Ways to Straighten Your Teeth with Dental Braces
Did you know that crooked teeth cost Rs.50,000 per year? And did you also know that straightening your teeth can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime?
It's true. There are many benefits to having straight teeth, including less tooth decay, fewer cavities, and a healthier smile. But even though there are many reasons why you should get braces, not everyone has access to them.
If you're looking for a way to fix your crooked teeth without going under the knife, then read on. In this article, I'll share with you everything you need to know about braces and aligners.
Who should opt for teeth straightening?
Teeth straightening are both for children and adults, which varies according to the age and the overall dental health.
The signs which indicate the need for teeth straightening are:
- Irregular or crowded teeth
- Difficulty pronouncing certain words
- Frequently biting tongue or cheek
- Brushing and flossing becomes difficult
- Food lodgement and malodour
- Teeth that don’t close over each other properly
- Jaws that make clicking sound while eating or waking up
- Having an awkward smile
The benefits of teeth straightening
Teeth straightening offers many instant benefits, there’s no reason to put it off.
- Easier to clean your teeth
- Improved appearance and self esteem
- Clear speech
- Better overall healthM
- Reduced risk of dental injury
- Chewing becomes easy
- No jaw pain or sounds
Teeth Straightening Options
When it comes to teeth straightening, the only treatment option that comes to our mind is - Braces. But do you know there are several other treatment options to get your teeth straightened. Check out the teeth straightening options below:
Braces:
It consists of brackets that are affixed to the teeth and wires are threaded through the brackets. Braces are mainly of-
- Metal
- Ceramic
- Lingual
Aligners
These are thin, clear trays made to fit the teeth. It can be done-
- In-office
- At home
Retainers
It is a wire-based dental device that you wear overnight to keep your teeth aligned after you’ve had braces.
If your teeth are only slightly crooked or crowded, a fixed retainer is used. In some cases, you may even be able to use removable retainers as part of treatment for slightly crowded teeth.
Surgery
If the position of your teeth and jaw cause significant difficulty in your day-to-day activity, then comes a procedure called orthognathic surgery.
This surgery moves the position of your jaw, and aligns them properly. The recovery period takes about 2-3 weeks.
Braces vs Aligners
Braces are mostly metal or porcelain and which are attached to your teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are then used to provide a constant and gentle force to help the teeth move into the correct position.
Aligners are basically plastic which are custom made to fit your teeth.The aligner moves the teeth step by step towards its final position. To move the tooth correctly, small bumps of composite resin (tooth coloured filling material) are attached to various teeth to help the aligner.
| Category | Braces | Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | It is challenging to clean teeth with braces. If not cleaned properly , that also might lead to damage to the teeth. | Aligners are removable. So it is easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. |
| Appearance | Braces are more noticeable with the brackets and stainless steel wires. | Aligners are nearly invisible. Therefore no one will know that you are wearing one. |
| Diet | Diet gets modified. Hard foods cause breakage and sugary foods can cause cavities. So these kinds of food are not included in the diet. | As aligners are removable, it does not affect diet. You can eat the food of your choice. |
| Appointments | Visits to the orthodontist are frequent and more involved, with active adjustments needed to be carried out in the chair. | As the treatment plan is pre-planned there will be fewer visits to the Orthodontist. |
| Comfort | Braces cause discomfort as they rub on the cheeks and lips. | The teeth will be somewhat tender once they begin to move, the lips and cheeks are less irritated as the plastic aligner is smoother. |
Dangers of straightening your teeth at home
Straightening your teeth with a borrowed retainer, rubber band, paper clips or any DIY solutions mentioned online won’t work and are extremely dangerous.
Teeth have roots surrounded by ligaments that secure your teeth firmly into the gum. When you try to straighten your teeth you can put too much strain on the roots and ligaments, this can cause teeth to break off or push too forcefully into the ligaments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dental braces are a great way to straighten your teeth. They help prevent crooked teeth by moving the teeth into their correct positions. This helps ensure that your smile stays beautiful throughout your life.
