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Teeth Straightening Options for Adults

Facial expressions make up a large portion of communication with others. Beaming a full smile can be a terrific indicator of joy, agreement or jest, but being self-conscious of less-than-perfect teeth can keep some from using this valuable communication tool. Many adults resolve to solve this problem by getting the dental procedures they didn't receive as teenagers to straighten their teeth and perfect their smiles.

  1. Causes for Crooked Teeth

    • Like many physical problems, hereditary factors influence the development of crooked teeth. Diseases like tooth decay and cavities may disrupt proper tooth eruption in children. Environmental factors can also pay a contribution. This includes nervous habits like nail-biting, grinding teeth, object-sucking and tongue thrusting. While a number of causes for crooked teeth exist, a number of solutions are also available for getting them straightened so you can smile with confidence.

    Invisalign

    • Metal braces have been around for several decades as a solution to crooked teeth. However, as adults we may find braces to be too disruptive to our lifestyles to be practical, from frequent orthodontist visits for adjustments to the unsightly metal in our mouths. Although both braces and a newer technology called "Invisalign" share an average treatment cost of about $5,000, Invisalign purports several advantages over braces. As the name suggests, the treatment is virtually invisible. In addition, it is made of smooth plastic that is less likely to irritate cheeks and gums than braces, and can be readily removed which allows you to eat whatever foods you enjoy.

    Teeth Veneers and Crowns

    • Also known as "instant orthodontics," veneers transform the smile using thin wafers of porcelain or ceramic. The wafers are custom made based on the shape and color of your teeth. Once made, your dentist can install them on your teeth to fill gaps and fix uneven teeth. The process usually takes about three visits -- much less than for braces or Invisalign. Crowns made out of metal or porcelain work similarly to veneers in that they make teeth appear straight without actually straightening them. The main drawback of veneers and crowns is that they can be destructive because of the amount of tooth structure removed to complete them.

    Teeth Straightening Surgery

    • In cases where patients have severe skeletal deficiencies that affect teeth, orthognathic surgery (teeth straightening surgery) may be an option. Surgery is often conducted in conjunction with braces to adequately correct problems like cleft palate and jaw discrepancies. The surgery is the most invasive option and requires a lengthy treatment period, but may be the right choice for those with severely crooked teeth.

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