Today we are going to look at how to fix crooked teeth, and why it’s so important to correct overcrowding, gaps and problems with your bite. Correcting crooked teeth isn’t just about the aesthetics of your smile after all. In fact, investing in a straighter smile actually has a big impact on your dental health and hygiene. Let’s take a look at what you can do about it.
Why Teeth Straightening Is So Important?
Crooked teeth are more prone to decay than straight teeth for the simple reason that they are more difficult to keep clean, so deciding to get orthodontic treatment really is an investment in your long term dental health. Certainly, years ago patients didn’t have many treatment options for orthodontics and the general go-to treatment was metal braces.
Here are some really important reasons that you shouldn’t avoid getting crooked teeth fixed:
Better Dental Hygiene
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and therefore are less likely to be prone to dental decay. Dental decay, as you may not know, is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Avoid Gum Disease
Patients who have straight teeth and can manage their dental hygiene well are less likely to experience gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Greater Self Confidence
People who have crooked teeth experience lower self-confidence and may experience social difficulties.
What Are Your Treatment Options To Straighten Your Teeth?
If you want to know how to fix crooked teeth, by today’s standards there are a number of straightening options available, including
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces used to be very uncomfortable and very noticeable, but thanks to the significant advances in modern dentistry, traditional metal braces are much more comfortable and discreet – plus they aren’t the only option that patients have access to for orthodontic treatment.
If you opt for metal braces for teeth straightening you will need to have regular adjustments made, and visit your dentist quite frequently, as your teeth shift into place.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fitted to the underside of your teeth, offering the solid correctional treatment of metal braces but being very discreet.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have revolutionised teeth straightening, offering patients a high level of discretion with an effective straightening solution. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners like Invisalign do not need regular adjustments; rather, you are given a few different sets of aligners to swap every second week. Each set of aligners marks a different position for your teeth to move into.
Clear aligners are best suited to patients who are more mature, and more likely to follow the instructions for orthodontic treatment. They require regular special cleaning and even though they can be removed for eating and drinking, they must be worn for the mandatory 22 hours a day in order to meet your orthodontic treatment goals.
The best approach to straighten your teeth requires you to have an in-depth consultation with your dental practitioner, to assess your individual needs. If you want to know how to fix crooked teeth in the best way for your long term dental health, it’s time to make an appointment.
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