According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, over 4 million people residing in North America are under the care of an orthodontist, primarily due to the presence of a malocclusion or an overbite. Fitting braces is a common solution used to fix this problem. However, getting braces is not the only option to fix crooked teeth. The lengthy procedure, high investment and frequent visits associated with getting braces are also common reasons why patients opt for other procedures. Here we have discussed a few tips on how to fix a crooked tooth without braces:
Unlike retainers and dental appliances, aligners are not visible when you speak, laugh or smile. They are virtually invisible, well protected from the outside world and hence, are the best option for people who do not wish to have visible, teeth straightening treatments. Invisalign is one of the easiest ways to fix a crooked tooth without braces. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually set your teeth straight. In other words, aligners are like mouth guards that protect your teeth and reshape them gradually. They also offer ease of handling as they can be removed before eating and brushing. They are also easy to maintain and comfortable to wear.
For people who face difficulty closing their jaws completely, dental appliances are one the most convenient ways to treat the problem. These appliances are small in size, easy to maintain and relatively cheaper. They can range from simple elastic bands to complex equipment like the Herbst appliance and headgear. Rubber bands improve the patterns of your upper and lower teeth when you bite together. If worn properly as prescribed, they go a long way in restoring your natural, straight teeth. The Herbst appliance can also help in improving the imbalance of the jaw by enabling lower jaw growth and restricting the forward growth of the upper jaw.
People who have a smaller mouth may find it difficult to accommodate future teeth. They can opt for palatal expanders. These expanders are inserted in your mouth to widen the arch of the upper teeth, thus giving enough room for your teeth to grow into their natural shape. The expander is engraved onto the upper molars using dental cement. Palatal expanders help you in biting better and align your teeth by creating space for the crowded one. They also assist in trouble-free and easy breathing.
This is an intermediate procedure between aligners and braces. If your teeth are highly damaged to be cured by aligners and you do not want braces, then you should resort to retainers. Made of wires or clear plastic, they are attached with dental cement to the inner surface of the teeth, to keep it from shifting and moving. Retainers also help in getting rid of speech problems. They are generally an expensive and long-term option with little room for a replacement.
These were some alternatives on how to fix a crooked tooth without braces. Not everyone is blessed with straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Are you one among the unfortunate? If yes, then you need not worry anymore. For you’ve reached the right place. We at Floss and gloss dental offer quality dentistry in a relaxing and high-tech environment. Reach out to us and go back home with an enhanced, aesthetic smile.