Your smile can make a huge difference in the way you look, and those perfect pearly whites can dazzle everyone. Having crooked teeth can spoil the way you look and make you self-conscious. Dentists today can help you fix this problem with teeth straightening. Not only does it improve your smile, but teeth straightening also make your teeth work better.
Teeth straightening involve wearing a removable or fixed brace to help correct crowded or crooked teeth. This branch of dentistry is known as orthodontics, and you can have it done no matter how old you are.
Teeth Straightening Pre-requisites
Before starting the treatment for teeth straightening, your orthodontist will need to do a complete assessment. He or she will look at your teeth and take X-rays or photographs to figure out what suits you best. For example, you might need to have some teeth removed, if there is not enough space to accommodate the straightened teeth.
The dental exam will also determine if you have healthy teeth or not. Decayed teeth or infected gums can delay your teeth straightening treatment. You will need to follow good oral hygiene as well to lower the chance of any complications during the treatment.
How do the teeth straighten process work?
You would need to wear a fixed or removable brace to straighten your teeth. The brace slowly moves the teeth to the right position using gentle pressure, while you wear it. You will always need to keep the brace on, usually for about a few months to two years. You will need to have the brace checked by your dentist or orthodontist and the dentist might make some adjustments to the brace.
Most people opt to have teeth straightening done when their permanent teeth have just come out, by the age of 13. However, teeth straightening can be done at any age.
Advantages of Teeth Straightening
With advanced orthodontic treatment, the need to visit dentists also becomes less and thus saves time and money.
Orthodontics has progressed a lot and some orthodontic treatment does not require the patient to wear braces. This reduces the time taken for teeth straightening considerably.
There is a reduced chance of calcification after teeth straightening.
Teeth straightening has become less painful and is quite comfortable to have the treatment done.
Disadvantages of Teeth Straightening
The main disadvantage of teeth straightening is the discomfort a person may feel to wear braces or the recuperation period after having dental surgery done can be painful.
Dental Braces for Teeth Straightening
Dental braces apply pressure continually and slowly move the teeth in the desired direction. The pressure also makes the bone change its shape. Dental braces are made up:
These are small squares that are attached directly to the front of each tooth with a special bonding agent or are attached to orthodontic bands. Brackets can be of different types and may be attached to the back of the teeth to make them less visible.
Orthodontic bands. These are clear or steel or tooth-colored bands that are fixed to the teeth with dental bonding agents. The bands serve as an anchor for the brackets. Brackets can work alone or with bands.
These are fitted in between teeth to create a tiny space before putting in orthodontic bands.
Thin wires are attached to the brackets to guide the movement of the teeth. They can be made of metal, plastic or can be tooth colored.
Archwire. The archwire to attached to the brackets with small rings or wires known as ties. They can be clear, metallic, or colored.
Buccal Tube. The band of the last tooth has a buccal tube that holds the end of the archwire firmly in position.
There may be other components of dental braces as well, but the aim is to slowly correct the positioning of the teeth.
Teeth straightening allows you to have increased self-confidence in yourself and it improves both the looks and functionality of the teeth. Visit an orthodontist today for more details.
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