Straight, white teeth are the formula for a beautiful, attention-grabbing smile. Research has shown that people who smile more project more self-confidence, promote their likability with those around them, and can even positively affect their own mental health. Don’t hide those pearly whites out of fear of not so straight teeth. Below, find three procedures that straighten teeth to give you the prettiest smile on the block.
Invisalign®
An alternative to the traditional metal braces, Invisalign® clear braces offers clear, subtle treatment to straighten teeth. This treatment offers unique advantages not found in typical braces, such as the ability to remove the aligners in order to eat or clean your teeth, as well as the plus of not having to go into the dentist for painful tightening procedures. These custom-made aligners are designed to fit your exact needs, and makes the teeth straightening process quicker, more efficient, less obvious, and far less painful.
The process for Invisalign begins with a consultation with your dentist, where X-rays will be taken in order to determine how to create your aligners. Your dentist will take highly detailed images of your mouth and teeth and your bite to make the tray customized for your smile. As an added bonus, you can expect to receive your first set of trays after just a few weeks, and you’re on your way to straighter teeth. Invisalign began 20 years ago and has used those years to keep their product up to date with focused research each year through the gathering of date from over 6 million sets of teeth.
They are also the world’s largest 3D printing company. Treatment through Invisalign can be up to twice as fast as normal braces. Life with these clear aligners allows you to eat all of the foods you normally eat, does not interrupt your physical activity routine, and you’re able to brush and floss with them removed, so it in no way interrupts your day to day hygiene routine.
Veneers
Veneers are a bit of a different solution among the procedures that straighten teeth. This permanent procedure involved a custom-made shell of each of your teeth covering the front of your teeth in order to straighten and whiten their appearance. Wafer-thin, customized shells are bonded to the front of the teeth in order to reshape crooked teeth, whiten the appearance, and create a straight smile.
Crafted of porcelain or resin composite, veneers are used as a long-term fix for cracked or stained teeth and can give the patient a brand new and highly improved smile made up of straight white teeth. They resist future staining as well, offering a long-term solution to many issues keeping you back from your full smile potential. The process for veneer bonding begins with a dentist examination, similar to the process for Invisalign. X-rays and impressions will likely be taken in order to ensure the veneers are made to correctly form to your teeth. Your dentist will make a model of your tooth with a small sample of your tooth enamel, which will be used to construct your veneers. Within two to four weeks, your veneers should be ready for bonding. Bonding is the process by which the veneer is permanently cement to your tooth.
Crowns
Crowns are more similar to veneers than to Invisalign. In this tooth straightening procedure, a cover or cap is made to place over top your teeth, restoring it to its normal shape and size. Crowns can actually improve your teeth as well, by making them straighter, whiter, and stronger. Crowns are made up of different types of materials, often colored to match the look of your natural teeth. You and your dentist can work together to choose a material that best works for you among the choices which include porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin.
The process for placing a crown begins with removal of the outer portion of the teeth to make room for the crown. The model for the crown comes from an impression made of your teeth, and once the procedure is complete, the crown will be placed in your mouth. Crowns don’t prevent cavities, so it’s still important to take good care of your teeth, but they make for a less complicated procedure than veneers.
Choosing to straighten your teeth can be made simple by knowing your options. Talk to your dentist to figure out the best choice for your teeth and how they can help give you a straighter, brighter smile.
