A fine set of straight teeth can be a real confidence booster, so if your smile is looking a little crooked these days this could knock your self-esteem. If the first thing that you see when looking in the mirror is not a straight, beaming smile, it is probably time to grab some help from your dentist, and your practitioner may well offer orthodontics as a solution.
Are braces the right solution for me?
Some people do not take the plunge of getting their teeth straightened, due to the confusing maze of treatments on offer. But it is worth first researching and then asking at your dental practice which option is best for rectifying your wonky grin.
As well as traditional fixed braces, other innovative alternatives include lingual types, which are a contemporary dentistry solution for the modern world and different from the normal front of teeth braces. The treatment of lingual teeth straighteners is very simple, an impression of the teeth is made and this is used to design metal bracket, specifically shaped for you. Then these brackets are cemented on to the back of the teeth and attached with wires and bands.
Lingual braces move to fit the teeth and position them so they are aligned, over time, this can be anything from 12 to 18 months.
Modern dental technology has also allowed us to now benefit from treatments such as aligners, which are perfect for crooked and ‘buck teeth’. This solution is safe and can be used to suit any lifestyle, as the translucent trays used are removable. As the aligners are clear, they are virtually invisible and the treatment for this orthodontic procedure usually completes in 6 to 18 weeks.
How to look after your teeth whilst and after straightening
Oral hygiene is of the utmost importance with braces, it can be a little more difficult to keep the mouth and teeth clean and bacteria free, so brush carefully, but thoroughly, twice a day. It is also advisable to watch what you eat and steer clear of sugary food and drinks. However, lingual braces offer an easier solution when cleaning, as where they are positioned makes it much easier to keep teeth stain free when brushing. And aligners offer the simplest solution of all, as you can remove the trays when you need to start your daily oral health regime of brushing twice a day and also flossing to get rid of any plaque and bacteria build up.
Say cheese …
The road to straight teeth and a confident smile will be much smoother when you decide to take the plunge and discuss all your options with your dentist. In today’s image-obsessed society, feeling good about how you look matters more than it ever did and with modern dental solutions coming on leaps and bounds, there will always be the perfect treatment for you.
Say goodbye to that crooked smile and hello to a confident you!
