How to Fix Crooked Teeth A Quick Guide

Do your teeth need straightening, but you don’t want traditional metal braces? Consider one of the many new braces technology options available today. Instead of metal braces, you might wear ceramic braces, lingual braces, or invisible aligners for your smile correction.

Many blogs tout the benefits of clear aligners, but they’re not the only solution. Ceramic braces work like metal braces, but the tooth-colored ceramic material makes them almost unnoticeable. Actor Tom Cruise wore them while filming “Minority Report” to give you an idea of how stealthy this dental option proves.

Lingual braces attach to the back of the teeth. They take a bit longer for a dentist to install, but the patient wears them for about the same length of time as regular braces. This option costs a bit more than metal or ceramic braces but offers a completely invisible method that can straighten even the most crooked teeth.

Invisible straightening methods like Invisalign work best for people with slightly to moderately crooked teeth. This method can’t straighten severely crooked or overlapping teeth. It also can’t address jaw misalignment.

Visit your dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign, metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces. Only through a dental exam can you find out which teeth straightening option would work best for you. Regardless of the option you wear, you may need to sleep with a retainer on for a few months to a year after you complete your braces treatment.

Do you have crooked teeth that causes you tooth pain? There are many teeth straightening options out there, so here are some options to consider before heading to your cosmetic dentist.

Using a retainer

These are great for minor problems including minor gaps and one or two crooked teeth. They are a less expensive option, and are usually worn during the nighttime. A dentist will also prescribe a retainer after using braces, to keep your teeth in proper alignment.

Porcelain veneers

A veneer is a thin, porcelain covering that is bonded to the front of your tooth. They are used in order to fix crooked teeth, discoloration, or to give an even looking appearance and shape to your mouth. Veneers are great alternatives to crowns as they give a more realistic appearance and last for longer. To prepare your teeth for the procedure, your dentist will file the teeth down and mold the composite to fit each tooth specifically. The procedure will cause you some sensitivity, and you will have to refrain from eating tough foods for about a week. But once you are completely healed, you will be able to go back to your normal eating habits.

Braces

Braces are pieces of wire that are adjusted by your cosmetic dentist to achieve a straight smile. They can correct a crooked mouth, overbites, under bites, and a multitude of other dental problems. There are many different options to choose from including invisible plastic braces, headgear, and partial braces. There are even invisible braces that are connected to your mouth on the back of your teeth, but they make it harder for you to speak. It is important to know that you will have to change your eating habits if you opt for braces, and will have to learn how to speak and brush your teeth with braces.

Brush regularly

Practicing good hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent a crooked smile. Gingivitis which is a build up of plaque can lead to teeth falling out and shifting, and the base of the tooth is not strong enough to withstand harm. Flossing at least once a day will help prevent this as well!