Specialized orthodontic teeth straightening services can help you achieve your dream smile by bringing your teeth into ideal alignment. However, advantages of orthodontic treatment far exceed just the visible cosmetic benefits. You also have various options when it comes to orthodontic treatment, and each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, you should know how expert teeth straightening services from board-certified orthodontists can help you before you begin treatment.
Straightening one’s teeth is beneficial not only for aesthetic reasons but also to improve functionality and general oral health. The two primary options for teeth straightening are available are clear aligners and traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners are custom-fitted series of trays that patients wear for most of the day. Dr. Molly McMahon, the owner and orthodontist at Anchored Orthodontics, will take a digital iTero scan (no more gooey molds!) of the patient’s teeth so the clear aligners are a perfect fit. Once the patient receives their aligners, the patient switch to a new set of trays every week, as the clear aligners gradually exert pressure on the teeth, moving them to their desired locations.
However, clear aligners are not magic and the patient must diligently wear them in order for them to be as effective as traditional metal braces. This means patients are recommended to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Patients can take the clear aligners out to eat, drink, and brush, but the aligners should be worn at all other times. Aligner trays are best for disciplined and motivated patients who will not forget to wear them. The primary advantage to clear aligners is that they are nearly invisible, making them more difficult for other people to detect.
Traditional braces are the most common orthodontic treatment, and the most tried and true method to address most orthodontic concerns. Metal braces have been used for over a century and remain the most effective ways to straighten teeth.
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to apply pressure on the patient's teeth, pushing them into a better alignment. The brackets are affixed to the front of the teeth and are connected by wires, which pull the teeth into their desired positions. As treatment progresses, Dr. McMahon will advance the size, shape and material of the wire to achieve each patient’s customized smile goals.
Braces are extremely effective because the patient cannot remove the appliance, so they are always working. However, braces are more visible than clear aligners and require diligent oral hygiene by the patient. Clear braces are a more discrete option than traditional metal braces for those seeking an incognito option. Clear braces work the same way as metal braces, but are generally much more difficult for others to detect.
Many patients are interested in straightening their teeth because they feel self-conscious about their smiles. This is an entirely valid reason to seek expert teeth straightening services from a board-certified orthodontist. However, patients may not realize that they stand to gain much more than just an aesthetically pleasing smile.
When teeth are misaligned, especially if they are crowded, it can be difficult to properly brush and floss all the tooth surfaces and maintain strong oral hygiene. Additionally, if the alignment issue is impacting the person’s bite, the muscles in their face can compensate in inappropriate ways, leading to problems with the temporomandibular joint, leading to jaw pain and damage and wear to the teeth as the patient ages. By having their teeth aligned, patients can enjoy a straight smile, better oral hygiene, and improved general health.
If you want to bring your teeth into an ideal alignment, expert teeth straightening services with a board certified orthodontist should be in your future. Contact Anchored Orthodontics to explore the options available for teeth straightening so you can make an informed decision about which treatment would be best for your situation.
Directly schedule or request a free consultation here: https://anchoredorthodontics.com or call Anchored Orthodontics at (612) 200-0020 for an appointment in our Minnetonka office.
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