Teeth Straightening Options to Improve Your Smile

A straight smile will not only boost your confidence, it will also be much easier to care for. When your teeth are aligned correctly, it’s much easier to brush and floss your teeth.

You’re also far more likely to take good care of your teeth once you have invested in your smile. It could be the encouragement you need to make sure that you visit the dentist and dental hygienist regularly.

If you’re curious about the options available to help you to achieve a straighter and more refined smile, read on. You can also book a consultation with our team to find out which treatment plan is right for you.

Traditional fixed braces

At the top of the list of teeth straightening methods is orthodontics. Traditional fixed braces use small brackets that are fixed to your teeth and attached to a wire. The tension on the wire is adjusted at strategic points to put gentle pressure on the teeth and encourage them to move into the correct position.

Alongside traditional metal braces, it’s also possible to choose tooth-coloured brackets and clear wires which makes the treatment less visible.

Whatever colour of braces you choose, you’ll need to be aware that you have to visit the dentist regularly for adjustments. You’ll also need to take special care when brushing your teeth so you don’t damage the brackets. And finally, some foods will be off limits throughout the treatment.

Invisalign braces

If you’re looking for a more flexible treatment plan, Invisalign might be a better choice. This orthodontic system uses removable clear plastic aligners to gently move your teeth into the correct position.

You need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and remove them only to eat and brush your teeth. You’ll also need to remove them if you drink anything other than water. Many people find this orthodontic system helps them to cut out back habits such as snacking between meals.

You visit the dentist throughout your treatment to make sure everything is going to plan, but you’ll change your aligners at home, so you don’t have to visit for every adjustment.

Veneers

If you don’t want to wait for teeth straightening treatment to do the job, there are also aesthetic changes you can make that will achieve results much quicker. Veneers offer a simple way to create the appearance of a straighter smile without the wait.

These are thin shells of porcelain that are cemented on the front of your teeth. This can make your teeth appear straighter, whiter and free from chips, cracks or thinning enamel. The transformation usually takes place over 3 visits to the dentist.

Your teeth will need to be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. This creates space for the porcelain veneer. Your veneers will typically last around 10-15 years, after which time you will need to replace the treatment.

Composite bonding

The most cost effective way to straighten your teeth without the wait is with composite bonding. This treatment is similar to veneers but instead of using porcelain shells, your dentist applies a soft resin directly to your teeth and then shapes it. A UV light then sets the resin and it can be polished to shine like a natural tooth.

This is the fastest treatment plan available and it can be completed in just one visit. The resin can be chosen in a lighter shade to achieve a whitening effect, so it is commonly used alongside teeth whitening to achieve a more dramatic transformation.

Composite bonding will typically last for around 5 years. Since there is no preparation of the underlying tooth, you can simply allow the resin to wear away over time. You can also renew the treatment, or opt for a more long-lasting treatment such as veneers.

Choosing the right option for you

Not sure which teeth straightening method is right for you? Book a consultation with our team to discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed choice.