Having straight teeth can give you a headache when it comes to thinking about the maintenance and cost of the procedure you are choosing. Orthodontic treatments like Invisalign can be expensive, and new types of dental braces can cost you serious bucks. So, is there a better way for us to fix our malocclusion that’s easy on the budget? Is there a way to straighten teeth without braces? Here are your options on how to get straight teeth without breaking the bank. MLD Burwood offers affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages, check out their site today to learn more.
Teeth Straightening: Problems with Teeth Alignment
When it comes to having perfect teeth, the first thing that comes to your mind is the need to undergo orthodontic treatment, whether it’s traditional braces or invisible aligners like ClearCorrect invisible braces. But before all that, what matters most is the type of problem that you need to correct with your teeth. Why? Because there are other ways to straighten teeth, aside from getting into orthodontics.
Overcrowding
If you see that your teeth are ‘clumped’ in a certain spot in your mouth while the others are correctly spaced, you may have a case of overcrowded teeth. There are two ways to address this: one is through retainers and the other one is through dental veneers or crowns (cosmetic dentistry).
Dentists or other dental specialists who treat you for gum disease or tooth decay would usually prescribe retainers to maintain the alignment of teeth after you wear braces or any orthodontic treatment. However, for small adjustments, a retainer may be able to do the trick.
On the other hand, if your only goal is to straighten the look of your teeth without really correcting their position, then dental veneers are for you. Dentists would stick some thin porcelain shells on each of your teeth to mask the uneven alignment, serving as the new facade or surface of your overcrowded teeth. He can also recommend dental crowns that can also hide your teeth’s imperfections. He just has to reshape your teeth a bit so the ‘caps’ can fit to restore their shape, size, strength, and improve their appearance.
Malocclusion
Traditional metal braces and clear aligners are not the only options you can get when you want to straighten your teeth. You should also take into consideration that maybe you also need to address fixing your bite. If your bite is the reason why you have crooked teeth, then you can either use a Herbst appliance or a headgear.
The Herbst appliance is a short metal arm that joins a molar in your upper and lower jaws to keep them aligned. This appliance would be worn for about a year, during which time the orthodontist would gradually reposition the lower jaw into the proper position.
Headgear is made up of a strap that wraps around the back of the head or neck and wires that travel around the side of the face and into the mouth. The teeth and jaw are gently pressed by the headpiece. Typically, this device is worn for several hours every day until the jaw is properly aligned.
Palatal Space Issue
The roof of your mouth separates your oral cavity from your nasal cavity. Kids who have narrow upper jaws have dentists attribute it to their palatal issue. What they would recommend is to have a palatal expander.
Your child’s orthodontist may use a palatal expander to widen the arch of their upper teeth if their mouth is too small for their eventual adult teeth. Dental cement will be used to secure the expander to your child’s upper molars. During visits, the orthodontist will gradually apply pressure to the upper jaw’s left and right halves with a particular key. The extra bone grows between the two parts of the jaw, widening your child’s mouth and allowing their teeth to shift into the right position. Although expanders are usually undetectable, your child may experience some discomfort each time it is adjusted.
Straighten Teeth with Orthodontic Treatment
You have to face the truth if your crooked teeth need more than just cosmetic steps. Porcelain veneers, crowns, and dental bonding can only do so much. Other dental treatments can cater to the appearance and do not correct or improve the function or position of your teeth. Straighter teeth truly need orthodontic treatments facilitated by a dental professional. Correct your misaligned teeth the best way.
Traditional Braces
Braces are dental appliances that gradually reposition and straighten your teeth using pressure and control.
Metal braces are what many consider the typical form of dental braces. This procedure uses wires and brackets made with stainless steel so it can handle the pressure of positioning your teeth correctly.
Because many patients do not like how metal braces can be so noticeable, ceramic and lingual braces entered the picture. They may not be considered invisible braces, but they can at least be discrete. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets to somehow hide your orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces, on the other hand, are metal braces that are placed at the backside of your teeth. Both address the physical issues of traditional braces, but their function and cost could never compare to the durability and affordability of the metal type.
Clear Aligners
If your dentist determines you have mild to moderately crowded teeth, he may recommend clear aligners. This procedure uses aligner trays that are typically worn for at least 22 hours a day. These trays can gradually change the positioning of your teeth without using any wires, brackets, rubber bands, and even surgery.
Your orthodontist is in the best position to give recommendations for teeth straightening that are suited to your needs. Hopefully, now that you and your dentist have a good understanding of your options, you and your dentist will be able to agree on a course of action to straighten your teeth that will make you smile. The downside of this is the cost; it is a bit more expensive than braces. The good thing is, some dental clinics and providers offer bulk-billing, so the cost and payment plans can be convenient.
References:
Is There a Way to Straighten Teeth Without Braces?
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/straighten-teeth-without-braces
How To Straighten Teeth Without Braces
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/how-to-straighten-teeth-without-braces
The Best Ways To Straighten Teeth, According To Experts Who Know
All About Palate Expanders
