Have you always wanted a straight smile? Crooked teeth aren’t necessarily a problem unless they bother you. However, for many people, a misaligned smile can lead to poor self-esteem. In some cases, crooked teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper dental care, which can lead to health issues over time.
Luckily, there are many teeth-straightening methods available to achieve a straighter, more radiant smile.
Want straighter teeth? Let us know!
Patients who want straighter teeth often avoid asking their dentist about teeth straightening options. This is usually because they’re nervous about bringing it up or have concerns about costs.
If you’re insecure or concerned about your smile, don’t be afraid to ask us about your options. Crooked teeth are one of the most common concerns our patients have, and there are a variety of treatment options available to fit your needs and budget.
Why straighten your teeth?
One of the first things we notice about someone when we meet them is their smile. Straight, white, beautiful teeth can make you feel confident and attractive.
But straight teeth mean more than a pretty smile. In addition to looks, there are many non-cosmetic reasons why people choose to get their teeth straightened. Poor tooth alignment can make caring for your teeth difficult, and can ultimately lead to a range of health concerns.
What causes crooked teeth?
Both baby and adult teeth can come in crooked, or teeth can become crooked over time. Whether you’ve had crooked or overlapping teeth all your life, or you’ve noticed recent movement, there are usually underlying reasons.
Here are some of the most common causes of misaligned teeth:
- Genetics
- Jaw alignment or size
- Missing teeth
- Facial injuries
- Poor dental care
- Poor nutrition
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Mouth breathing
- Pacifier or bottle use
Treatment options for straighter teeth
When it comes to teeth straightening treatments, there are a few different options to choose from. While braces are the most common, many adult patients prefer to use clear aligners like Invisalign or porcelain veneers.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teeth straightening. Our dentists can recommend the right treatment by examining your teeth and discussing your concerns and preferences with you, which may be cosmetic, health related, or both. For example, if crookedness is your only concern, Invisalign may be your best option. However, if you have discolored or chipped teeth, porcelain veneers may be a better solution.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern and innovative system for straightening your teeth over time. This treatment generally takes somewhere between 6-24 months, depending on the patient. Invisalign is a convenient and effective alternative to traditional braces and is a great option for those looking to straighten their teeth without brackets, wires, or dietary restrictions.
The Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable trays (aligners) to straighten your smile. These aligners are custom-made for your teeth, virtually invisible, and generally considered much more comfortable than traditional braces. Because the aligners are removable, they make eating and cleaning your teeth during the straightening process much more convenient.
Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are a popular choice for patients with cosmetic concerns who want straighter teeth without the time requirements of other straightening methods. In fact, the entire process can often be completed in just a few visits. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that your dentist can adhere to your teeth to provide a straight, bright, and uniform look.
Because they cover your existing teeth, veneers are not the best option for those with overcrowding or severely crooked teeth that need to be addressed at the root. However, veneers are a great option for patients who have other concerns beyond just the crookedness of their teeth. They’re often used to fix the look of chipped, discolored, missing, or misshapen teeth. Veneers hold up very well and can last many years, giving you the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
Braces
Dental braces are devices traditionally used in orthodontics to straighten and align your teeth. They can also be used to help improve overall dental health by positioning your teeth relative to your bite. Braces are commonly used to correct crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, underbites, overbites, cross bites, and other alignment issues.
Braces generally involve brackets, which your orthodontist attaches to your teeth. Metal wires are then threaded through the brackets to tightly connect each of your teeth and slowly straighten your smile.
Braces are designed to be worn over a period of time (generally between 1-3 years). While they can be effective at straightening your teeth, they’re much more noticeable than Invisalign and veneers. Braces can also be uncomfortable and they make flossing a challenge. Plus, you have to avoid certain foods that can damage the braces.
What about mail-order teeth straightening options?
Patients often ask us about Invisalign competitors like Smile Direct Club and Candid. These direct-mail teeth straightening treatments have become very popular over the last few years — but are they the right choice for you?
Before you decide to use this type of self-directed treatment, please talk to us. Without the close supervision of a dentist, DIY orthodontic treatments like these can inflict serious damage to your long-term dental health. In fact, we often help patients who are suffering from TMJ pain, bite issues, and gum disease as a result of these treatments.
We want you to make the best choice for your health, goals, and budget. If cost is a strong determining factor, talk to us about payment options available at our office and how you can get 30% off your treatment.
Ready to straighten your smile? TLC Escondido Dental can help!
If you’re self-conscious about your smile and want straighter teeth, we’re here to discuss all your teeth-straightening options and assist you in making the best, most-informed decision for your teeth, budget, and lifestyle.
Book your visit today or call us at (760) 239-0632 with any questions.