Today there are many teeth straightening options that can help children, teenagers, and adults attain a better smile. Having a beautiful and straight smile is the dream of many people. It can boost self-esteem and make people more comfortable in social settings. If you are thinking about improving your smile, you can benefit from first learning about the different teeth straightening options.
Teeth straightening
Braces are one of the main devices that are used to align and straighten teeth. The appliances are commonly used to treat large gaps between teeth or crowded or misaligned teeth. But there are many other options that may be beneficial. People with limited overcrowding or malocclusion may opt for orthodontic treatment that does not involve wearing braces. The various options can also help a patient with an underdeveloped palate or narrow upper jaw.
Retainers
Retainers are usually used to stabilize teeth and retain their position after orthodontic work. But they can also be used for minor teeth straightening. Fixed retainers can be attached to the teeth to prevent them from shifting. This helps not only to correct the bite but also to straighten teeth. It is a good long-term solution, but people cannot remove these retainers themselves for repair or relief.
Removable retainers are a great choice for people who want to improve the smile’s appearance. For instance, Hawley retainers can be made for the arches of the mouth to brace and straighten teeth. Removable retainers are preferred by some patients because they can remove them for relief or social events. But it is easy for patients to lose or misplace them when out of the mouth.
Palatal expanders
Sometimes, a child’s mouth may be too small to accommodate all the future adult teeth. A palatal expander may be inserted by a dental provider to widen the arch of the upper teeth. This helps to create enough space for the teeth to move into their proper positions naturally. Dental cement is often used to fasten the expander to the upper molars.
A specific key is used to turn a screw in the center, which places gradual pressure on the two halves of the upper jaw. This allows extra bone to grow between them. This increases the mouth’s width so that the teeth can shift into position. Expanders are effective, but patients may experience some discomfort each time it is adjusted.
Headgear
Headgear is an appliance that can be used to achieve a better smile without braces. For children, headgear can be used to correct an excessive overbite. The appliance works by placing pressure against the upper teeth and jaw. This moves the teeth and jaw into the ideal position. The treatment can only be successful if the headgear is worn for a specific number of hours every day.
Benefits of having straight teeth
An individual does not need to live with crooked teeth. Achieving a straight smile can happen at any age. The dentist can choose the teeth straightening option that can meet the patient’s needs. The right one can bring about the following benefits:
- It can help one live longer. Studies show that root tip infections and coronary heart disease have a significant connection. There is also a link between cancer and gum disease. Teeth straightening can help keep one’s teeth and gums secure from bacteria. It can help an individual prevent many chronic and life-threatening health issues.
- It can make chewing more enjoyable. Crooked teeth prevent the upper and lower teeth from meeting. This makes chewing painful and awkward. It can also result in faster enamel erosion. Pain and discoloration can then occur. Teeth straightening can restore proper biting and chewing. It will allow an individual to eat properly. This treatment can help the person enjoy meals and take in proper nutrients.
- It makes teeth cleaning easier. Misaligned teeth can make some areas unreachable and difficult to clean. This can result in more plaque and tartar buildup. Improper teeth cleaning can result in many dental issues. Teeth straightening can make dental care practices more effective.
- It helps increase one’s self-esteem. Crooked teeth can affect the way a person looks. It can then impact a person’s self-esteem and interactions with other people. Self-isolation is easier to do than having to deal with questions and ridicule. Teeth straightening can improve one’s appearance. This can then improve one’s personal life and career path.
Takeaway
Although braces are often effective for treating oral conditions, they may not be needed at all for some problems. Retainers, headgear, and palatal expanders can also be used to fix dental issues and straighten teeth. Your dentist can determine the ideal way for teeth straightening. The choice will depend on the kind of problem that needs to be resolved.
Are you considering teeth straightening in the Reston area? Get more information at https://www.orthodonticprecision.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Reston, VA.
Recent Posts
Braces for kids play a crucial role in helping children develop healthy and well-aligned smiles. With so many options available today, it can be challenging for parents to decide which style best fits their child. With the help of an orthodontist, parents can learn which braces are best suited to their child’s needs.Parents need to…
Are you looking to achieve a Hollywood smile? A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. These clear aligners are available for adults and teenagers interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and the appearance of their smiles. Along with a discreet appearance, these aligners do not contain metal components that…
It is easy to understand why Invisalign® for Teens is a popular teeth-straightening treatment. It removes the need for traditional braces that can be cumbersome, conspicuous, and sometimes painful. Whether you are a parent or teen unsure of what to ask regarding Invisalign for Teens, this article will review some important points to cover during…
Taking a child to the pediatric dentist early in life has many benefits. For one thing, parents will be able to know if their child needs orthodontic treatment. In fact, a preventative dental care routine from an early age can prevent the need for orthodontic procedures completely. However, genetics, abnormal dental growth, injuries, and other…