How To Straighten Teeth
The Best Options for Straightening Teeth in 2022
With technological advancements in orthodontics, you can fix you or your child’s crooked teeth and achieve an ideal bite and smile. There is a wide range of inexpensive and efficient treatment options available in 2022 for every age, budget, and lifestyle. From a 7-year-old with an underbite to a busy professional who wants to correct mild crowding. At Morgenstern Orthodontics, straightening teeth is our specialty and Dr. Morgenstern will help you determined which treatment is best for you.
Why Straighten Teeth?
There are many reasons why you may decide you need to straighten your teeth. Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws may address or prevent future dental problems. There is also an esthetic component to orthodontic treatment which is straighter teeth and an attractive smile.
An attractive smile is an important asset to one’s self-esteem and can change people’s lives. Teens in particular find confidence in a smile they are happy about. If you are self-conscious about smiling due to dental or orthodontics issues, you’re not alone. People sometimes limit their opportunities and hold themselves back from meeting new people or pursuing professional opportunities when they are not confident. After orthodontic treatment brings the teeth, lips, and face into proper proportion, people are more likely to take on new challenges in life.
There are several types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite, crossbite, spacing and overcrowding. Each of these alignment problems can have a negative effect on your smile and possibly your dental health. Some of the main disorders associated with crooked teeth include:
Periodontitis or gum diseaseTemporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) Tooth injury Uneven wear on the permanent teeth
Traditional Teeth Straightening Methods
Whatever the dental misalignment or malocclusion, there are options to help you fix it. Traditional teeth straightening methods include:
Metal Braces:
Dental braces are an excellent treatment option to improve the appearance of your smile and fit of your bite. Braces can be used for children as part of early treatment, adolescents and teens, as well as for adults. Traditional metal braces consist of fixed brackets, wires and elastic bands that work together to move teeth into their new position. The brackets are generally made of stainless steel, and wires are made of metal alloys. Today's braces are smaller and lighter than previous versions, and you may even be able to choose the color of your brackets and bands.
Invisalign Aligners:
Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-fitted to your teeth. This treatment offers an alternative to metal or clear orthodontic braces for straightening teeth. Each aligner is worn 1-2 weeks so your teeth gently and gradually move into their final positions. When you start Invisalign, there will be some small, clear attachments bonded to your teeth which will allow the aligner to direct forces on your teeth in specific ways needed. You will wear your aligners for 20-24 hours per day and routinely visit the office every 6-10 weeks so your orthodontist can check the progress of your treatment and make adjustments as needed.
Clear Braces:
Metal and clear braces work in the same way but are made of different materials and provide a very different look for patients. Both types will fix your bite and straighten your teeth. Clear braces are less noticeable, and a more popular choice for adults who want to straighten their teeth more discreetly. The material used to make clear brackets is more brittle so to give the brackets more strength, the clear brackets are slightly larger in size compared to the metal braces. Clear brackets are more likely to break or chip compared to metal braces for this reason. The material in clear brackets is also more abrasive and can wear down tooth edges if they come in contact for a long period of time.
How To Straigthen Teeth at Home
Type “How to straigthen teeth without braces” or “straighten teeth at home” into your favorite search engine, and you will find hundreds of results and recommendations. Recently, “mail-order aligners,” or “DIY aligners,” have become a popular choice. Although this may seem like an enticing and affordable option, it’s important to remember that there is no dental professional monitoring your treatment or the health of your teeth and results are not guaranteed. We always recommend orthodontic treatment with a dental professional and Dr. Morgenstern can perform a free consultation so you can learn about your options.
As with most services, when it comes to straightening teeth, professional treatment yields professional results. Dental aligners ordered from a shop cannot compare to the results achieved by personalized, specialized orthodontic treatments. The benefits of convenience and lower cost offered by DIY at-home aligners often don’t measure up to the risks to your long-term dental health.
Best Way To Straighten Teeth In or Near Chapel Hill, NC
DIY clear aligners may sound like an attractive option if you are looking to save money and avoid visits to a dentist or orthodontist. However, there is no substitute for professional orthodontics treatment to straighten teeth, close a gap between your teeth, address crowding, or treat any number of other orthodontics concerns.
Dr. Morgenstern provides orthodontic treatment to children, teens, and adults with braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. Each patient is unique and our care is tailored to your individual needs. Whether you need to straighten teeth, fix your overbite or underbite, or discuss any other orthodontics concerns, our friendly team welcomes you to our modern, clean and comfortable orthodontics office. We are conveniently located between Chapel Hill and Pittsboro, NC between the Briar Chapel and Southern Village neighborhoods. At Morgenstern Orthodontics, we value the trust of our patients and strive to provide the best possible treatment experience. From using the latest technology to offering convenient appointment times and payment options, our practice is committed to providing quality care and affordable treatments. As you research your options to straighten teeth in or near Chapel Hill, NC, please take a moment to read the reviews shared by our patients and their families.
Please visit us at Morgenstern Orthodontics for a free orthodontics consultation before any DIY orthodontics. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams with affordable professional orthodontics. We are proud to use the latest in dental technology to provide patients with the care they seek.