Maybe you’ve always wished to have straighter teeth but think that you’re too old for braces. Or perhaps you wore braces when you were younger but didn’t wear a retainer, so you’ve discovered that you need your teeth to be straightened again.
The truth is that there are a lot of methods to choose from to get straighter teeth. If you want to have a healthier smile this year, it’s a more attainable goal than you may have realized. Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar of American Dental Clinic of San Diego explains more about how you can get straighter teeth.
While it’s true that straighter teeth will make you look better and boost your confidence, there are some real oral health benefits too.
Having crooked teeth can make it more difficult to clean well between them, which can lead to dental problems. Some of the dental problems that can result from not cleaning your teeth well enough include cavities (also called dental caries) and even infected teeth that lead to needing a root canal.
In addition, having misaligned teeth can cause other problems, including:
Now is a better time than ever to straighten your teeth since you have multiple options.
Traditional braces are probably what you think of when you imagine braces. They’re made of super-strong metal alloys. The metal used to make braces was actually developed by the space program!
Though they’re called traditional braces, today’s braces are smaller than ever. They’re connected with a series of brackets and wires, which periodically have to be tightened.
Clear braces are made of ceramic and are translucent, which makes them virtually invisible. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, this is one of your best options.
In addition, ceramic braces don’t discolor over time. Ask Dr. Aguilar if he thinks you’re a good candidate for ceramic braces.
Invisalign is a revolutionary system of clear aligners that straighten your teeth. Dr. Aguilar takes a mold of your teeth and creates a custom, digital treatment plan. The clear aligners are made of a flexible, thermoplastic material that’s free of all allergens, including BPA, latex, and gluten.
You switch out your trays every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift position. Not only do Invisalign trays have the advantage of being clear and unnoticeable, but you can also remove them to eat and drink.
You have to wear them for 20-22 hours a day to achieve the maximum results, but you can generally expect to have straighter teeth within 6-18 months.
If you’re interested in having straighter teeth, contact Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar at the American Dental Clinic of San Diego to schedule a consultation. Call him today at 858-216-4662, or request an appointment online.
