How to get straight teeth
Straight teeth are one of our most requested treatments. What many patients don’t realise, though, is that there’s more than one way to get a beautifully aligned smile (and best of all, they don’t all involve train track braces!).
Orthodontic treatment
Braces are a tried and tested way to straighten teeth and for many teenagers they’re a rite of passage. But what if you missed out on the opportunity to wear braces when you were younger? Never fear – braces are no longer exclusively the domain of teenagers. We’ve helped thousands of adults to achieve their perfect smile.
Modern braces are a far cry from the metal train tracks that you might remember from your school days – goodbye Ugly Betty, hello beautiful smile. Our most popular braces include Invisalign clear aligners and hidden lingual braces – both of which are virtually undetectable.
How do braces straighten teeth?
Regardless of the type of brace you choose – fixed or removable, clear or metal – they ultimately work in the same way – gently moving your crooked teeth little by little using gentle forces.
As your teeth move, the alveolar bone that surrounds them remodels to support their new position. Once your brace is removed it’s important to wear retainers to give your teeth enough time to settle in their new position.
Even once your bone has stabilised, the ligaments that were stretched during your orthodontic treatment can still exert pressure on your teeth. We recommend wearing retainers indefinitely to maintain new smile.
Light, constant forces are really important when we’re moving teeth. Too much force could lead to problems such as root resorption – not to mention very achy teeth. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist or orthodontist if you’re thinking about getting your teeth straightened. There’s a growing trend for DIY braces, but this comes with huge risks.
Cosmetic dentistry
Despite their many benefits, braces aren’t for everyone, and if your teeth aren’t in great shape they may not be your best option. If your natural teeth are damaged, misshapen or stained you might want to consider an alternative treatment such as veneers.
Veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain or composite, which fits over your tooth to disguise any imperfections – much like a false finger nail. Veneers can look fantastic and your dentist will be able to carefully craft the shape of your new teeth to suit you. What’s more, the results are almost instant, so it won’t be long until you’re enjoying your new smile.
To fit your veneers, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth. If you have teeth that protrude severely, more of your natural tooth will need to be removed to get the best results. For this reason we always like to explore the option of braces before recommending veneers.
If you have very mild crowding, you might be suitable for teeth reshaping and/or bonding. This involves carefully reshaping your teeth by removing small amounts of enamel or adding small amounts of composite (a tooth-coloured resin).
To find out which is the best teeth straightening option for you, come and see us for a free no-obligation consultation*. During this relaxed appointment we’ll examine your smile and discuss your treatment goals before providing you with a personalised quote.