Perfectly aligned and straight teeth are essential for several reasons. Not only do straight teeth make you look more attractive and friendly, but they also allow you to eat and speak without difficulty. Besides, crooked or misaligned teeth often cause a bad bite, leading to various problems such as teeth grinding, tooth decay, and temporomandibular joint disorders. That is why it is crucial to get misaligned teeth straightened as soon as possible.
If you wish to get your misaligned teeth straightened, then you several options to choose from. You can either choose the traditional fixed braces or could opt for the removal of Invisalign clear aligners. If you would like to know more about various teeth straightening options, read on. This article explains everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment options so you can make an informed decision.
How To Fix Crooked Teeth In Adults?
Previously, it was thought that only youngsters or younger adults could get their teeth straightened. Thanks to modern orthodontic treatment options, anyone can get aligned at any stage of their life. The statistics provided by the British Orthodontic Society show that there is an increased interest among older adults to seek orthodontic treatment. The survey showed that 75% of the surveyed elders were seeking private orthodontic treatment.
According to the British Orthodontic Society, there are two main types of treatments available for adults; the fixed braces and removable clear aligners. Your orthodontist will first perform a detailed clinical examination to prepare a detailed treatment plan – and ascertain which treatment option best suits your treatment needs. While the Invisalign aligners are suitable for fixing mild to moderate problems, the fixed braces are ideal for fixing more complex issues that involve the bite. If the underlying problem is due to the misalignment of the jaws, then your dentist may perform jaw surgery before the orthodontic treatment.
Can I Have Home-made Braces To Straighten Teeth?
If you search the internet for homemade teeth straightening options, you will find thousands of brands offering quick results at unbelievably low costs. Yes, homemade teeth straightening systems do exist – simply order them online and start using them! But have you wondered whether they are effective or is it safe to use them?
Those homemade braces offer a “one-size fits all” solution; they are not designed precisely according to your specific orthodontic problem. As a result, they may not be able to fix your problem completely. Instead, they may aggravate it and cause complications like gum recession, pulp inflammation and even tooth loss!
Therefore, it is always best to get your teeth straightened by an experienced and qualified dentist or orthodontist.
How To Fix One Crooked Tooth?
There are various options available to fix a single crooked tooth. While your orthodontist may have to use braces for a single misaligned tooth, you may not need to get brackets on all your teeth – only the front upper and lower six teeth – and that too for a short duration, usually four to six months. Invisalign aligners are another option- the Invisalign aligner treatment involves wearing a series of aligners that fix crooked teeth applying gradual pressure. Finally, if you do not wish to undergo orthodontic treatment, your dentist may fix the crooked teeth cosmetically by using a composite bonded veneer.
Fixing Crooked Teeth With Veneers?
According to the American Dental Association, a veneer is a thin sheet of porcelain that is attached to the front surface of your teeth to treat various aesthetic and structural tooth defects. While veneers can be used to fix the misalignment of one or more teeth cosmetically, this is not always a recommended solution. Why?
Because veneers require removal of the healthy tooth structure for their placement – which is an irreversible process. Besides, veneers have a limited service life, and they need to be replaced after a few years. Therefore, orthodontic treatment is always the best option for fixing tooth misalignment, even if it involves a single tooth.
What are the common habits recalls crooked teeth?
Many cases of tooth misalignment are observed because of bad dental habits developed during childhood. Some of these habits include:
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrust
- Prolonged bottle-feeding
- Nail-biting
- Teeth grinding
That is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that parents should take their children to an orthodontist at least once before their 7th birthday. This is crucial because the orthodontist may detect any habits in your child which may lead to crooked teeth later in life and prevent the situation by taking necessary measures.
How To Get A Beautiful Smile Naturally?
They say, “a healthy smile is a beautiful smile”. So it all comes down to how healthy your teeth and gums are. The secret to enjoying a naturally beautiful smile is straightforward; meticulous oral hygiene maintenance, a tooth-friendly diet, and regular dental checkup visits. That’s all you need.
Is Surgery Required For Straight Teeth Treatments?
While your orthodontist may fix many orthodontic problems with braces or aligners, some issues – those involving the misalignment or improper positioning of the jaws – may require surgical treatment. This type of surgical treatment is known as orthognathic surgery, and it is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthesia.
How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?
The time required for braces to straighten your teeth depends on various factors, such as the severity of the problem, the type of treatment you prefer and patient compliance. It also depends on whether you need additional orthodontic appliances for your treatment, like palatal expanders. Generally, mild to moderate orthodontic problems can be fixed with braces in 12-18 months, while more complex issues may take up to 18-24 months.
Another factor that is crucial in determining the success of your orthodontic treatment is the skill and qualification of your orthodontist.
If you are looking for an orthodontic practice in Surrey to get your teeth straightened, Ewell Orthodontics should be your first choice. Our highly qualified team of experienced specialist orthodontists will offer you a treatment option that most convenient, cost-effective and most suitable for your treatment needs – and brings the best out of your smile! So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment today for a free consultation and leave the rest with us.