Enjoy a Gorgeous Smile with Teeth Straightening Treatment
If crooked teeth have you feeling self conscious about your appearance but the thought of wearing metal braces seems even less appealing, you may be happy to learn that traditional braces are no longer the only option for straightening the teeth and correcting bite issues. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can transform the appearance of crooked teeth. To find out which teeth straightening treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with Atlanta, GA cosmetic dentists Donald H. Ross and Neal Shah.
Instant Orthodontics with Porcelain Veneers
Patients interested in achieving fast results may find porcelain veneers offer the perfect solution. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-shaped fabrications that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve a number of cosmetic flaws. Porcelain veneers can be used as “instant orthodontics” to correct the appearance of crooked, uneven teeth. They may even be used to close gaps between teeth in as little as two dental appointments.
Instant orthodontics treatment with porcelain veneers can be completed in a fraction of the time as other teeth straightening treatments. Porcelain veneers treatment generally requires two dental appointments. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared and impressions are made of the teeth. Temporary veneers are placed while the dental lab crafts the custom veneers. After about two weeks, the permanent veneers are generally ready for placement and a second appointment will be needed to bond the finished veneers in place and complete the instant orthodontics treatment.
Invisalign®
Many patients requiring orthodontics treatment choose Invisalign® for its comfort and aesthetics. Invisalign® uses a series of clear aligners, custom-made for each patient, to gradually reposition the teeth. The clear trays used in Invisalign® treatment are virtually invisible, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits of traditional orthodontics without the appearance and discomfort of metal braces.
With Invisalign® treatment, each aligner tray is worn for about two weeks to gently shift the position of the teeth. Although Invisalign® trays need to be worn throughout the day and while sleeping, they may be removed when eating and brushing and flossing the teeth. The length of time required for treatment will vary based on each patients needs, but may take more than nine months.
Traditional Orthodontics
Traditional orthodontics using metal braces remains a popular choice for teeth straightening because traditional orthodontics can correct even the most severe alignment issues. Traditional braces use a metal bracket and wire system, which is tightened to adjust the alignment of the teeth. This process is gradual, taking as long as three years to achieve the desired results. In some cases, one or more teeth may need to be removed to allow space for the remaining teeth to settle into an appropriate position.
Once the desired alignment is achieved, the braces will be removed. A retainer may be needed for the first six months after the braces are removed. After the first six months, the retainer should be worn during sleep to prevent the teeth from shifting after treatment.
The Benefits to Teeth Straightening Treatment
Regardless of which teeth straightening treatment is used, there are many benefits to improving the alignment of your teeth. Patients who undergo teeth straightening can enjoy benefits such as:
- Improved oral health: Overlapping teeth can be difficult to properly clean, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Teeth straightening treatment can help eliminate overlap, making it easier to clean the teeth and improve oral health.
- Improved dental function: Problems with alignment can cause dental wear and make eating difficult or uncomfortable. Correcting issues with alignment improves the bite, allowing the teeth to function properly.
- Improved appearance and confidence: Teeth straightening treatments improve the appearance of crooked teeth, creating a beautiful smile you’ll be confident to share.
Find Out Which Treatment Is Right for You
To find out which treatment is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our team at Feather Touch Dental Care.