Improve the Alignment of Your Teeth with a Smile Makeover

Getting a smile makeover could be one of the most important decisions you make. It can be difficult to live with crooked teeth. It may be embarrassing to you to the point where you do not smile or even interact with other people. It may be painful or uncomfortable to have misaligned teeth. Your dentist can recommend a few different approaches to help restore your smile by straightening your teeth.

Effects on a person’s health and emotions

Meeting new people can make for some anxious moments, as can being around large crowds. These feelings can be more intense when a person has dental imperfections, such as crooked teeth. More than this, health problems can follow. Misaligned teeth are challenging to brush and floss. As a result, people with this condition often struggle with tooth decay and gum disease. Eventually, infections can develop, and tooth loss and bone loss can occur.

Traditional braces

A dentist’s first approach to do a smile makeover to fix misaligned teeth could be to put on braces. Traditional braces have metal brackets and wires, along with elastic bands, to move the teeth and repair the misalignments. The braces put constant pressure on the teeth, forcing them to shift into the right spots. This treatment generally lasts between two and three years. The dentist will follow up with the patient every four to six weeks to check on progress and make adjustments.

Clear braces

For people who do not want a treatment that stands out, clear braces are a good smile makeover alternative. These braces work the same way to straighten teeth as metal braces. The advantage is that these are more difficult to detect and do not hamper a smile. Instead of being made of metal, the brackets are made of porcelain or ceramic. These are a good option for people who may feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Clear aligners

Braces can be an effective method of obtaining a smile makeover. One of the drawbacks is that the brackets can rub against the gums, cheeks, and lips, causing sores and irritation. Clear aligners are plastic mouthguard-like appliances that fit over the teeth. The appliance is comfortable and removable. Another benefit is that the treatment time is usually shorter than braces. Aligners can correct misalignments and other mild and moderate cosmetic concerns.

Crowns and veneers

These devices often protect damaged teeth from breaking or cracking more. But crowns and veneers can give a patient a smile makeover in other ways. Both of these treatments change the shape and appearance of a tooth. If the patient has a few misaligned teeth, the dentist may recommend this solution.