Orthodontic Answers to Tooth Alignment Questions
Crooked or misaligned teeth can be unattractive and adversely affect the lives of adults and children.
It is not just an aesthetic issue, as crooked teeth also bring the risk of long-term health issues.
Thankfully, there are a number of cutting-edge solutions, and time-tested ones, for people of all ages who suffer from misaligned teeth.
Of course, patients at Cardiff Dental are searching for the quickest and most comfortable path to a perfect smile, and also a path that gives lasting results.
If your journey includes orthodontic treatment, there are several options to consider. These options include conventional braces (metal and porcelain), Invisalign, non-brace options, and porcelain veneers.
Let’s take a look!
Conventional Braces
Conventional braces are a typical and trusted treatment for people with bite issues and other orthodontic problems. The most common conventional braces are composed of metal or porcelain.
Metal Braces. This type of traditional braces uses stainless steel brackets and archwires, which used to give the patient that “train track” look. Today, these brackets are much smaller and can be tinted.
Porcelain Braces. If you want orthodontic braces that more closely match the colour of your enamel, you can choose porcelain braces. They are composed of tooth-coloured brackets and blend better with the natural shade of your teeth.
Traditional braces are very effective at treating extreme overcrowding and are less expensive than other options. They also give the control needed to move teeth in small amounts at a time. The main disadvantage is the “metal mouth” appearance. Wearing conventional braces also means you never need to worry about ever misplacing your aligners, or putting them in or out.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a clear alternative to metal braces. It helps patients correct a broad range of orthodontic problems, and the treatment is proven to be safe and highly effective.
If you are not comfortable with metal braces or desire a subtle solution for your crooked teeth, Invisalign could be your answer. Because it’s comfortable and removable, many teens and adults choose Invisalign as an alternative orthodontic treatment,
This treatment consists of a full set of clear aligners that are customised for you specifically. Each aligner is different, helping to move your teeth gradually into their ideal position.
Aligners are worn for two weeks each before switching to the next aligner.
Once treatment is complete, your dentist Cardiff will provide you with a suitable retainer to protect and maintain your beautiful, straight smile.
The benefits of Invisalign
- Discreet
- Removable, with no need for adjustment or tightening
- No pain or irritation
- Allows normal dental habits at home
- Helps maintains your oral hygiene routine
- Can be removed to play sports or instruments
Non-brace treatments
Braces are not the only way to achieve straight teeth. Here are several other techniques we use at Cardiff Dental to straighten your teeth without braces.
Retainers – fixed retainers are attached using dental cement to the teeth’s inner surface to prevent them from shifting over time, helping correct your bite and straighten your teeth.
Appliances – one example of this is the Herbst appliance, a device that straightens teeth by correcting imperfections. The Herbst appliance adjusts the bite by allowing the lower jaw to develop in a forward direction.
Palatal Expanders – if the child’s mouth is too small for future adult teeth. They are used to widen the arch of the child’s upper teeth, creating space for the teeth to move naturally into their ideal positions as they grow.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are a flexible cosmetic solution to dental problems including some orthodontic issues:
- Correct the shape of teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Add length to worn teeth
- Straighten misaligned or crooked teeth
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells made of tooth coloured materials that can ameliorate the problems mentioned above. They are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance as well as your smile.
Cardiff Dental, Your Family Dentists in Cardiff
If you have bite, alignment, gapping, or any kind of tooth issues, call us at Cardiff Dental immediately. Orthodontic problems can harm your oral and general health.
Your Cardiff Dental dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth to determine what orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you. Our orthodontic treatments are designed to help you achieve good oral health. Straight teeth are healthier teeth!
Call (02) 4954 6888 or request an appointment today.