Did you know that the first thing people notice when we meet them for the first time is our smile? If one has perfectly aligned teeth and an attractive smile, it is bound to make an impression on the other person. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people with straight teeth and beautiful smiles are perceived as more attractive than those with crooked teeth and flawed smiles.
If you have misaligned or overcrowded teeth that ruin your facial aesthetics and smile, no need to worry. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, there are several treatment options available to fix your problem. So,= read on to find out the best cosmetic dentistry option for aligning overcrowded teeth.
How can you fix overcrowded teeth?
Generally, there are two ways to fix overcrowded teeth. The first is orthodontic treatment, which involves identifying and treating the underlying problem using various options like fixed braces or Invisalign clear aligners. The other option involves cosmetically masking the issue with dental veneers or crowns. However, this option only solves the aesthetic issue and does not fix the problem. The very best way to space out overcrowded teeth is through teeth straightening.
How do I know if my overcrowded teeth need addressing?
Your teeth alignment is one of the very first things your dentist will look into when starting dental treatment from a young age. This is why we encourage seeing patients as young as possible as we can spot misalignments and bite issues early. We follow a check called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) which sets out whether or not a patient will need orthodontic treatment. Ideally, it is best to have braces and orthodontic treatment during adolescence as your bone structure is much more agreeable to movement and reordering the position of your teeth. Orthodontic treatment takes less time when the teeth and jaw bone are younger and more pliable. If a young patient’s IOTN comes out high, they can be eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment - which is free.
With overcrowding, depending on the severity, it may be necessary for us to remove teeth to make more room so we can straighten the rest of the teeth into a much more manageable position. Removing teeth for orthodontic practices is very common and no cause for alarm.
Fixing overcrowded teeth as an adult
Even though most people have braces when they are in their teens, you can still have braces as an adult. Thanks to modern dentistry, individuals of any age can get their teeth straightened.
What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?
If we talk about adult orthodontic treatment, the commonly used options for straightening teeth include conventional metal, lingual, and ceramic braces. Besides, clear aligner therapy is also available for adults if they do not prefer fixed orthodontic treatment. Teeth straightening and orthodontic treatment are the best options as they fix the underlying issue and offer the best aesthetic and functional outcome. On the other hand, if someone wants to get straight teeth without orthodontic treatment, they may consider cosmetic options like lumineers, veneers, or porcelain crowns. However, these treatments just manage what’s on the surface. Orthodontic treatment moves the entire tooth, including the root, not just change the position of the tooth above the gum line.
Is It Possible To Treat Crooked Teeth With Invisalign?
While Invisalign aligners are among the most effective options for fixing teeth crowding, other orthodontic treatment options are also available. If due to any reason you cannot get Invisalign aligners for the alignment of crowded, your dentist may fix the issue using metal braces. Alternatively, if you are concerned about the conspicuous metallic appearance of the traditional braces, you may consider getting your teeth straightened with lingual or ceramic braces. Finally, individuals who cannot afford orthodontic treatment or wait for many months to get their teeth straightened can get their overcrowded teeth fixed cosmetically with porcelain veneers or crowns.
Is There Any Way To Straighten Teeth In One Day?
The ideal way of fixing misaligned teeth is through orthodontic treatment. However, orthodontic treatment is a long process that requires patience. If you want to get your crooked teeth straightened overnight, you can benefit from cosmetic dentistry procedures. In this type of cosmetic teeth straightening, the teeth are not actually realigned, but the aesthetic issue is masked by attaching veneers or crowns over the crooked teeth, making them appear straighter and optimally aligned.
How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?
Different braces types have different treatment times. However, according to the British Orthodontic Society, mild to moderate orthodontic problems involving the front teeth alone can be completed as quickly as 6 months. On the other hand, treatment of more complex issues with braces may take up to 24 months. Your dentist may offer an estimated treatment time after a thorough clinical examination and treatment planning.
Does Straightening Of Teeth Make Them Weak?
During orthodontic treatment, dentists prepare a detailed treatment plan to ensure that your teeth are straightened without any complication or damage to the teeth. The most important factor that determines the speed of the treatment and which can directly influence the health of the teeth is the force applied. Experienced dentists apply controlled and precise orthodontic forces on the teeth. As a result, the teeth and their supporting structures are not damaged during the treatment process.
Much of the negative effects that patients can experience during orthodontic treatment occurs due to not cleaning the braces and aligners effectively during the treatment. It’s incredibly important to the overall oral health as well as the success of the treatment that the health of the teeth and gums are in top shape throughout.
What Is The Main Cause Of Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can occur due to various reasons. Some of these include:
Genetics
Oral hygiene status
Early milk tooth loss
Parafunctional habits like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting
Malnutrition
Mouth breathing
Dental trauma
The important thing to consider here is that In most cases, tooth misalignment can be prevented with early checkups and diagnosis.
Is Invisalign Really Better Than Braces?
Each orthodontic treatment option has its own merits and demerits. While the fixed braces are a reliable and time-tested option, their use is limited due to their inconvenience and metallic appearance. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, do not cause significant discomfort, and allow one to eat their favourite foods without restrictions. So, if aesthetics and comfort are your primary concerns, then Invisalign aligners are a better option than braces.
Should You Get Braces Before Veneers? Dentists only initiate orthodontic treatment once all the underlying dental problems have been fixed. If your dentist has planned veneers to restore your damaged or crooked teeth, it is better to get the veneers before orthodontic treatment. However, if the primary reason for getting veneers is facial aesthetic improvement, it is advisable to wait until your treatment has been completed and your teeth are already aligned optimally.
Can I Get My Upper Front Teeth Middle Line Straightened?
If you are concerned about the deviated midline of your upper teeth, then there are several options available to fix this issue. Depending on your oral health status and the severity of the problem, your dentist may recommend either fixed braces or Invisalign aligners. Both these options will move your teeth laterally until their midline is optimally aligned with the facial midline.
When getting your teeth straightened, it is important to choose a dentist or orthodontist with extensive experience and clinical expertise. If you are looking for a top-notch orthodontic practice in Golders Green, De-Ientes Dental is the place to go. Whether you need dental implants, fixed braces, or a complete smile makeover, we offer all services to ensure that you enjoy a healthy, lasting, and beautiful smile. So, book a consultation appointment with us today and let us take care of your entire family’s dental health.
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