Teeth Straightening Options
Katy, TX
Teeth Straightening Options provided by Dr. Melissa Wilson
in Katy, TX at Wilson Dentistry
 Your smile is something that everybody notices - and often, it can be the very first thing somebody notices. Yet, some people are very unhappy with their smiles.
Obvious malocclusions (misalignments) like overcrowding and excess space can be seen and felt, and are an indicator that you need to schedule an appointment with Wilson Dentistry in Katy, TX.
Less obvious irregularities like overbites, crossbites, underbites, and other issues can be detected during a consultation with Dr. Melissa Wilson.
Introduction to Teeth Straightening Options
It used to be that traditional metal braces were the only way to straighten teeth. These days, however, there are many more teeth straightening options available to help patients with excessively spaced, excessively crowded, and misaligned teeth.
Understanding Teeth Straightening
Orthodontia, or orthodontics, is a branch of dentistry that seeks to correct misaligned teeth in order for you to be confident in your smile. Here at Wilson Dentistry, our job is to observe, prevent, and correct these problems at the most advantageous time.
The Importance of Straight Teeth
You may be aware that crooked teeth and excessive space between teeth can cause self-consciousness, but incorrectly aligned teeth, lips, and jaws can be a factor in developing many conditions, like tooth decay, periodontal disease, jaw joint issues and even, in some cases, heart problems.
Malocclusions like crowding and crooked teeth can also cause unusual enamel wear, struggles with chewing and speaking, and increased stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.
Furthermore, having crowded teeth makes it difficult to maintain a clean and healthy mouth as it becomes more difficult to brush and floss. If the teeth are left untreated, these problems will worsen over time.
Invisalign: The Clear Aligner Solution
Invisalign is a type of retainer that is see-through and undetectable. Many of our patients now prefer Invisalign to traditional braces, as it's a less invasive procedure that allows the patient to retain the same oral appearance while receiving treatment.
How Invisalign Works
Every two weeks the aligner trays are swapped out for new ones, each one getting the teeth to their final position.
Benefits of Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign's main benefit is that friends and family will not be able to see these clear aligners, unless actively looking for them. Patients will be able to experience straighter teeth, while knowing their smile still looks natural.
This has proven popular for many of our Katy area patients, particularly teenagers, who find the idea of wearing traditional braces harmful to their self-esteem.
Invisalign clear aligners are also removable, unlike traditional braces, which makes them easy to clean. Traditional braces can make daily brushing and flossing more difficult, which is eliminated by Invisalign's removable nature.
There are also the benefits that patients gain from wearing any braces or retainer, as Invisalign is just as effective a treatment as any of the straightening procedures. Invisalign will straighten the smile, giving aesthetic benefits to the patient, as well as reducing the risk of chips and cracks from teeth at awkward angles. After realigning the teeth, patients report an improvement in the ability to chew, speak and clean their teeth.
Traditional Braces: Tried and True
Traditional braces can correct misalignment issues, overbites, and underbites as well as improper tooth spacing. This might be when there is not enough space between teeth where they are crowded. In some cases, it can mean that there is too much space between the individual teeth. It is important to note that all the teeth are moved at one time. There is no way to straighten just one tooth.
Components of Traditional Braces
Braces employ a wire, attached to brackets that are glued to the teeth, to put pressure on the teeth to move them to their new positions. The wire is adjusted periodically to maintain the constant pressure, so the teeth continually move.
Advantages of Traditional Braces
Metal braces are the tried and true form of teeth straightening. They have been around for several years and are able to repair any misalignment, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. While other teeth straightening options may have limitations in what they can do, traditional metal braces and brackets do not.
Other Teeth Straightening Options
Ceramic Braces: Aesthetic Alternative
The modern-day version of braces, ceramic braces, can easily blend into the patient's mouth making it harder to notice. These braces also have brackets and wires, however, they are tooth colored so as not to be as noticeable. The brackets with ceramic braces tend to be larger than their metal counterparts.
Lingual Braces: Hidden from View
While lingual braces use the same concepts as traditional braces and even the same method in which to move teeth, the brackets and wires are attached to the backside of the teeth rather than the front. Lingual braces are a great solution for those patients with simple to intermediate orthodontic issues.
Candidacy for Teeth Straightening
Evaluating Dental Health
After scheduling an appointment with Wilson Dentistry, you will be given a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth.
Assessing Teeth Alignment
Depending on the severity of your teeth misalignment, will determine the best teeth straightening option for you.
Teeth Straightening Procedure
Initial Consultation and Examination
We will closely study your previous dental records and develop a custom treatment plan, advise you of the suggested treatment and its expected duration, and then follow up with the steps you should take as a patient.
Treatment Planning and Customization
Because orthodontic care is such a complex process, it is important that both our professionals here at Wilson Dentistry and you, as the patient, work together to maintain a level of responsibility that helps to reach our treatment goals.
Wearing and Adjusting the Appliances
It depends on the type of teeth straightening option, but typically, patients will be seen every six to eight weeks in order to adjust their braces and ensure that proper pressure is maintained.
Monitoring Progress and Aftercare
We will work to monitor the carefully planned treatment through regularly scheduled appointments, seeking to appropriately verify that treatment is on course, and intervene should anything be amiss. These appointments should occur roughly every several weeks to assess tooth movement and oral health and to potentially modify treatment as needed.
Choosing the Right Teeth Straightening Option in Katy, TX
If you have questions or are weighing the different teeth straightening options, come see us to find out more at Wilson Dentistry. You can also schedule your appointment by calling (346) 340-5440. We are ready to help you today. |
