Methods to Straighten Your Teeth

Very few people have perfect teeth from birth. While your teeth may not need to be straightened to function, your self-confidence can improve just by having straighter teeth. 

Usually, you’ll have braces as a child or teen, when your teeth are easier to move around. However, many people weren’t able to get braces when they were small and they are now searching for options. You have quite a few options, so it’s best to talk to your dentist to determine which choice is best for you.

What are your options for aligning your teeth?

Ceramic Braces

These braces use clear or white brackets which tend to be less noticeable than traditional metal braces. The brackets can be done in any colour and they move faster than many other braces. They are also effective in cases where you have severely misaligned teeth.

Metal Braces

The more traditional braces are made with metal brackets and wire, along with elastics to realign the teeth. These are best used for overcrowding in the mouth, as they work better than clear braces for this type of dental issue and are usually lower cost. Also referred to as fixed braces, these work very well for a variety of dental issues.

Invisible Braces

If you need braces, but don’t want to show off a mouth full of metal, invisible braces are a wonderful way to get your teeth straighter. Overbite or mildly crooked teeth are perfect for using invisible braces. The downside is that the clear braces are usually best for minor adjustments. They don’t work well for very misaligned teeth and take longer than other types of braces in many cases. Invisalign and other clear braces types make it easy to use the braces without it being obvious.

Lingual Braces

These braces are similar to regular metal braces, but the pieces are set into the back of the teeth. This means it’s on the tongue side of the mouth and invisible from the outside when you smile. The main issue with these is that they can cause a little lisp until you get used to having them in your mouth.

The lingual braces allow you to align your teeth without the look of braces. However, they may irritate your tongue a little before you become accustomed.

There are pros and cons to each of these teeth straightening methods. Your dentist can help you figure out the best choice for your teeth.

Acorn Dental Health

Need help straightening your teeth? We can help you at Acorn Dental Health. Make your appointment today.