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Why Straightening Your Teeth Is About More Than Your Looks and What Methods Fit You Best
Those pearly whites that flash so readily on celebrities are actually accomplishing more than just a vain show of beauty.
A straight smile is actually healthier for you.
So if you’ve ever said to yourself “I would like to know how to straighten my teeth” but then quickly dismissed the idea as an unnecessary, cosmetic luxury, you may want to read on before tossing aside your ponderings.
The findings may surprise you.
The fact is, straight teeth provide more than just a beautiful smile. Straight teeth can increase your oral health, and consequently, the health of your entire body. Here’s why:
- Straighter teeth develop less decay because the areas are more easily reached and cleaned. Crooked teeth hinder proper flossing and brushing, often cause discoloration in spots not well cleaned.
- Straight teeth do not place as much strain on the gums. Gum conditions in individuals with straight teeth are usually much healthier, with less bleeding and swelling; consequently, there is less gum disease present when the teeth have been straightened.
- Many studies have shown a distinct connection between heart disease and gum disease. Straight teeth promotes healthier oral conditions overall, leading to diminished chances of gum disease and in turn, less serious problems.
- Straight teeth are less likely to become chipped or broken.
- Because jaw issues must be fixed in order to achieve straight teeth, excessive wear on teeth, possible jaw problems and even breathing problems are eliminated when teeth are straightened.
- At this point you may be saying, “Okay, then I really would like to know how to straighten my teeth.”
That’s good…because we’d like to tell you!
“How to Straighten My Teeth”: Teeth Straightening Methods Explained
There are three different ways to straighten teeth used by dental professionals. Each have their pros and cons, so it’s important to talk to your dentist concerning which method would best fit you and your lifestyle.
Method #1 – Traditional Braces
While this may seem old school, there still is a place for the traditional wire and bracket braces. This option is best on kids and teens, as the device cannot be lost, the care of the teeth is slightly easier than other methods, and this allows for more extensive tooth and jaw movement.
Traditional braces are also best for adults that may need moderately heavy work done on their teeth alignment. Because of the greater leverage that the brackets provide, braces are able to produce greater movement of the jaw and can more easily handle difficult tooth situations.
This method normally takes 12-24 months to complete, depending upon the severity of the misalignment.
Method #2 – Invisalign
Invisalign hit the dental market in 2000 at full speed and hasn’t looked back. A much sought after option for light to moderate dental alignment needs, invisalign provides dental correction in approximately 12 months.
These clear, almost invisible, retainers are changed every 2 weeks in order to gradually move teeth to the desired position. With impressive calculations about the exact shape that each retainer needs to be for each step of the process, invisalign retainers do all the work of the pull and tug that traditional wire and brackets used to, but without the metal!
These aligners are BPA free and virtually invisible – a popular option among adults.
Method #3 – Veneers
There are just some tooth corrections that cannot be fixed by movement. Many people have permanent teeth that come in much smaller than other teeth. Or perhaps a childhood collision produced a noticeable chip on a tooth. Veneers are the answer to this.
A porcelain material that is bonded to the front side of the tooth, veneers are the necessary method if you have teeth that need to be built up in size or form. It’s amazing what a few simple veneers can do for a person’s smile – absolutely transforming! And from start to finish, they usually only take a few weeks for completion and the exciting results.
While veneers provide almost instant results, they do require some caution and care to avoid chipping, and most likely they will last for 10 years before needing replacement.
Talk to your dentist concerning each of these options. A knowledgeable dentist will know exactly what option will work best on your particular oral situation and lifestyle needs.
At Penn Dental Family Practice, we have a full staff of orthodontic professionals that have vast experience in all three teeth alignment methods. We hope this article answered your question of “how to straighten my teeth”, and we look forward to actually accomplishing the straight teeth for you! Give us a call today for more information regarding all three options.
