Top Treatments for Teeth Straightening

Having teeth that are straight, even, and properly aligned is a sure way to make a lasting positive impression on others. Yet not everyone is born with a smile that's perfectly straight. Gaps, crowding, and crookedness are all issues that people often have to deal with when it comes to the aesthetics of their smile. There are many different ways that a dentist can help patients achieve a smile that is straight and well aligned.

Let's take a moment right now to look into these matters. You will be able to learn more about all of these options in greater detail when you visit a restorative and cosmetic dentistry center for a full consultation.

Are all options orthodontic treatments?

While it may come as a surprise, not all teeth straightening options are orthodontic treatments. The type and degree of your tooth misalignment will often determine the ideal treatment based on the discretion of your dentist.

In general, the top three treatments for straightening the teeth are:

• Porcelain dental veneers
• Invisalign
• Traditional orthodontics

Let's look at these three in a little more detail right now.

Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are deigned to fit over the front portions of a person's teeth. These veneers are super thin and are semi-translucent just like natural tooth structure. This means that light passes through them just like real tooth structure, making them look just like actual teeth in both natural light and artificial light.

Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Dental Veneers

The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people with minor issues with crowding, spacing, and tooth alignment that are predominantly cosmetic in nature. These patients should be in otherwise good dental health. Porcelain veneers can also be used to treat cracked teeth, chipped teeth, and stained teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of the most popular options for teeth straightening at cosmetic dentistry centers across the country. They've been dubbed invisible braces by some because they involve the use of clear plastic aligner trays rather than the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces. These aligner trays can be removed so a patient can eat, drink, and clean their teeth as normal.

Ideal Candidates for Invisalign

The best candidates for Invisalign are people who have teeth that are crooked or misaligned but are in otherwise good dental health. In general, Invisalign is a good option for those who experience mild to moderate malocclusion, so the patient's dentist will need to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment for them.

Traditional Braces and Orthodontic Care

While porcelain dental veneers and Invisalign have been growing in popularity over time, traditional braces and orthodontic care cannot be underestimated, especially when patients have serious issues with malocclusion that involve the dental arch or jaw position.

Ideal Candidates for Traditional Orthodontic Care

The best candidates for braces and traditional orthodontics are people who suffer from malocclusion that affects overall dental health and has an impact on general wellness. This usually means overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other issues that cannot be addressed by porcelain veneers or Invisalign.

Learn More About Your Dental Care Options

If you would like to learn more about orthodontic care as well as your many other options for advanced dental aesthetics, we encourage you to contact our Reston, VA cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. By discussing these matters with a member of our dental care team, you will be able to achieve optimal dental health and a beautiful smile as well.