From cosmetic reasons to health concerns, there are many different reasons why someone may want to straighten their teeth. Even if you had braces growing up, you may have noticed some shifting, especially if you didn’t wear a retainer after treatment. But you’re looking for ways to get a straighter smile without traditional orthodontics, turn to your dentist in Tuscaloosa.
Ways to Straighten Teeth
Whether or not you had braces as a teen, you may find yourself wanting to improve the appearance of your smile by straightening your teeth. Or perhaps your dentist in Tuscaloosa has suggested straightening your teeth for oral health reasons. Either way, you now have options that don’t include metal braces.
- Clear Aligners
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, we can now get straight teeth almost invisibly through the use of clear aligners. These tough, plastic aligners are designed to slowly move your teeth and are meant to be worn throughout the day and night. Now, you may have seen commercials for at-home orthodontic treatment through clear aligners. But before you begin this type of treatment, talk with your dentist.
- Veneers
Veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry that can not only help straighten teeth but can also help hide other imperfections such as chips or discoloration. They are custom-made to your ideal shape, size, and color and are adhered to the front surface of your teeth. The result is a seamless improvement in the appearance and alignment of your smile.
- Crowns
Another treatment that can help straighten a twisted tooth or two is a dental crown. Your dentist in Tuscaloosa will remove some of the natural tooth structure to make room for a crown, often called a cap. The crown will be custom in size, shape, and color.
- Contouring & Bonding
Usually reserved for minor crooked teeth, contouring and bonding can transform the shape of teeth to make them straighter and easier to clean in between. Contouring treatment will remove small amounts of enamel to reshape the tooth then, in some cases, bonding may be used to smooth out the area. Bonding may also be used on its own to fix a tooth that appears to sit back too far.
Benefits of Straight Teeth
There are numerous benefits to a straight smile. Of course, there are the cosmetic factors of wanting a gorgeous set of perfectly aligned teeth. But did you know that there are other little-known positives to having your teeth straighter?
- Healthier Teeth – Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which often means fewer cavities and a reduced risk for other dental problems such as gum disease and tooth deterioration.
- No More Jaw Pain – Crooked teeth can sometimes cause the jaw to be misaligned. This can lead to TMD (or TMJ disorder). TMJ is an often painful condition that can cause headaches, ear problems, and jaw pain.
- Improved Digestion – Believe it or not, straighter teeth can even help your body digest foods. Straight teeth allow you to chew more efficiently which is easier on the digestion process.
If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about your smile and you’ve been looking to elevate the appearance of your teeth, or if you’re having trouble cleaning your teeth completely, talk with your dentist in Tuscaloosa about how cosmetic dentistry can help straighten your teeth.
