Teeth straightening with braces is the normal way to get your teeth aligned, but it’s not the only way. There are a lot of methods to get your teeth straightened, some of them will be more suitable for you than others, that’s why the first thing you need to do is inform yourself before choosing the best teeth straightening for you.
Read on to discover the ultimate solution that will leave you smiling confidently.
The Types Of Teeth Misalignment
It might seem that crooked teeth are all the same, but that’s not true. There are different types of teeth misalignment that will affect your treatment time, process and even the options for teeth straightening you can choose from; that’s why identifying which type of teeth misalignment you suffer from will help you afterward to choose what is the best teeth straightening method based on your needs.
These are the most common types of misalignment:
- Crossbite: it’s when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. If not fixed, it can cause jaw issues.
- Underbite: the lower teeth go over the upper teeth. This is a very serious misalignment that can involve dental surgery in some cases.
- Overbite: This issue is the opposite of underbite, as your upper teeth go over the lower teeth. This issue, although similar to underbite, is easier to fix.
- Open bite: this type of misalignment makes the front teeth meet but not your molars when closing your mouth or vice versa, creating a big space between the upper and the lower teeth. This issue can affect how you chew and even talk.
- Overcrowding: the teeth are too crowded, as its name suggests, coming in odd angles.
- Spacing: teeth are spread too far apart. The most common issue related to this type of misalignment is called diastema.
- Deep byte: the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth.
Best Teeth Straightening Options
Metal braces
Average cost: $3000 to $7000
Metal braces are a popular and cost-effective option for teeth straightening. They are commonly used in children but are also chosen by many adults. Modern metal braces have improved in size and comfort compared to older versions.
Lumineers and Veneers
Average cost: $800 to $2,000 per tooth
If you’re concerned about the appearance of metal braces, veneers offer a solution. Made of porcelain shells, dental veneers are applied to the surface of your teeth to conceal flaws like gaps and holes. Lumineers serve the same purpose of enhancing your smile. They are suitable for minor misalignments but not severe issues or bite problems.
Invisible aligners
Average cost: $3,000- $7,500
Invisible aligners are small, removable, and made of plastic. You visit a dentist every few weeks to receive a new aligner, gradually moving your teeth into the correct position. Their convenience and ease of cleaning make them ideal for busy individuals. However, they are not effective for severe misalignments.
Snap-On Smile
Average cost: $1,000 to $3,500
This removable appliance provides another option for teeth straightening. Custom-fitted by a dentist, it gives you a flawless smile. The process is less invasive, painful, and expensive compared to other treatments.
How Long Your Teeth Straightening Will Take?
This is not an easy question to answer as the treatment time will depend on factors like the teeth straightening options, how severe is the dental issue, etcetera. However, the length can go from 6 months to 3 years on average.
FAQ
Not, it is not. After your treatment you will have to wear your retainers at least at night so your teeth don’t relapse.
Clear aligners as they offered the whole treatment for as little as $1400 (on average).
Braces or orthognathic surgery if they are medically necessary, not an aesthetic treatment.
If your teeth aligners treatment doesn’t go as planned, you can ask for a refund, as many companies come with a guarantee.
Sources
- Behrents, R. (2014). Consumer alert on the use of elastics as “gap bands”. American Journal Of Orthodontics And Dentofacial Orthopedics, 146(3), 271-272. doi: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2014.07.003
- Braces vs. Clear Aligners | American Association of Orthodontists. (2019). Retrieved 23 December 2019, from https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/braces-vs-clear-aligners/
- Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites. (2019). Retrieved 23 December 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/crooked-teeth-misaligned-bites#1
