even speech impediments. For others, having crooked teeth is embarrassing and can lead to a loss in confidence. Teeth straightening procedures are a simple way to correct crooked teeth and improve an individual’s appearance. A dentist or orthodontist will be able to recommend the best way forward and the options available for anyone who is considering teeth straightening treatments.