Misaligned teeth can be embarrassing, but there are several treatment options available to straighten your smile. The most common method is to use traditional metal braces, which consist of a series of square-like brackets and an archwire.
강남역치과Teeth straightening is also known as orthodontics and is the process of correcting crooked teeth and bite problems through external pressure over time.
Braces
Braces are metal appliances that straighten teeth by exerting constant, gentle pressure on them. They’re most often used during childhood and early adolescence, but adults also receive them more frequently now than in the past.
In traditional braces, metal brackets are cemented to the front of each tooth. A dental wire runs through them, and the orthodontist expertly tightens it at regular intervals to gradually shift the teeth into their correct positions.
To make sure the wire is in the right position, ligature elastics, which are thin rubber bands, attach to the arch wire. These are usually colored to identify them, but they can be clear as well. Power chains, which are many ligature elastics joined together, can increase the amount of force on your teeth or close gaps faster than individual elastics alone. Nitinol wires, which NASA created for their space shuttles, have super-elasticity and may be used to speed up treatment or address more complicated cases.
Aligners
Many people are familiar with traditional metal braces, but clear aligners accomplish the same goal without the bulky appearance. These transparent trays are removable, so patients can take them out to eat and brush their teeth. They also provide a more flexible treatment plan than metal braces, with patients changing to a new set every few weeks.
The trays apply a constant force to help move the teeth, and they can be adjusted for an optimal fit. In addition to this pressure, aligners may use attachments, which are small bumps that improve the ability of the trays to grip on the teeth and guide them into place. They can be placed in a variety of ways, such as at pressure points to facilitate uprighting movements or power ridges to control intrusion movement and axial root movement.
Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic issue; they can lead to a number of problems, including jaw pain and headaches, tooth decay, gum disease, and poor chewing or speaking abilities. Straightening your teeth with these methods can prevent these problems from occurring in the future and make it easier to keep your mouth healthy.
Veneers
Veneers can make crooked teeth look straight and improve a smile by covering them with tooth-shaped shells. The dentist can stain the veneers to match the patient’s natural tooth color and make the teeth they cover appear unified. These porcelain shells can also fix a wide range of dental issues.
Patients may prefer veneers to braces because they are more comfortable and don’t require dietary restrictions. However, they are not as effective as other treatment options for straightening crooked teeth because they do not address the root of the problem.
During the veneers procedure, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic before shaping and roughing the tooth or teeth that are receiving the treatment. They will also remove a small portion of the tooth to make room for the veneer and then bond the veneer using unique cement. The dentist will double-check the fit and color of the veneers before permanently securing them to the teeth.
Lumineers
Lumineers are similar to veneers but less invasive and permanent. They can be used to fix certain cosmetic concerns, like a slightly crooked tooth or teeth that are discolored. These thin porcelain coatings are applied to the front of the teeth and color matched, so they look natural when smiling or laughing.
They can also be used to cover cracks or a chipped tooth, and they can fill in gaps between teeth. They can be an excellent option for patients who are too apprehensive to undergo orthodontic treatment.
The Lumineers procedure is relatively quick and painless, and it usually requires two visits to the dentist. The Doctor will check the Lumineers to make sure they fit properly, then make slight etches to the tooth’s surface before applying them. Unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers can be removed without harming the natural tooth structure, so they are an excellent alternative for patients who are too scared or nervous to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Palatal Expander
Palatal expanders are used to widen narrow upper jaws, providing more room for crowded teeth and fixing crossbites. They can also help prevent impacted adult teeth, which occur when a tooth cannot break through the gum due to lack of space.
The appliance is worn on the top row of your child’s teeth, and is activated by turning a key. This process is usually painless, although you may experience some tingling or pressure in the area. Each turn moves the expansion screw by a few millimeters, stretching the palate.
We typically recommend getting your child started on a palatal expander around age seven or eight. This is when their bones are still soft, and we can widen the jaw faster than we can in teenagers or adults. A removable palatal expander, which looks similar to an aligner tray with a screw in the middle, is also available for patients who need less extensive jaw correction.
Other Options
More and more adults are seeking out treatments to straighten their crooked teeth. There are several options available to them, from traditional metal braces to invisible clear aligners. Each has its positives and negatives. It is important to discuss the available treatment options with your orthodontist before making a decision.
Crooked teeth can not only affect your appearance but also make it hard to chew and clean your teeth properly. Getting them straightened can greatly improve your dental health as well as boost your self-esteem.
The most popular way to straighten teeth is with orthodontic treatment which is effective for children and adults of all ages. It can correct a wide variety of dental alignment problems including an overbite, underbite, cross bite, crowded teeth, splayed or protruded teeth and more. For more information about teeth straightening and the options available, book a consultation with a specialist orthodontist today.