Here at Fine Smiles Dental, some of our most common patient inquiries are about straightening teeth. In dentistry, the different straightening treatments and procedures come under the field of orthodontics. In this blog post, we aim to give an outline of what options are available - if you still wish to find out more, feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
The main reason that people choose to have orthodontic treatment is to improve the appearance of their smile. Studies have shown that having an aesthetic smile has a significant effect on a person’s social and psychological behavior and greatly improves their self confidence.
However, it should be noted that orthodontic treatment can also have significant functional benefits. It can help improve how your teeth bite together, reduce tooth wear, and aid dental hygiene. In some cases it can form a component of the treatment of sleep apnoea or other breathing issues
Dentistry is wide-ranging and there are many different treatment options which can be employed to straighten teeth. The main ones that we will focus on are clear aligners (such as Invisalign), metal braces, ceramic braces and functional appliances.
Veneers, although not a part of orthodontics, are another option that can be suitable to improve the appearance of teeth in certain cases. We will discuss veneers further in another blog post.
Clear aligners are thin, transparent, plastic trays which are worn over the top of the teeth. As they are nearly invisible they are often favoured by adult patients desiring straight teeth. Each time the patient changes to a new set of aligners, the teeth are moved ever slightly closer to the final aligned position. Being removable makes cleaning simple - you just need to take out the aligners and go through your normal brushing and flossing routine.
Invisalign was the first company to produce clear aligners and has so far accounted for over 5.5 million improved smiles worldwide. Here at Fine Smiles Dental we have been proud Invisalign providers for many years, with a history of satisfied patients. We are also able to provide other clear aligner options - including SmileStyler and ClearCorrect.
Metal braces consist of small, metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by a thin wire. With a long history behind them, traditional metal braces form a reliable and effective option and are the most common orthodontic treatment used for kids. Modern brackets are smaller than in the past which makes them more comfortable
Ceramic braces means, the use of clear ceramic brackets on the front teeth rather than metal. This provides a less conspicuous appearance while performing the same movements that are possible with traditional metal braces.
Active and functional appliances are fixed or removable devices which are worn to cause changes in the position of teeth and/or jaws. There are a wide range of appliances, each used for differing circumstances.
Expanders are some of the most common appliances, and can be used in young children to minimise the need for braces in the future.
Appliances may also be employed in conjunction with braces for best results.
The best way to find out which option is right for you is to book in for a free orthodontic consultation!
Although we are located in Footscray, we service all of Melbourne and the western suburbs including surrounding suburbs such as Yarraville, Seddon, Maidstone, Kensington and many more. Contact us here or call a member of our friendly team on 03 9689 4477.
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