Teeth straightening is a popular tool for patients who want to improve the look of the smile and increase the ability to keep teeth healthy and clean. Although many patients seek straighter teeth for cosmetic purposes, there are many advantages to correcting crooked teeth or misaligned bites. A general dentist can walk a patient through the process, make suggestions and provide a referral to an orthodontist if necessary.
The process of straightening the teeth depends on the method the dentist uses, although the mechanics are similar. When choosing between products and techniques, there are several factors to take into consideration, such as the condition of the teeth, problems that need to be addressed, budget, desires of the patient and likelihood of compliance.
Teeth can be straightened using one of several techniques. Traditional braces are made of metal or ceramic and consist of brackets temporarily attached to the teeth using special dental cement. A wire, called an archwire, is fed through brackets and usually attached using small elastic bands. The wire causes light, continuous pressure against the teeth, which causes them to shift into a new position. Some braces still use brackets but are self-adjusting, using a sliding mechanism in place of the elastic bands to attach the archwire to the brackets. Another option is called invisible braces or a tray system that uses a series of custom-made clear aligners worn continuously to move the teeth into a new position.
Changes to the bite and alignment of the teeth can be made without harming the teeth if slight, continuous pressure is applied. As the teeth shift, they settle into the new position until a new adjustment is made. The adjustment can be a new tray for a tray system or with a tightening of the braces for traditional systems. Traditional braces also use other devices in conjunction, such as spacers, springs and rubber bands. When the teeth are in the final position, a retainer or final tray is used to maintain the new position.
Although many people decide to get teeth straightening for cosmetic purposes, there are benefits that go beyond the appearance. Misaligned teeth can sometimes cause pain and are often more difficult to reach for a thorough cleaning. Some patients with misaligned teeth have difficulty with properly chewing food or get chronic jaw pain, neck pain or headaches that can potentially be resolved with orthodontia. Straight teeth can also improve confidence and boost the patient's self-esteem, which provides advantages to mental health.
Anyone considering teeth straightening can ask a general dentist about the process, options and benefits to help make an informed decision. A general dentist can also make a referral to an orthodontist for the patient. Both traditional braces and modern tray systems are good options for patients who want to improve the look of the smile or correct misaligned teeth for health purposes.
Request an appointment here: https://carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 575-6101 for an appointment in our Carmel office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you're dealing with failing teeth, loose dentures, or significant tooth loss, all on four dental implants in Carmel may be the solution you've been searching for. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, we offer this full mouth restoration option to help patients regain a complete, functional smile without the frustrations of removable dentures.All-on-Four uses…
If the sound of a dental drill makes you tense up, you're far from alone. For millions of patients, that high-pitched whine is the single biggest barrier to getting the dental care they need. Laser dentistry offers a different experience - one built around focused light energy instead of mechanical cutting, often resulting in less…
If your dentures slide when you eat, leave sore spots on your gums, or show visible cracks across the pink acrylic, you are not alone. The mouth and jawbone naturally change after teeth are lost, causing old dentures to become loose or uncomfortable over time. That is exactly why so many Carmel-area residents search for…
This is your complete, locally focused guide to dentures in Carmel, IN. If you're considering options for missing teeth, we'll walk you through every type of denture, who qualifies, what the process looks like, costs, and what daily life with dentures actually feels like.Types of dentures we offer in CarmelWho is a good candidate for…
If you're dealing with failing teeth, loose dentures, or significant tooth loss, all on four dental implants in Carmel may be the solution you've been searching for. At Smiles in the Village Dentistry, we offer this full mouth restoration option to help patients regain a complete, functional smile without the frustrations of removable dentures.All-on-Four uses…
If the sound of a dental drill makes you tense up, you're far from alone. For millions of patients, that high-pitched whine is the single biggest barrier to getting the dental care they need. Laser dentistry offers a different experience - one built around focused light energy instead of mechanical cutting, often resulting in less…