Misaligned teeth can make you feel insecure about your smile. You are not alone in this; the truth is most people are not born with perfect dentition; at some point in time, they have received dental treatment. You can have the perfect dentition with dental procedures such as Invisalign, braces, retainers, and in severe cases, dental surgery.
Why Are My Teeth Misaligned?
Your teeth could be misaligned for different reasons, and most of them are caused by your genetic makeup, so it is not your fault. Some primary reasons why your teeth may be misaligned are:
- Heredity
- Jaw misalignment
- Early tooth loss
- Putting too much pressure on your teeth or gums
You cannot know the root cause of your teeth misalignment till you have seen a dental professional. So book an appointment now at a dental clinic to examine your teeth.
Types Of Teeth Straightening Procedures
Teeth alignment procedures have evolved over the years, making it possible to obtain your desired smile. Here are the dental procedures available that will give you a beautiful smile:
- Invisalign
This procedure became popular in the 90s, because it was a fantastic way to straighten your teeth without wearing visible braces. Invisalign is a less painful and flattering way to straighten your teeth; it looks like a transparent mouth guard. It is also custom-made for you by your dentist after the examination of your teeth at a slightly higher cost than traditional braces.
Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective tooth straightening procedure for teenagers and adults. It is a suitable straightening option if you want to close gapped teeth, align misaligned teeth, and straighten underbites and overbites.
You would also need to wear the Invisalign for approximately 12-18 months to see results, depending on the severity of your misalignment. However, if your teeth are widely spaced, you will have to opt for more serious dental treatment like braces or dental surgery.
- Braces
Braces are almost always the solution to teeth straightening, as they are suitable for all types of misalignment.
Metal or traditional braces apply pressure to your teeth to hold them in place. It looks like a bracket made from metal wires and rubber bands designed to keep each tooth in place. You could get lingual braces if you do not want visible metal braces instead.
Lingual braces are almost invisible; instead of enclosing your teeth in a visible bracket, they are attached to the back of your teeth. The downside of these braces is that they are significantly more uncomfortable than other straightening methods and are more challenging to maintain.
- Retainers
They are after treatment for your teeth straightening procedure. They are designed to hold your teeth in place and prevent future misalignment, known as relapse. There are two types of retainers; permanent and removable.
Permanent retainers are generally recommended for people who have a high relapse risk or for children who may not be consistent with wearing removable retainers.
Removable retainers are more popular and easier to maintain. However, you would have to take them out to eat and brush your teeth.
How long do I have to wear retainers?
It takes about six months for your teeth to adjust to their new position, so you would probably be wearing it for 6-12 months.
However, it will still depend on your situation according to Wildflower Dental in Sun City. Some may require wearing them for years, while some may only need a few months. Some may also just need to wear them at night. It depends on the progress.
Final Thoughts
Teeth straightening is a terrific way to obtain a confident smile, and there are many options for alloptions. However, before you choose, consult with a dentist or orthodontist to determine the best straightening procedure with the lowest risk of relapse. Here is a professional dental clinic to visit to find the most suitable teeth straightening procedure.