Take a look at our society, and you’ll quickly realize that teeth are one of our most important features. We place a huge emphasis on having straight and white teeth, and anything less than that isn’t attractive.
In addition to providing us with nice smiles, our teeth also help us eat and speak. So correcting crookedness is beneficial in more ways than one!
If you want straight teeth, then you might be wondering about your choices. Below are some common dental procedures for teeth straightening.
Braces
Metal bracket braces are most commonly used to straighten teeth. They’re very noticeable though, which can make you feel self-conscious. However, they’re a very affordable option and they’re very effective.
for something less conspicuous, consider ceramic braces. They look and function just like the metal version, but the brackets are ceramic, which allows them to blend in with your teeth more.
Another choice is lingual braces. They’re just like metal bracket braces, but instead of going in the front of your teeth, they go in the back.
Dental Aligners
Dental aligners are also known as clear braces; you might know them as Invisalign, but that’s just a brand name.
These are very inconspicuous and give you more freedom. You can take them out any time you like, so you don’t have to restrict what you eat or drink.
However, they’re not great for more serious cases. They’re also more expensive and require more responsibility from the user.
Veneers
Veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth, but they can give them that appearance. They’re great for instant results and minor imperfections in your teeth.
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. They can help you achieve a more uniform look.
Palate Expanders
Palate expanders are usually used for children before they go through puberty and get their adult teeth in. They’re considered an early orthodontic treatment, as they can help with impacted and crowded teeth.
These expanders can be either removable or permanent, but the treatment time isn’t very long. You can expect your child to wear their palate expander for around 3 to 6 months.
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) is saved for severe cases. It’s usually recommended after someone’s been through puberty, as natural skeletal changes are less likely to occur.
Jaw surgery can be quite expensive, but the good news is, many insurance policies cover it. Make sure to check with your company.
A local orthodontist like Red Rock Orthodontics can provide all these teeth straightening services. Learn more about Red Rock Orthodontics here.
Ask About Teeth Straightening
You now know about your choices for teeth straightening.
If any of them appeal to you, then it’s time to ask your dentist or orthodontist about it. They can tell you more and determine if you’re a good candidate. Then you’ll be on your way to straight and beautiful pearly whites!
To learn more about dental services and oral care, keep browsing our blog now.
