Misaligned teeth or malocclusion is primarily an inherited condition. Other causes could be congenital disabilities, childhood habits, injuries, or failed procedures. There are several options to choose from solve this condition of straightening your teeth. Read on to know more. Beautiful teeth can boost a person’s self-esteem and while the opposite can significantly affect the person’s appearance and overall confidence. Most people with teeth problems like malocclusion often are conscious whenever they talk, smile, or laugh. Covering their mouth has become their habit. Their purpose is to hide their teeth. Fortunately, nearly all cases of misalignment teeth can be treated or corrected through the orthodontic procedure. There are different types of teeth-straightening methods, and each class will vary upon the severity of the misalignment and the patient’s age. Here are the options for straightening your teeth:
- Clear Aligners – also known as the invisible braces, are customized removable plastic aligners. This procedure is to shift the misaligned teeth into place. Someone with malocclusion and alignment problems such as crossbites and overbites usually experiences this.
- Metal Braces – This is the most effective and traditional orthodontic treatment. The metal brackets and archwire apply pressure and hold the teeth in place.
- Lingual Braces – This procedure differs from the two mentioned because the bracket of the lingual braces procedure is at the back of your teeth. The frames are customized to fit the arch of the patient’s mouth and the shape of the teeth.
- Ceramic Braces – These clear braces will give you straighter teeth using the same procedure with metal braces. It also has the same treatment time as metal braces. The only difference is that this procedure uses ceramic braces instead of metal, making them less visible than metal braces.
- Retainers – this is placed after the straightening treatment. It can be removable or permanent. Braces straighten the teeth, and the retainers will keep your teeth into their original position after the braces.
- Headgear – this is usually used together with braces. Because while the braces correct crooked teeth, a headgear will aid the proper growth and shape of the patient’s jaw.
- Orthognathic Surgery is to correct severe jaw misalignment and other significant issues affecting eating and sleeping problems.
- Palate Expanders – it is a straightening procedure that improves breathing abilities. It widens the roof of the mouth or the children’s palate with crowded teeth, crossbites, and impacted teeth. This treatment usually takes 3 to 6 months.
To know which procedure will suit you best, visit your dentist for a check-up. Remember, straight teeth will help you chew and eat properly, enhance your smile, and boost your confidence.