A Smile Makeover for Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth are one of the issues that can be fixed during a smile makeover. It is a problem that affects millions of people in the United States, and it is one of those dental issues you do not want to deal with for the rest of your life. Crooked teeth do more damage than simply ruining the way your smile looks. It also makes it difficult to properly clean teeth as misaligned teeth get in the way. This, in turn, increases the person's risk of tooth decay.

Treating crooked teeth as part of a smile makeover

There are a handful of treatments a dentist can use to fix crooked teeth during a smile makeover. These include:

Clear aligners

These oral appliances fix a variety of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, underbites, overbites and crossbites. These devices work by gradually pushing teeth into a better alignment. The patient gets multiple aligner trays at the start of their treatment with each pushing the teeth closer to the desired alignment. Each aligner tray is worn for about two weeks then switched out with another. The average treatment time with clear aligners is about a year. People with mild alignment issues can complete their treatment in as little as 10 weeks.

Braces

Braces were the standard way to straighten teeth for decades and they are still one of the most effective ways to fix alignment issues. Braces consist of brackets that are cemented to each tooth and wires that connect all the brackets on one half of the jaw and apply force to them.

Braces can be used to fix a wider range of orthodontic issues than clear aligners and treatment times are about the same. The main downside of braces is the fact that they take over the aesthetics of the patient's smile.

Cosmetic recontouring

This is a straightforward cosmetic procedure that involves the dentist reshaping the teeth so they fit properly. This treatment is most effective when the patient only has slight crowding.

Porcelain veneers

Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells that are cemented to the front surface of the teeth. They hide flaws and imperfections behind them. It is usually the fastest way to address cosmetic issues on teeth, but it is not a standard treatment for crowded teeth. Dentists typically use veneers to treat crowded teeth when there are other issues the patient has that can be treated with veneers like deformed teeth.

Extraction

If a patient has severe crowding, the dentist might opt to extract a tooth or more to make more space for the remaining teeth. Extractions are typically followed up with braces or clear aligners to guide the remaining teeth to a better alignment.

Start your smile makeover

A smile makeover can address dental problems you are struggling with, like crooked teeth. Call or visit our Troy clinic if you are unhappy with the way your teeth look or their alignment. Our dentist will craft a customized treatment plan that addresses all of your needs.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.

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