Most people choose to straighten their teeth to achieve a more appealing smile and improve their oral health. Even if you had braces as a child, your teeth might have shifted and are probably misaligned, which results in many adults suffering from crooked teeth. While the options for straightening teeth used to be restricted to bracket and wire metal braces, there are now more options available for creating a beautiful smile.
Traditional Braces
When we think of braces, we automatically think about the traditional bracket and wire braces of two decades ago. Traditional braces are not what they used to be. Although they are still comprised of brackets and wires, the brackets are much smaller, come in colors for fun or concealment, and use fewer rubber bands to reduce the amount of wounds in the mouth. While these are not the choice of many adults, they are still widely recommended for children and adolescents because treatment can be completed in 12 months.
New Age, Clear Aligners
Invisalign® is the new age, revolutionary way to straighten your teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, clear removable plastic aligners are used to gently move teeth. Digital images are taken to map out treatment needs, and a custom treatment plan is made for each patient to determine how many liners will be needed. Most patients will wear 20 to 30 liners over 12 to 18 months. The liners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. Because the liners are clear, this is a popular choice for adults who want to maintain a professional appearance or don’t want anyone to know that they are straightening their teeth.
A Complete Makeover
Porcelain veneers are the complete makeover and a quick fix for mild to moderately crooked teeth. They are also used to improve the size and shape of teeth, if needed, to fill in gaps. Veneers are porcelain shells that are fitted over the natural teeth. Impressions are taken and sent off to a dental lab where custom veneers are made. You will then return to have the veneers bonded to the teeth. Removal of a thin layer of enamel is needed to fit the veneers over the existing teeth.
For more information about straightening your teeth or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 310-273-0111.