You’re not alone if you feel self-conscious about your teeth. Around 51% of people don’t like how their teeth look. Most people feel this way because their teeth are discolored or crooked.
There have been many modern innovations that make it easy for you to get straight teeth. Your orthodontist might recommend several different options to help adjust your misaligned teeth. The route you take depends on various factors, such as your lifestyle and how crooked your teeth are.
This guide will discuss the top four ways to straighten your teeth. Feel more confident about your smile while reducing your oral health problems.
1. Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, or invisible braces, are a discreet way to straighten teeth. One of the most popular brands of clear aligners is Invisalign.
Clear aligners are made from clear plastic. You’ll receive a series of custom-made trays that slowly push your teeth into position over time.
In addition to straightening your teeth, other oral health issues clear aligners can address include:
- Overbites
- Crowded teeth
- Underbites
- Open bites
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Your orthodontist will get started by taking impressions of your teeth. They’ll use these impressions to create your clear aligners. You’ll wear each set of clear aligners for a few weeks before you switch to the next one.
Your orthodontist might attach small plastic buttons to your teeth to help keep your aligners in place. These buttons are temporary and clear.
One of the best things about clear aligners is the fact you don’t have to keep going back to the orthodontist every few weeks. You can switch to the next aligner in your treatment plan based on the timeline your orthodontist gives you.
Most people wear clear aligners for nine to 12 months before their teeth move into their final position. You’ll typically have to wear a retainer at night to maintain your results.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners provide you with more benefits than being discreet. Some of the other advantages include the following:
- You can eat and drink like normal
- Safe for adults and children
- It’s easier to brush and floss your teeth
- Brush your clear aligners to keep them fresh
- Fewer office visits
- More comfortable than other options
- Discreetly straighten your teeth
2. Metal Braces
Traditional or metal braces are an effective way to straighten your teeth. Metal braces utilize stainless-steel brackets that get held together with a metal archwire and dental cement.
The wire follows the natural curve of your jaw. It is stabilized by a metal bracket wrapped around your back molar. The brackets and archwire work together with elastic bands to gradually bring your teeth into position.
How long you have to wear your braces depends on the severity of your oral health problems. It takes around two years for most patients to achieve a straight smile. Many people notice changes in their teeth in the first month of treatment.
Other factors that might affect your treatment length include:
- Your age
- Bone density
- Other oral health problems
Metal braces are effective at treating extreme overcrowding and misalignment. They’re also a cost-effective teeth straightening option. Patients can also choose different colored rubber bands to fit their style and mood.
Some of the other oral issues metal braces can fix include:
- Protruding teeth
- Overbites
- Misalignment
- Teeth gaps
There are other types of braces that you can choose from. For example, ceramic braces function like metal braces without colorful plastic bands.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Braces?
Traditional metal braces have been around for many years because they’re one of the most effective ways to straighten your teeth. The benefits of traditional braces include:
- Affordable
- A quick way to straighten your teeth
- Durable
- Minor adjustments to daily life and eating habits
- Continuous dental care
- Remedy complicated oral health problems
- Improve your smile
3. Hidden Braces
Hidden braces might not be something you normally see when researching brace options. They’re considered “invisible” because they get attached to the back of your teeth. Another term for them is lingual braces.
Hidden braces aren’t an option for everyone. Those with severe misalignment issues or an extreme overbite might not be able to use lingual braces. That’s because their brackets might pop off more often.
You’ll want to keep in mind that there is a learning curve with hidden braces. Since they’re on the back of your teeth, it might feel weird for your tongue at first. You could have a lisp for a few days until you get used to them.
What Are the Benefits of Hidden Braces?
Lingual or hidden braces can help a wide range of patients. If you’re looking for an aesthetic way to straighten your teeth, you might want to ask your orthodontist about hidden braces. The advantages of these types of braces include:
- Custom-made options for your teeth
- Invisible to other people
- Fixed brace treatment that you don’t have to worry about
- Improved comfort
4. Retainers
Most people assume that they’ll get a retainer after they’ve straightened their teeth through another method, but that’s not always the case. Retainers are a great option for those who need to have their teeth minorly adjusted.
Teeth retainers are removable and can fit over your lower or upper teeth. Your orthodontist will take teeth impressions, creating a custom retainer that fits over your teeth. They’ll monitor your progress to ensure your teeth are shifting into alignment.
Achieve Straight Teeth With Wardlaw Orthodontics
Having straight teeth isn’t something that you just dream about. Numerous options will work for you, your smile, and your goals. Stay on top of your oral health and dental care by partnering with an experienced orthodontist.
Wardlaw Orthodontics is here to provide people in the Little Rock area with exceptional orthodontic care. We’ll evaluate your teeth and let you know what teeth straightening option we think is best for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.