Teeth Straightening Methods

A healthy smile, with straight teeth, is one of the best accessories that you can have. There is not anything inherently wrong with crooked teeth. Crooked teeth may reduce confidence levels. There are a myriad of teeth straightening methods. A dentist will recommend one based on your teeth and perhaps cost concerns.

Braces

• Braces are one of the longest standing methods of teeth straightening. There are regular metal braces, or the newer clear braces. Braces are placed on the teeth by an orthodontist. They work by putting pressure on the teeth in the proper direction. The time that the patient wears them depends on how crooked the teeth are to begin with: it can be two years to four years. Clear braces straighten teeth using plastic aligners.

Veneers

• Porcelain veneers are a quick teeth straightening method. They are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers create the look of straight teeth, without the teeth actually having to be moved. Porcelain veneers are durable but may have to be replaced at some point. You can have veneers placed on just one tooth or all of them. Getting veneers will take a minimum of two appointments.

Crowns

• Crowns are typically used to restore a damaged tooth. They can be used as a teeth straightening method as well. During the procedure, the tooth is built up and a strong crown is placed over the top. Just as with veneers, crowns can drastically change the look of your smile. Crowns are not inexpensive but are less expensive than veneers. They are permanent but it is possible that crowns can come off the teeth.

Tooth Bonding

• Bonding is a less expensive way to reshape and straighten a smile. When teeth are bonded together, a thin plastic coating is placed onto the teeth, followed by a bonding material. The dentist will shape it to the desired result. If there are teeth that are crooked, bonding can make the teeth appear straighter.