Advanced cosmetic dental techniques are helping people around the world achieve their dream smiles. But long before many of these procedures existed, straightening teeth with braces could make a big difference in a person’s appearance.
Improving a smile isn’t the primary reason a person should undergo teeth straightening—a poor bite can lead to an unhealthy mouth. Misaligned teeth set up conditions in which you’re more prone to diseases like tooth decay or gum disease. Correcting a bite should be first and foremost about protecting your dental health.
Even so, realigning your teeth can lead to a more attractive smile—and it’s often necessary first before undergoing other cosmetic restorations. Think of it like renovating a house. You usually need to fix a faulty foundation before you start building an addition.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a complete dental exam before undertaking cosmetic work. There may be underlying problems that should be treated first. If that includes a poor bite, your next visit will most likely be with an orthodontist. Using advanced diagnostics, they’ll determine what kind of bite problem you have and what it will take to correct it.
In years past, that meant braces. But now patients have another option: clear aligners, a series of clear plastic trays based on the individual patient’s teeth. Each tray in the series is worn for about two weeks in succession, each new tray taking up where the other tray left off moving the teeth. Not only are they nearly invisible to observers, they can be removed for eating, cleaning or special occasions.
On the cosmetic front, straightening your teeth may be all you need to realize a more attractive smile. But orthodontics can also be part of an overall “smile makeover” that may include other cosmetic procedures, usually performed after realigning the teeth. In this case, it’s often necessary to coordinate orthodontic treatment with these other procedures, especially if it’s necessary to remove some teeth.
Whether it stands alone or is part of an overall makeover plan, straightening teeth can be a game changer when it comes to your appearance. Not only will it help you have healthier teeth and gums, it could give you the new smile you desire.
If you would like more information on orthodontic treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “The Magic of Orthodontics.”
