Straight teeth bring about a confident, beautiful smile. They also indicate a healthy mouth. On the other hand, crooked teeth can cause numerous problems to your oral health, such as an increased risk of gum disease, cavities and other dental problems.
The most basic treatment to straighten teeth is traditional metal braces. But there are other options to consider if you’re thinking about straightening your teeth. Let’s dive into several ways you can achieve this dental goal.
Braces are the most common option for orthodontic treatment. Metal brackets are very effective at treating extreme overcrowding. The braces are visible on your teeth, but today’s braces have improved in appearance, with various colour options for both the brackets and elastics. With metal braces, you wouldn’t have to worry about misplacing your aligners.
Learn more about the pros and cons of metal braces in our Ask A Dentist blog.
Invisalign treatment slowly shifts a patient’s teeth in the direction prescribed by the dentist or orthodontist. While it serves the same purpose as braces, the look and feel are different. The clear aligners are designed to comfortably fit around your teeth and can be taken out to eat, brush and floss. This makes it easier to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Every two weeks, the patient replaces their current aligner with a fresh, new set that is designed to move their teeth a little further than the previous aligner did. This step is continuously repeated until the patient’s teeth are aligned. We supply you with enough aligners for two months so that your treatment can continue between appointments. This straightening option requires self-discipline from the patient for the treatment to work successfully.
Curious to know more about how Invisalign differs from braces? Check out our previous blog.
Retainers are typically used as the last phase of orthodontic treatment. After removing your braces, there’s still a chance your teeth will shift back to how they naturally were. Retainers will help you maintain your straighter smile.
In some cases, a dentist may recommend a retainer to move a single tooth or close a gap between two teeth. In this case, you would not need braces.
If you have a tongue thrust (the tongue slides through the teeth while speaking), some retainers can train your tongue to not move forward when you talk. A retainer can also help those with bruxism (teeth grinding).
Not sure which straightening options to choose? Then give us a call or schedule your next appointment with our dentists at our Dental Image Therapy Centre clinics to discuss the best way to straighten your teeth. Our team at St. Vital Centre and Garden City Shopping Centre are always happy to help with any questions you have about your teeth.
Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!
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