January 30, 2023

Which Teeth Straightening Treatment Option is Best for me?

Crooked or badly aligned teeth can not only make your smile less appealing, but even more importantly, teeth alignment issues might also cause various oral health problems.

From the dental health point of view, misaligned teeth can lead to various issues including difficulty with chewing correctly and speaking problems, as well as greater likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. That is why straightening teeth can not just improve a person’s appearance but also overall oral health.

Not forgetting appearance, though, straightening your teeth will have a  large impact on how you look and thus how you feel. Crooked or misaligned teeth can lead to embarrassment and self-consciousness. Correcting teeth misalignment can thus improve self-esteem and confidence. A straight, well aligned smile will also likely improve the symmetry and balance of the face, which will simply make the person look better, as humans naturally prefer more symmetrical faces.

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth, it’s important to talk to your dentist or your orthodontist to establish the treatment that is best in your specific circumstances.

We will discuss the main methods for straightening teeth further on in the article, but let us start with the issue of the best age for orthodontic treatment.

Am I not too old to straighten my teeth?

The best age for orthodontic treatments aiming to straighten your teeth depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Although it is best to deal with orthodontic issues early, as this can often lead to faster and more effective treatment, it is common for adults to undertake orthodontic treatment.

While early treatment can help to correct teeth misalignment issues and prevent them from getting worse, it really is never too late to straighten crooked teeth. That is why many adults seek orthodontic treatment to deal with issues that were not treated in childhood or teenage years. While such treatment may take longer in adults, it will still work to make misaligned teeth straighter.

It is important to start with a consultation with an experienced orthodontist to assess your specific needs and develop the optimal treatment plan.

This article will explain the orthodontic options available to patients who would like to align their teeth for aesthetic and dental health benefits, taking measures to prevent future dental issues.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces, also known as “train track” braces, are one of the most common and effective methods for straightening teeth. These braces consist of metal brackets fastened to the fronts of the teeth and connected by a metal wire. The wire is tightened periodically by the orthodontist, which gradually moves the teeth to where they should be.

These braces have some important advantages over other types of orthodontic treatments.

One of the main advantages of traditional metal braces is that they are typically more durable and thus last longer than other types. They also tend to be cheaper than other braces.

Another advantage of traditional metal braces is that they can be used for correcting a very broad range of misalignments, including crowded teeth or teeth with gaps between them, crooked teeth, overbite and underbite. They are also very versatile, being suitable for children, teenagers, and adults.

The biggest disadvantages of traditional metal braces is that they are very visible, which might make some people self conscious, and may require some adjustments to the individual’s diet and oral hygiene routine. Flossing and rinsing becomes very important, and hard, sticky, or sugary foods are best avoided as these can damage the braces.

Clear braces

Clear braces, also known as tooth-colored or ceramic braces, are similar to traditional metal braces in terms of function, but they use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of ceramic instead of metal ones.

Just like traditional braces, clear ceramic braces use brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth, slowly moving them into place.

For people who don’t want to draw attention to their braces, clear ones are a more attractive option.

Clear ceramic braces are less durable than traditional metal braces, and thus may require more careful handling and maintenance to avoid damaging them.

Additionally, clear ceramic braces tend to be more expensive than traditional braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an increasingly more popular alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth, and for a reason.

Instead of using semi-permanently fastened brackets and wires, the Invisalign system applies clear, custom-made aligners to slowly but surely shift the teeth into their proper position. These aligners are made of a transparent plastic that is pretty much invisible when worn. This makes Invisalign a more discreet option for people, who may be self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces.

But the benefits of Invisalign are not limited to appearance. A huge practical advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing easier and more comfortable in comparison to traditional braces.

That said, aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours per day if they are to work properly.

The convenience and appearance advantages of Invisalign come at a higher financial cost, but many patients find the benefits more than worth the extra cost.

It is important to remember that Invisalign will not be suitable for all patients. A consultation with an orthodontist is necessary to find out if using Invisalign is possible.

Once the Invisalign treatment is underway, the patient needs to visit their orthodontist or dentist on a regular basis to check the progress.

Overall, Invisalign is a popular and effective option for straightening teeth, and is chosen by more and more patients nowadays due to its clear advantages. It is still important to carefully consider all treatment options and discuss them with a dental professional before making a decision.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are metal braces that are fastened to the back of the teeth. This makes the brackets less visible than in the case of the traditional braces, as they are hidden from view when the person talks or smiles.

This “invisibility” can be a major benefit for people who are concerned or self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces and want a less obvious treatment option.

On the disadvantage side, lingual braces can be more difficult to adjust and maintain than traditional braces, as they are harder to reach. They can also be more uncomfortable to wear, as the tongue is exposed to the metal elements.

Lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional metal braces and also than Invisalign.