Kids and adults alike can have crooked teeth. Teeth might sit too close, too far apart, or have odd shapes. Teeth straightening methods include:
Braces
People can use metal or ceramic braces to straighten their teeth. Many braces now weigh less and feel less clunky than older types. For example, ceramic braces look more natural than metal ones.
Aligners
Custom aligners, such as Invisalign veneers, are transparent devices you can remove. They are replaced every few months. They’re usually removed during meals.
Retainers
Orthodontic retainers are worn by patients after braces to keep the teeth in place. Dentists use them to reposition the teeth in some situations.
An orthodontist usually corrects tooth structure to straighten teeth. For Example, if your upper and lower teeth do not bite properly, you may need braces. Some people have had irregular teeth since childhood due to poor nutrition or an injury.
Having crooked teeth is sometimes more than just an aesthetic issue. It can cause serious health issues. For example, the position of your jaw may cause sleep apnea. You'll need a doctor or dentist to tell you if the position of your teeth is causing this.
Teeth contouring (or reshaping) improves the look of your teeth without braces or aligners. You go to a cosmetic dentist to have this procedure done. They reshape by reducing the enamel layer of the tooth. They may use a drill, laser, or sanding tool. Imagine sculpting, but instead of clay, a dentist sculpts your teeth to improve their aesthetics. People want to reshape their teeth for many reasons. This procedure comes with several important factors to consider.
- It's not a painful process. Many people dread going to the dentist, but reshaping is simple and painless. The dentist simply removes enamel without affecting the nerves.
- It's fast. Teeth shaping takes less than 60 minutes.
- You need just one appointment to get it done. The results last forever, so you don't have to worry about returning. It fixes teeth with cracks or breaks. If your teeth are chipped or cracked, reshaping will make them look better.
You should get your teeth straightened or reshaped to improve their appearance. But you should know some key differences. Straightening requires braces or aligners on your teeth. Contouring involves the dentist removing extra enamel without putting anything in your mouth. Your dentist might refer you to a specialist to reshape or align your teeth. Each treatment has its pros and cons.
Teeth Reshaping Advantages
- Teeth reshaping is a dental process that doesn't hurt the patient.
- It costs less than many other dental procedures.
- It makes your smile better and often boosts your self-esteem and confidence.
- Dentists use it to fix damage from accidents and teeth grinding.
Teeth Reshaping Disadvantages
- Insurance might not pay for teeth reshaping because it falls under cosmetic dentistry.
- Reshaping only sometimes works for complex problems.
Teeth Straightening Advantages
- It can help with several serious health issues like sleep apnea.
- New options, such as Invisalign, feel more comfortable than old-school braces.
- Typical insurance plans cover these procedures.
- It boosts how you look and feel about yourself.
Teeth Straightening Disadvantages
- You will need several follow-up visits to the dentist.
- Several orthodontic devices may cause some pain.
- It is more expensive than the process of reshaping.
Not many people eagerly look forward to visiting the dentist. One improvement to appreciate is that these days, getting better results in less time is possible. There are many new techniques for straightening teeth. The ideal solution is different for everyone. Start with a visit to your regular dentist. He or she will help you choose the best way to resolve your issues.