Do you hide your smile from the camera or your reflection in the mirror? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. About three in five people hate how their smile looks.
Unfortunately, most people (76%) base a first impression of someone on their smile. With smile correction services, you can improve your smile. The stunning results will help you make a strong first impression on everyone you meet.
Read on to learn more about your treatment options for getting straight teeth!
Braces
About 20% of people with braces today are adults. Corrective dental braces have a high success rate. In addition to getting straight teeth, they’ll also improve your oral health.
Traditional metal braces use metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. They work by exerting constant pressure on your teeth for a period of time. How long you’ll need treatment will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issues.
Typically, treatment lasts between one to three years. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions carefully. Sticking to their treatment plan can help you avoid delays.
How They Work
Over time, the shape of your jaw will adapt to conform to the pressure exerted by your braces.
Your dentist will first clean and dry your teeth. They’ll apply dry, plastic, ceramic, or stainless steel brackets to your teeth using blue. The procedure can feel uncomfortable, but shouldn’t be painful.
The brackets will ensure the pressure is applied evenly to every tooth. A metal wire will connect the brackets.
Elastic bands (also called ligatures or O-rings) are placed around the brackets to add additional pressure to your jaw. Spacers, made of metal rings or rubber bands, are sometimes placed between your molars. They can push your jaw forward or make room for braces at the back of your mouth.
Not all patients need spacers.
Ideal Patients
You likely need braces if you have:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- A jaw that makes noises when chewing
- Stress or fatigue on the jawline after chewing
- Difficulty flossing crooked teeth
- Difficulty brushing crooked teeth
- A tendency of biting your tongue
- Teeth that don’t close over each other
- Difficulty pronouncing words
If these symptoms sound familiar, consult your dentist. They’ll determine if you’re an ideal candidate for orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign
Many older patients choose Invisalign over traditional metal braces for its discretion.
Invisalign is a brand name. There are other clear aligners used for orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are created using SmartTrack; a flexible, thermoplastic material.
These clear, plastic aligners fit on top of and around your teeth. Since they’re nearly invisible, you can improve your smile without drawing attention to your teeth. The aligners are less noticeable than metal brackets and wires.
How They Work
During your consultation appointment, your orthodontist will create a 3D image of your jaw, mouth, and teeth. They can use this image to show you how your teeth will shift with treatment. Using the images, your orthodontist will customize a treatment plan based on your orthodontic concerns.
Every one to two weeks, you’ll receive a new pair of clear aligners.
Each pair will bring your teeth into alignment, shifting them into desired places.
You’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can, however, remove them to eat or drink.
Removing them for meals will ensure food particles don’t get trapped between the plastic and your teeth. Otherwise, plaque can develop. Eating with your aligners in place could discolor or damage the plastic.
Damaging your aligners could delay your treatment plan.
You’ll also need to clean your aligners to keep bacteria and plaque from forming.
Ideal Patients
Invisalign can fix spacing and crowding issues. They’re ideal for patients with mild to moderate bite issues. They can help treat:
- Crowded teeth
- Open bites
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Gap teeth
However, Invisalign isn’t ideal for patients with severe orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist might recommend metal braces instead.
Phase 1
Your child should visit their orthodontist for the first time before they turn seven years of age. However, it’s never too late to begin orthodontic treatment.
Beginning earlier makes it easier for them to obtain the best possible results.
Phase 1 treatment can prevent their pre-existing bite issues from getting worse. It can also help by fixing existing crooked teeth. Treatment will improve the appearance of your growing child’s smile.
Fixing their orthodontic issues now could help them avoid dental health issues later. For example, straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. Treatment can benefit your child’s bite and ability to speak, too.
You can schedule a consultation appointment to determine if your child needs Phase 1 treatment. If they don’t, you can schedule follow-up appointments every six months. These appointments allow us to monitor the skeletal growth of their mouth.
Most children begin comprehensive treatment by the time they turn 11 (when their permanent teeth have erupted).
You can talk to an orthodontist today to determine if your child is ready to begin treatment.
Smile Protect Plan
Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment can help ensure you don’t lose the results from the treatment.
Some patients have to replace their retainers multiple times. For example, you might throw your aligners away if you don’t put them in a case. A dog might run off with them as if they’re a toy.
Replacing your retainers every time they’re lost or damaged can become costly. We offer our patients the option to invest in a lifetime retainer program.
You’ll pay a one-time, non-refundable enrollment fee. However, you won’t have to pay to replace your retainers, regardless of how many replacements you need.
You can contact us to learn more about investing in your smile with a Smile Protect Plan.
Consider Smile Correction Today
You don’t have to let crooked or misshapen teeth ruin your smile. Instead, improve your smile and self-confidence with these smile correction options. With these treatments, you can start showing off your beautiful, straight teeth.
Not sure which option is ideal for you? We can help.
Find your location at one of our offices today to discuss your smile makeover!