A perfect smile doesn't just look good, it means better health too. That's why everyone should invest in orthodontic treatment, whether they have just one crooked tooth or many.
While metal braces have been the go-to option for teeth straightening for years, nowadays, there are many discreet and effective alternatives, as we're about to discuss.
In this article, we'll let you know how crooked teeth can affect your health, and the best ways to fix them, so that you can choose the perfect option.
Having a beautiful smile with straight teeth can work wonders for a person's confidence. But vanity isn't the only reason you should want to fix your crooked, gappy or crowded teeth. Regardless of whether you have one crooked tooth or many, a whole host of complications can arise the longer you wait to receive orthodontic treatment.
Crooked or crowded teeth are notoriously harder to clean with daily brushing. Over time, bacteria and plaque can build up along the gumline of those harder-to-reach areas, which can lead to gum disease, periodontitis, and tooth loss in extreme cases. In gappy teeth, where the gums are exposed, gum disease can happen even more quickly if the teeth aren't straightened.
Depending on which direction your crooked or crowded teeth are growing in, they can begin to put a significant amount of stress on the jaw and the joints that hold it in place. This is known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and it causes headaches, earaches, jaw pain and difficulty chewing.
Having even just one crooked tooth can cause a lot of smelly problems. A misaligned tooth is an effective trap for the food you've been eating, a plaque magnet, and the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria. All of this is sure to result in tooth decay, cavities and bad breath.
Cosmetic dentistry is huge right now, and it's no wonder why. Numerous studies have found that over half of people worldwide are insecure about their teeth. So investing in clear braces or porcelain veneers can have a lasting positive impact on a person's self-esteem.
If you have an overbite or underbite as a result of crooked or crowded teeth, your ability to speak properly may be affected. This can cause communication problems, severely impact both your personal and professional lives, and lead to even lower self-esteem.
For many years, metal braces were the only option for people who wanted straighter teeth. But today, there are various options to choose from in your pursuit of a perfect smile.
Invisible braces are by far the most effective solution to fix crooked teeth. They're discreet, offer a long-term solution, and can improve your overall oral health, rather than just your appearance. Big brands in cosmetic dentistry, such as ClearCorrect, offer customizable plans to suit your budget and the severity of your misaligned teeth.
Like traditional braces, clear braces work by gently moving your teeth over the course of a few months. At the end of your treatment, you'll be left with a straighter smile – and be less at risk of things like gum disease and tooth decay. In most cases, ClearCorrect can even help solve issues such as overbite, underbite, and misaligned bite.
Many people choose clear braces over metal or lingual braces for their comfort, discreetness, and easiness to clean and wear.
Contrary to traditional braces, which wrap around the front of the tooth, lingual braces sit behind the upper or lower teeth. They work by gently moving the teeth over the course of a few months or years until they are aligned and are very effective at straightening teeth. However, some people find it difficult to brush their teeth with metal braces. This means that food can get easily trapped inside them, leading to bad breath and tooth decay.
In some cases, dental veneers can fix minor cosmetic dental issues, such as gapped or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are attached to the front of the teeth and don't make any difference to their alignment. In this respect, they really only camouflage your dental issues rather than solving them. Veneers are also notoriously expensive, with prices typically reaching quadruple digits per tooth. Safe to say, this probably isn't the best option for you if you're on a budget, or genuinely care about your oral health.
If your upper teeth are misaligned at the back, you could benefit from a palatal expander. This piece of equipment is attached to your molars and works to widen the arch of your upper teeth. This kind of orthodontic treatment is great for crossbites and crowded teeth. However, the bulky feel of the metal equipment in the mouth is far from pleasant and can cause the wearer a significant degree of discomfort.
If you're looking for an affordable, comfortable, discreet, and long-term solution, then clear braces are your best bet. Opting for a market leader such as Invisalign or ClearCorrect will provide you with a range of options to choose from to suit your budget.
ClearCorrect's invisible braces have been manufactured with patented ClearQuartz™ technology, making them thinner, clearer, and more flexible than other clear brace solutions. They also boost superior impact and stain resistance, making them the most attractive choice for those who want straighter teeth without compromising their comfort or confidence.
This depends entirely on the solution you choose. Traditional braces and palatal expanders may be more economical, but this comes with its downsides.
Veneers don't truly 'fix' crooked teeth and are extremely expensive, with the average tooth costing thousands. This makes them unsuitable for anyone with severely crooked teeth, or those on a budget.
We always recommend speaking to your local orthodontist or cosmetic dentist before choosing the best solution. Whatever you decide on, remember that having a straighter smile isn't just about looking good – it's about staying healthy too!
