Having straight, healthy-looking teeth is something that most people aspire to achieve.. Straight teeth are desirable for many reasons: they look great, function more effectively, are easier to clean, and are less likely to suffer from decay.
When searching for a method for alignment, you have a number of options for making orthodontic improvements, including several types of bracers and aligner systems, such as Invisalign®.
How You Can Benefit from Straight Teeth
One of the most obvious benefits of having straight teeth is that they look great and make your smile look more attractive. Teeth that are even, well-spaced and white always look great and give your whole face a lift.
Of course, there are other benefits to having straight teeth. For instance, when teeth are straight they work more effectively when biting and chewing food.
Straight teeth that are evenly aligned are also easier to clean. This is important because if the teeth and gums aren’t cleaned regularly and thoroughly, you have an increased risk of both tooth decay and gum disease.
Finally, there’s the fact that if your teeth are poorly aligned, specific areas suffer more from wear and tear damage. This can damage tooth enamel and expose the lower tooth layer called dentin. Once a tooth’s dentin is exposed, it is at much higher risk of damage due to decay and infection.
What are Your Options for Teeth-Straightening?
Traditional Braces
This orthodontic option is mainly for children and teens who have moderate to severe alignment and bite problems. Treatment with traditional braces usually takes between 18 months and 3 years depending on how severe the problem is. However, traditional braces are still the best option in terms of the range of alignment and bite problems they can treat.
Ceramic and clear braces
These options are similar to traditional braces but are made from materials that are less obtrusive. While traditional braces are made of mental, newer ceramic and clear braces are made from composite materials that aren’t as visible when worn. Ceramic and clear braces are unable to treat as extensive a range of orthodontic problems as traditional braces, so they aren’t suitable for everyone.
Aligners
Plastic aligner trays such as those in the Invisalign system are a very discreet orthodontic treatment. The aligner trays are almost invisible when worn, so they are especially popular with adults. However, aligner trays can only treat mild to moderate alignment problems and mild bite issues.
Don’t Wait Another Day to Get Started!
If you’ve been thinking about having orthodontic treatment, consider talking to your dentist in Lancaster about your options. The sooner you get started with treatment, the sooner you’ll be enjoying all the benefits of having straight teeth!