The Most Up-to-Date Teeth Straightening Techniques to Try
There’s a lot of talks these days about skincare or, more generally, self-care since so many of us are working from home, and have a bit more time to take care of ourselves. Oral hygiene should be part of everyone’s self-care routine; taking extra care of our teeth would be time and money well spent. After all, oral health is about far more than just our physical appearance (although, of course, that comes into play). It can affect our general health and wellbeing, and taking good care of your teeth can prevent infections that can affect you in more drastic ways.
That being said, not everyone had access to excellent dental care growing up, and we sometimes find ourselves with crooked teeth when we are well into our twenties and thirties. A lopsided smile can, of course, have its charm, but if your teeth are not straight at all, it can make it difficult to chew properly and cause other kinds of pain or nuisances that affect your overall quality of all.
If this is relatable to you, then check out the following newfangled ways to straighten your teeth.
Adult Braces
Perhaps the more conventional and old fashioned route, adult braces remain the most reliable way of straightening teeth. So, they are not an up to date technique, but they have become very sophisticated, both in terms of their efficacy and their subtle look. Instead of consisting of a metal band around every tooth, they now mostly utilize wires held with a single bracket cemented on the front of the tooth, with a few bands in the back anchoring the wires. Also, instead of metal, most models available in the market this year are clear, or even made of tooth-colored ceramic. Getting teeth to straighten with braces is pretty short, so they remain a preferable option. However, even the newer ceramic options can be slightly noticeable, so if you are even a little bit skittish about people noticing, then this might not be an option for you.
“Invisible” Braces
There is a big stigma associated with braces, and the term “metal mouth” remains one of the most common playground insults, which is why adults hesitate to consider this option. If this is a sensitive issue for you, then clear aligners such as Invisalign are definitely for you. Invisalign has proved to be a wonderful addition to the current market since the technology behind it is quite powerful. Invisalign works by straightening teeth using a series of practically invisible, removable aligners that have been custom-made to fit your teeth. They are an “invisible” form of braces, except they’re also not as uncomfortable since they are removable.
The aligners are replaced every two weeks, which means that your teeth will move, little by little, week after week, towards their final position. This requires that you visit your dentist on a bi-weekly basis, but the results are worth it. Invisalign is comfortable, completely clear, and can transform your looks in a subtle manner that will not overtake your life.
Lingual Braces
This is another version of braces that could be worth looking into. They are completely invisible and are attached to the inside surfaces of your teeth rather than the front. These are a great option if you want the speedy results of traditional braces, but don’t want to deal with how they look. They are custom made to fit your teeth, so they are fairly comfortable and effective. The main downside is that these braces are located near the tongue and can have an effect on speech patterns and how you eat, so they take some getting used to. If, however, you are willing to be a bit patient and make the necessary adjustments, your teeth will be straightened out rather soon.
Veneers
Perhaps an earlier version of Invisalign, but a modified and less obvious option than braces, veneers present a good middle of the road option. They are designed with porcelain shells, and the dentist applies the veneers on the surface of the teeth. Ultimately, they do not change the shape of your teeth, but they do help to conceal gaps, any cavities, or other visible flaws you may be self-conscious about. Veneers can help fix minor issues you may have with your teeth, but they are primarily made to help conceal any cosmetic problems you are worried about, rather than revamping your mouth. These are a good option if you are interested in only quick fixes, and do not suffer from any major issues or misalignments.
Snap-On Smiles
Another invention made primarily for cosmetic purposes, snap-on smiles accomplish exactly what they sound: smiles that look completely straight, but without the invasiveness of braces or other complicated measures. Through a custom made device, the dentist fixes it directly to your teeth, thus producing a perfect smile. This is a less painful and expensive option for straightening your teeth and can be especially convenient if you’re not looking for a major overhaul, or are working within a limited budget.
Aligners
This option allows you to straighten your teeth primarily from home, checking in with your dentist via online telehealth appointments, which makes them the perfect option for this time of social distancing and enhanced protocols related to the pandemic. 3D images are made of your teeth which allows the dentist to understand the problems you’re dealing with. Based on the subsequent analysis, you are sent a doctor-prescribed impression kit consisting of aligners that will help straighten your teeth. You will receive these via regular post, and you can check-in with your doctor virtually. This process can take a few weeks or more, depending on your situation. But once you’re done, you may need to maintain your new smile by wearing retainers in the evening, which is not uncomfortable and ensures that your teeth remain straight.
As you can see, there are so many options for straightening your teeth these days, and they vary in terms of pricing and the length of time it takes to get everything “fixed.” Either way, rest assured that regardless of your situation, you can find a solution that fits you perfectly.
