Kingston PA dental patients learn more about teeth straightening
If you smile into a mirror and immediately notice that your teeth aren’t as straight as they used to be or as you wish they were, you’re not alone. Many adults want to improve their smile by fixing teeth that are crooked or just slightly misaligned. However, most patients aren’t sure of the teeth straightening options that are available to them. Dr. Stephen Lawrence of Lawrence Dental Group in Kingston, PA, helps patients improve their smile with teeth straightening treatments.
Alignment matters
Teeth straightening is often considered a cosmetic dental service. While straighter teeth will improve the aesthetics of your smile, it will also improve your overall oral health as well. Teeth that are crooked can make brushing and flossing difficult when two teeth are pressing together tightly. It can also create small pockets between the teeth where food particles can become stuck. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, misalignment often creates pressure on the teeth which can cause jaw pain, earaches, or headaches.
Cosmetically, properly aligned teeth simply make patients feel more confident and able to smile bigger and brighter.
Teeth straightening options
As a child or teenager, braces are common – almost a rite of passage. However, as an adult, many dental patients who have misaligned teeth don’t want to undergo a treatment that requires brackets and wires. In addition to traditional braces, dental technology has advanced greatly and offers patients treatments that are faster, use more aesthetically pleasing mouthpieces, or focus only on certain teeth. While each treatment has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, the Lawrence Dental Group team advises patients to consider different treatment options.
Treatments with clear aligners
There are several orthodontic treatments that use clear alignment trays to carefully shift the teeth into their proper position. The treatment utilizes a custom package of carefully constructed trays – each tray is worn for several weeks before it is discarded, and the next tray is used. These treatment systems offer several advantages over traditional braces.
- Clear, comfortable trays: Because they’re made of a clear plastic material, the trays are nearly invisible. Patients can wear them while working, speaking, and socializing with friends and family without worrying that others are noticing their orthodontic treatment. In addition to being clear, the trays are also comfortable and can easily be taken out for eating and brushing and quickly replaced.
- Removable: While the trays do need to be worn nearly all day long, they should be removed for eating and dental care, like brushing and flossing. This improves the patient experience because you can continue to enjoy foods that are typically off-limits during orthodontic treatment like corn on the cob, hard pretzels, and caramels. Additionally, it keeps the teeth healthy with proper dental care.
Will clear aligners work for me?
Clear aligners are a great alternative to braces for most patients. However, the only way to know for sure if your misalignment can be corrected with this treatment is to visit your dentist. In some cases, patients who have severe misalignment would be better served with an alternative option. Further, compliance is key. Patients must be disciplined enough to wear the trays at least 22 hours each day.
For more information about orthodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment, call Lawrence Dental Group today at (570) 852-2650.
