Are you looking to straighten your
teeth?
Straight teeth are one of the essential elements of beauty. Your smile is one of the first things a person notices when they meet you. Smiling is also a psychological trick to make a good first impression.
However, not all people are
confident about their smiles. Studies show that more than half of American adults feel insecure about their smiles. If
this is your problem, straightening your teeth may be your only solution.
Teeth realignment does not only
provide cosmetic benefits. If you're going to the dentist for a teeth
straightening procedure, we got you! Here's everything you need to know before
going to the orthodontist.
Risks
Associated With Crooked Teeth
There's no such thing as perfect
teeth. Many children are born with misaligned teeth, and many take it to their
adulthood. However, severe cases of crooked teeth could present you with health
problems.
Here are some of the effects of
having crooked teeth.
Periodontal
Disease
Crooked teeth can make it hard for
you to observe proper dental hygiene due to the abnormal spacing. This makes
your teeth susceptible to developing cavities and gum disease. If left
untreated, this could turn into more serious conditions like periodontal
disease.
Chewing
and Digestion
Severe cases of misaligned teeth can
make it difficult to chew well. This can lead to digestion problems.
Excess
Wear
Crooked teeth can put a lot of
strain on your jaw muscles, teeth, and gums. If left untreated, it could result
in cracked teeth. Some people experience strain in their jaw, chronic
headaches, and temporomandibular joint disorder.
Self-Esteem
and Speech
Having crooked teeth can discourage
you from smiling. For many people, their insecurities root from the appearance
of their teeth.
You may start avoiding or talking to
people to prevent you from showing your teeth. Crooked teeth sometimes affect a
person's ability to speak.
Teeth
Straightening Options
If you're looking to straighten your
teeth, there are a few options you can look at. Braces are one of the most
common procedures you can do. Braces are compatible with all ages.
If you've been looking to straighten
your child's teeth, braces are a great option. It's effective for children due
to its flexible gums and malleable bone tissues.
Depending on the severity of your
case, braces can last anywhere between 2-3 years. Here are some options you can
consider if you're planning on getting braces.
Metal
Braces
Metal braces are the most common
procedure if you're planning to get braces. A dentist will attach brackets to
your teeth with specialized concrete. They will connect this to flexible wire
and bands to correct your teeth.
Many people fear getting braces due
to the amount of material. However, braces are much comfortable than they were
before. You can even choose your preferred color of brands to make your braces
prettier.
Depending on your case, metal braces
will cost you from $3,000 to $7,500. Your dentist may prescribe you to wear
headgear in addition to your fixed braces. You will only wear these at night.
Ceramic
Braces
If you're looking for a more lowkey
solution, you may opt for ceramic braces. These braces and flexible wires can
be clear or tooth-colored. Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces will stand
out less.
However, ceramic brackets are prone
to stains. They are also more fragile, make them susceptible to breakage and
cracking.
Your braces can cost between $3,500
to $8,00, depending on your demographics and case. If you have insurance
coverage, you could get this for a lower price.
Invisible
Braces or Invisalign
Straightening your teeth with
Invisalign may take longer than the traditional braces. Only adults and teens
are candidates for invisible braces. Your dentist will prescribe you custom-fit
plastic aligners.
These clear aligners will fit over
your teeth, much like a mouthguard. At least once a month, you must visit your
dentist to get a new pair. However, this may not be the best option if you need
severe tooth alignment correction.
Wondering if you're a viable
candidate for Invisalign? Check out this Invisalign dentist to find out more.
Lingual
Braces
If you want to hide your braces, you
can opt to get lingual braces. This type of braces sits on the other side of
your teeth. This means your braces will be facing your tongue.
If you're confident in your dental
hygiene, you may be a good candidate for lingual braces. Lingual braces are
harder to clean than traditional metal brackets. It can also take a while to
get used to these braces, meaning it may take longer to see results.
Aside from braces, you may also take
a look at other procedures like surgery.
Surgical
Procedures
If you're not willing to wear braces
for a long time, you can get your teeth straightened with surgery. This allows
you to reposition the gums and bones around your teeth. Depending on your case,
your dentist may also recommend jaw alignment surgery.
Straightening your teeth with
surgery may be a good option if it affected your speech or chewing. The cost
for a surgical procedure will depend on your location and health insurance.
Can
I Straighten My Teeth at Home?
Straightening your teeth at home may
seem possible with recent technology. However, experts advise against DIY
straightening procedures. DIY braces are dangerous and could give you many
health complications.
Using rubber bands, paper clips, or
glue to straighten your teeth makes you prone to injury. You may even suffer
from infection or permanent damage. If you want to straighten your teeth,
consult a professional.
To effectively correct your teeth,
you need to know your problem teeth and how they need to move. Your dentist
will be able to provide you with essential information.
Everything
You Need to Know Before Straightening Your Teeth
Looking to get a teeth-straightening
procedure? Straightening your teeth could involve various procedures, such as
braces or surgery. Here's everything you need to know so you know which method
is best for you!
Of course, dental care doesn't end here! Looking for more information on improving your dental health? Check out our other oral health guides today!
