Teeth straightening will give you an improved, brighter smile. There are various teeth straightening options available, and being aware of what options there are can assist you in choosing the one that meets your specific needs. Below are the various teeth straightening options your orthodontist can recommend.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the most prevalent teeth straightening option. Orthodontists have always recommended this treatment. Traditional braces are the typical braces that utilize wires and brackets to exert pressure on teeth, straightening them. They work effectively even in straightening uneven bites. The metal wires and brackets move teeth until they line up correctly. You must visit your general dentist monthly for adjustments as the teeth move into position.

Usually, traditional braces have metal brackets and metal wires. You can also opt for clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. Clear brackets will give you a more discreet teeth straightening experience since they are less conspicuous than metal braces. You will appear less awkward in gatherings and photo opportunities.

Pros

Traditional braces come with various advantages. They include the following:

  • You will not lose conventional metal braces as they are secured in place.
  • Traditional braces are ideal for adults or young children who do not trust themselves enough to stick to the schedule for aligners.
  • Traditional braces are ideal for any orthodontic problem. There are few things traditional braces cannot fix. They address a wide array of jaw and tooth problems efficiently.
  • Traditional braces have been advanced to make them more functional, comfortable, effective, and easier to wear. Today, there are no uncomfortable headsets or thick wires for straightening teeth.
  • Traditional braces work faster. Whereas shifting teeth takes some time, irrespective of the option you choose, serious spacing or crowding might lapse more quickly with conventional braces.

Cons of Traditional Braces

There are various disadvantages to traditional braces. They include the following:

  • Traditional braces can be uncomfortable. Even though all orthodontic restorations are uncomfortable (because you will be shifting the teeth into another position), braces can cause pain in the first few days and every time your orthodontist adjusts the wires. They can also irritate the tongue and gums if the wires are sharp, although you can alleviate this problem with wax.
  • Traditional braces limit what you can eat. Sticky, chewy, or hard foods are not ideal when wearing braces. They could stick in the wires or even pop them, leading to another dental visit and possibly a more extended treatment period.
  • Metal braces are not an aesthetically appealing option for tooth strengthening. The wires and braces will be conspicuous and visible from far and near. Even though some children enjoy that their braces are visible and like to place colored bands on them to enhance their conspicuousness, other minors, and adults usually want them hidden.

Orthodontic Retainers

Putting on retainers is a technique to straighten teeth. Patients utilize orthodontic retainers as an add-on after completing orthodontic treatment. These devices can refine treatment results and improve tooth positioning. Traditional orthodontic retainers are metal-made. The patient wears it over the bottom arch or beneath the top arch.

The orthodontic retainer procedure involves a dental professional taking an impression of your gums and teeth. This will give you an explicit picture of your dental alignment. They will then mold the retainers from this impression in a dental laboratory. The dentist may have to adjust the wires to ensure proper alignment.

Orthodontic retainers are categorized into two—removable and permanent retainers. As the name suggests, removable retainers can be removed for eating and cleaning, while permanent retainers cannot come off. There are two types of removable retainers, even though they serve one function: promoting and retaining tooth alignment. These are:

  • Hawley retainers—these appliances are what most people think about when considering retainers. The upper part consists of wires (to wrap around teeth) attached to a plastic or acrylic body that conforms to the upper ridge of the mouth. The plastic or acrylic body slides behind the teeth for the lower set.
  • Clear retainers—these dental appliances are the latest innovations. Examples of clear retainers are Vivera or Essix. They do not have any metal components. They are designed to conform precisely to teeth and function more like Hawley retainers. Even though they affect your appearance less, they might not be as durable.

Fixed or permanent retainers are usually made of metal wires that wrap around the back of the teeth, securing them in place. These retainers are also called lingual arch wires or bonded retainers. Usually, orthodontists recommend them to patients who have undergone extensive orthodontic procedures. The orthodontist places the retainer behind the bottom or upfront teeth to prevent them from moving out of alignment after the treatment.

Permanent retainers can provide more stability for two years with routine dental checkups. After two years, you may need another retainer or a different type of stabilizing dental appliance, such as a removable retainer. Keep your retainer clean to maintain proper oral hygiene and avoid gum disease and cavities. Brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and regular dental visits are all required when you have these retainers on.

Also, avoid sticky foods since they can accumulate around the wire, making proper cleaning challenging. If you care for fixed retainers properly, they can last between three and twenty-four months before you need them replaced or repaired because of the usual wear and tear with time.

Cosmetic Contouring

Cosmetic contouring is also a tooth straightening or reshaping option. Patients with misshapen teeth undergo cosmetic contouring with their teeth straightening treatment. In this case, the dental professional changes the length and shape of a patient's teeth, leading to a more attractive smile.

The dental professional can utilize a sanding drill, though most patients opt for a laser. These devices can assist the dental professional in removing the tooth enamel. Removing the enamel assists in changing the teeth’s shape. The dentist then polishes the teeth before finalizing the treatment.

Clear Aligners or Invisalign

Clear aligners evolved from orthodontic retainers and traditional braces. They are a popular alternative to retainers and traditional braces and are suitable for adults and teens. The aligners work by shifting teeth simultaneously. With this appliance, the patient does much of the work.

The patient must put on an aligner for the upper dental arch and another for the bottom. The aligners’ transparent or clear color attracts several adult patients. These dental appliances are virtually invisible. Nobody would realize you are wearing aligners at a glance. They are removable when you want to eat or drink and are easy to place back. They are plastic-made and not conspicuous unless a person is near you. Since they are aesthetically appealing, more adults prefer orthodontic treatment when they would have preferred a different treatment option.

Pros

The advantages of wearing aligners include the following:

  • You do not have to avoid any foods when you have clear aligners on. Remove the Invisalign when you want to eat or drink anything apart from clear liquids and eat all your favorite foods and snacks. Just ensure you brush after.
  • Another advantage of having Invisalign is its aesthetic aspect. You could straighten your teeth without anybody else realizing that there is an appliance in your mouth. They are invisible in pictures; a person not directly talking to you will not notice them.
  • Even if aligners are noticeable, they are colorless, plastic-made sheets. Thus, they make teeth look slightly larger and shiny, and some individuals opt to place whitening substances in their Invisalign to make their smile whiter while achieving straighter teeth. Put otherwise, Invisalign is ideal if aesthetics matter to you.
  • Clear aligners have evolved. They can now handle several orthodontic problems, including crowding, bite problems, spacing, et cetera.

Cons

So, what is there not to like about clear aligners?

  • There is a given extent of responsibility for Invisalign patients. With metal braces, you are not supposed to be watchful of anything. When it comes to conventional braces, the dentist puts them on teeth, and you can leave them there until your subsequent dental visits. On the other hand, clear aligners need some upkeep. Even though you do not have to avoid eating your favorite foods, you must remove the Invisalign while eating, even in public. You must also brush your teeth before reinserting the clear aligners.
  • You cannot always snack since your aligners must be in the mouth for between twenty and twenty-two hours daily. Losing a set of aligners by putting them down when you want to eat could disrupt your orthodontic treatment.
  • Whereas most individuals are good candidates for clear aligners, some are not. Severe cases might require traditional braces instead.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces function like and resemble traditional metal braces. The difference is that lingual braces are placed behind the teeth instead of the front. This positioning provides the effectiveness of conventional braces and discrete clear aligners.

However, because the metal wires and brackets are placed very close to the tongue, they could interfere with the movement of the tongue, impair speech, and hinder eating. This is one of the primary disadvantages of lingual braces, and most people prefer modern treatments such as clear aligners and ceramic braces.

Pros

Here are some advantages of lingual braces:

  • Lingual braces are effective. They can effectively treat different orthodontic problems, from simple to intricate cases, just like conventional braces.
  • Another pro of lingual braces is that they are invisible. They are hidden behind teeth. Thus, it is challenging for other individuals to realize you have them on.
  • Lingual braces offer customized solutions. Your dental professional will customize the braces to satisfy your needs, ensuring comprehensive and precise correction.
  • Lingual braces also offer continuous treatment. Because they are secured in place, there is zero risk of forgetting to put them on, which could be the issue with clear aligners as they are removable.

Cons

The following are the cons you want to keep in mind before choosing lingual braces for orthodontic treatment:

  • Adaptation period—becoming used to lingual braces might take some time. That is because the inside of the mouth is not among the most spacious places. Thus, adding braces on the back side of your teeth may cause you to experience soreness during the first week. The braces may also irritate your tongue, and you might initially experience discomfort. This should improve as days go by, and your orthodontist can also give you special wax you can apply to any part of the brace that you feel is rubbing.
  • Maintenance—you must watch your eating habits. With lingual braces, you must make a few adjustments to how you eat and avoid anything crusty, chewy, or hard, particularly anything that may dislodge your brackets. If your brackets come off and are custom-made, a replacement must be organized, which may prolong your treatment period. You must also pay more attention to your cleaning routine and how you brush. Regular dental visits for checkups are crucial to prevent problems such as gum inflammation or cavities.
  • Cost—generally, these braces are more costly than conventional braces because of their customized nature and the specialized skills required to adjust and install them. Adjustment appointments also require more time than other orthodontic treatment options.
  • You might develop a lisp once the orthodontist fits the brace. Also, this should last at least a few days. Your orthodontist can give you tips for adjusting.

Ceramic Supports

Ceramic supports are virtually identical to metal braces. In this case, ceramic brackets replace metal brackets. Ceramic brackets are camouflaged with your natural teeth's color, making them indistinguishable and an almost invisible teeth straightening option. This teeth straightening option is popular with people who prefer traditional braces but do not wish to wear them or are uncomfortable with traditional metal braces’ appearance.

Find a Professional Orthodontist Near Me

Choosing the ideal tooth straightening option for an attractive smile may be challenging. You must consider various factors, such as cost and the pros and cons of each option. Your best move should be to consult an orthodontist to obtain the best possible outcome and value for your money when you decide to undergo treatment.

At Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we are devoted to assisting our patients to obtain the most of their treatment, including teeth straightening. We offer a wide range of teeth straightening options, and our orthodontists are experts in all of them. After evaluating your dental condition, they will help you choose an option that best suits your needs and provide state-of-the-art treatment. To set up a consultation, contact us now at 818-701-3010.