Orthodontics: Solutions for Crooked Teeth

If you need to straighten your teeth, orthodontics are an excellent way to do so.  In our dental office, we have several procedures that we can offer you to improve the appearance of your smile.  We have found that straight and beautiful teeth can improve the self-esteem and confidence of our patients along with their oral health.  Most people do not associate the two but when teeth are crooked, it is more likely that food will become stuck in between them and that plaque will build up.  This is what we want to avoid and by simply straightening teeth, you can work to do so.

There are several options when it comes to orthodontics with the most common being metal braces and clear aligners.  Braces are perhaps the most famous because they have been straightening teeth for decades.  They are effective and still the most recommended solution for children because braces can be worn when a child is growing.  They are dependable, but many of our adult clients are not interested in this solution because of how it looks and how braces impact a person's lifestyle.  This is because when braces are being worn, food can easily become stuck in between the brackets and wires.  As a result, what and how you eat needs to be adjusted.  In fact, when wearing braces you should not eat food that is overly sticky, hard or crunchy.

The impact that braces have on a person's appearance and lifestyle is what causes many of our patients to select clear aligners as their orthodontics solution. This is because clear aligners are virtually invisible.  They are made of durable yet comfortable plastic and surround the teeth like full retainers.  They are difficult to notice and make it possible to straighten teeth without having your appearance negatively impacted.  Simultaneously, since aligners are meant to be removed when eating and brushing teeth, it is easy to continue to enjoy your favorite meals, bite into a big hamburger and keep your teeth sparkling clean.  As a result, straightening teeth has never been easier and our patients are thrilled with the results.

The process of straightening teeth with orthodontics remains the same, regardless of which solution you are using.  Pressure must be applied to the teeth consistently in order to move them from where they are currently to the correct position.  With metal braces, this is done by adjusting the wires that are threaded between your brackets.  They need to be either switched out or adjusted regularly in an orthodontist or dentist office.  With clear aligners, teeth are moved by switching out one aligner for the next one in the series.  Each aligner is designed to apply pressure in a specific way and as it does, teeth continue moving.  The key with both treatment options is to be consistent.  You must follow instructions, keep your appointments and keep your teeth clean and healthy so that they continue moving from crooked to straight.  Once done with your orthodontics treatment, your teeth will look beautiful and your smile amazing.