Best Treatments for Straighter Teeth

Best Treatments for Straighter Teeth

Barotz Dental |
Best Treatments for Straighter Teeth

One of the reasons for this is the increased emphasis placed upon appearance. With the rich, famous and successful proud owners of straight, white, beautiful teeth, it is little wonder that a straight smile is considered a sign of health, happiness, attractiveness and achievement. Our desire to be perceived in the same way means that more of us than ever are turning to cosmetic dentistry solutions.

Why do teeth come through crooked?

Teeth are an interesting body part. Not only do most of us get two sets of them during our life time, the eruption of each tooth is completely individual and based on a range of circumstances including genetics and habits such as thumb sucking or pacifier use.

There can be many reasons why teeth come through crooked. Some of the main contributing causes include, but are not limited to:

Genetics

Genetics are believed to play the biggest role in the development of our teeth. Jaw misalignment, a small mouth and crowding of teeth are largely determined by our genes, both of which can cause teeth to come through crooked. This is because there is inadequate space for the teeth to erupt straight, and so they come through at whatever angle they can.

Poor oral habits

Falling into bad habits for our teeth is not unusual, and often begins in infancy with thumb-sucking or prolonged pacifier use. Mouth breathing, tongue thrusting and grinding of teeth can also contribute teeth erupting in a crooked fashion.

Trauma

Facial trauma and injury can have the effect of moving teeth out of place, with trauma being the primary cause of the most severe instances of crooked teeth. This is because teeth that have been knocked out or moved will create space for other teeth to shift into.

Treatment options for straighter teeth

There are a number of different treatment options which can help a patient achieve straighter teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is one of the newest and most innovative treatments that can improve the alignment of teeth. The program involves using a series of custom-designed transparent liners that work by exerting gentle pressure on to the teeth to guide them into a straighter position.

Invisalign® has a number of benefits over conventional treatments. The liners are virtually invisible, making them much more discreet than orthodontic braces. They can also be removed for eating, so you can still enjoy your favorite foods without needing to worry that they will become trapped in your braces.

During the Invisalign® program, you can expect to wear each liner for approximately two weeks, before moving on to the next one in the series. You will also need to attend 6-weekly appointments to check on the progress of your treatment. Dr. Barotz of Barotz Dental offers Invisalign treatment in Denver, CO. Contact Barotz Dental to learn more about Invisalign® at 720-573-1500.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are the most common treatment for straightening teeth and have been used successfully for many decades. They are often referred to as ‘train tracks’ and are attached to the outer enamel of your teeth. Braces feature a variety of brackets, wires and elastics that are used to create tension that gradually pulls teeth into the correct alignment.

During the course of your treatment, your orthodontist will adjust the wires and tension to ensure that your teeth continue to be manoeuvred into the right place. This means that you will need to regularly attend appointments at your orthodontist’s office so that the adjustments can be made and your progress tracked.

One of the main disadvantages of conventional braces, aside from the fact that they are unsightly, is that the wearer will be advised to avoid certain foods including things that are extremely hard, sticky or chewy. This is because they can damage or become trapped in the braces.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are similar to conventional fixed braces, except that they are situated on the inside surface of your teeth. Their position means that they are much more discreet, having significantly less impact on the patient’s confidence and self-esteem. Lingual braces are also particularly good for patients who participate in contact sports or play wind instruments, offering much less disruption to the hobby than traditional fixed braces.

Retainers

Even after treatment to straighten them, teeth sometimes try to revert to their previous position. Wearing a retainer can help to make sure your teeth are retained in their new position. They take the form of clear liners that are worn over the teeth. Some retainers are fixed, while others are removable. If you choose a removable retainer, your dentist will be able to advise you when your retainer should be worn and how long your treatment program will be.

 

If you have crooked teeth and want to improve the appearance of your smile, your Dr. Barotz would be delighted to assist you. Make a consultation appointment at Barotz Dental in Denver, CO today to find out more about which treatment will help to you achieve the smile that you desire.