PUBLISHED ON 29/01/23
Having a straight smile isn’t just about impressing others or looking good. There are many reasons why people may want to straighten their teeth. Unfortunately, just as many reasons may stop people from seeking out teeth straightening procedures. To help people understand the benefits of fixing their smile and their options, we’ve put together a list of FAQs to help answer some of your burning questions about teeth straightening. If you’re still unsatisfied after reading this list, give us a ring, and we’ll be sure to answer any other questions!
Many believe that straightening teeth is purely a cosmetic choice reinforced by impossible beauty standards. However, there are many reasons why both children and adults should consider straightening their teeth beyond a perfect smile. Firstly, straight teeth are linked to better oral hygiene. This is because people with straight teeth have better hygiene management and control over the wear and tear of their teeth. Moreover, overcrowded teeth have been known to contribute to tooth decay, plaque build-up and gum disease as they are more challenging to clean. Crooked teeth are also known to cause frequent headaches, soft tissue injury, poor digestion, and speech impediments.
Additionally, teeth can shift at any age. So, although you might have perfect teeth as a child, you might find that your smile has shifted and requires a bit more attention as you age.
Yes and No. There are many methods of straightening teeth available on the market. Some methods can be used on children and adults, others only apply to children, and some are better suited to adults. In general, adults have more options available to them, but these methods can take longer as adult teeth tend to shift slower.
No! In fact, even more options are available to straighten your teeth as an adult.
In the past, having a straight smile may have been a luxury. However, more affordable options have come to light with modern techniques constantly developed. Moreover, at Maidstone Dental, we’ll always take the time to find the right plan for you. We also offer payment plans so that all our patients can have access to a happy and healthy smile. Just book a consultation, and we’ll run through all your options and their related costs so that you can make the most informed decision.
Most of our patients, particularly our adult patients, are worried about two main things when it comes to teeth alignment: cost and visibility. With modern technologies, braces are no longer the only option. Nowadays, more affordable or less visible options are available to those seeking a perfect smile. These options include clear dental aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, myobrace and surgery. Each option, however, has its own list of pros and cons. For more information, book a consultation with one of Maidstone Dental’s highly trained orthodontists today.
Yes. Whether you’re five or fifty, teeth straightening options are always available. Book a consultation with Maidstone Dental today so we can discuss your options.
The answer to this question depends on the individual and the complexity of the case. Treatment time can vary from 6 months to 3 years. Come in for a consultation, and we can give you a rough estimate of how long you could expect to undergo the procedure.
Clear dental aligners are like transparent mouth guards custom-made to fit tightly over your teeth. When you opt for dental aligners to alter your smile, you will receive a set of aligners that are slightly different and designed to be swapped regularly. They work by applying pressure that gradually shifts your teeth. Those who opt for aligners need to wear them for long periods – all day and night – even if they are uncomfortable.
Braces are a system of metal wires and brackets that are attached to your teeth. The wires are adjusted through the treatment process to guide the alignment process. Elastics are also used to secure brackets to your teeth and to exert pressure to align them.
There are two types of braces: metal braces and ceramic braces.
Myobrace is best suited for children 3 to 15 years old. It involves using a series of removable intra-oral appliances worn overnight and for a couple of hours during the day. Myobrace is a pre-orthodontic treatment that focuses on treating the underlying causes of crooked teeth so that children don’t need braces down the line. Myobrace also corrects poor oral habits by helping the child breathe through the nose, correct tongue resting position, swallow correctly and keep their lips together.
At Maidstone Dental, we’re always happy to chat about the best option for you or your child. So book an appointment today if you have any unanswered questions or to find the right treatment plan for you or your child.
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