Straightening crooked teeth is an important treatment that is becoming more popular with millions of Americans every year, just based on the number of people opting to get braces. Experts specializing in knowing how to straighten teeth are known as orthodontists, and they use a selection of special tools to shift tooth positions over time.
But if you’re considering orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, which method should you choose?
Why Do I Have Crooked Teeth? Causes Explained
Crooked teeth are very common, and children and adults alike can develop crooked teeth. This often happens during the initial transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Teeth can sometimes erupt in crooked positions because they don’t fit within the space available in the gums. Also, childhood habits like sucking on a thumb or pacifier can change the positions of baby teeth. Other times, it can be down to genetic variables, such as jaw size, or factors such as poor nutrition, dental care, or facial trauma.
It’s not always necessary to straighten crooked teeth; you can wear your smile proudly because it’s a part of what makes you unique. However, if your crooked teeth are causing health or oral problems, such as problems with your bite, it might be the right choice for you.
How To Straighten Teeth
There are many options for how to straighten your teeth, and you can discuss these with an orthodontist. Teeth straightening surgery is an option, but the most common way to straighten teeth is to get braces.
Braces are orthodontic devices that apply constant, gradual pressure to shift teeth into the desired positions over some time. Treatment durations vary, and traditional braces can take a year or two for treatment to complete. However, more modern options promise faster results in shorter periods.
Here are some of the available kinds of braces:
- Ceramic braces. These are popular because the individual brackets that go on the teeth and the wire that connects them are lighter in color and provide better aesthetics.
- Metal braces. These fixed braces are more robust than ceramic braces and can be a better option for people who need a lot of alignment work done.
- Lingual braces. Compared to traditional braces, lingual braces are practically invisible because they attach to the rear surfaces of your front teeth. However, they can take longer to provide treatment and can be more expensive.
- Invisible braces or aligners. Invisible braces such as Invisalign are becoming incredibly popular because they are clear and blend in with your mouth’s natural appearance. However, they take longer to work than traditional braces and don’t work for severe misalignments.
What Happens When You Get Braces
When you decide to get braces, your dentist will examine the shape and structure of your jaw, teeth, and mouth. They will perform X-rays and make a mold of your teeth to aid in fitting your braces. An important part of getting braces is examining your bite, which is how your teeth come together in your mouth.
A qualified orthodontist will evaluate whether braces are the right option for you and educate you about what you should expect during the time you will wear them.
Dynamic Dental Solutions is your premier family dentistry option in Baytown, TX. We provide exceptional dental services and care for all patients of all ages. Because of this, we’re proud to be a complete solution to all of your dental concerns. So, if you have any questions about your oral health, feel free to give us a call at (281) 837-9090.