Teeth have several functions in our body, such as cutting and grinding solid foods so we can eat well. But another extremely important function they have is their appearance. Although many people consider aesthetics to be less important, it is essential for you to feel good about yourself and, as a result, have better mental health. That’s why topics like crooked teeth are always among the most searched for when it comes to our smile. But after all, how do you align your teeth? This is not a question that can be easily answered. That’s why we’ve gathered all the main information on the subject today so you can better understand it. Read the text until the end and check it out!
Why Do Teeth Get Crooked?
It’s always important to first think about why teeth don’t stay straight all the time. In fact, there are several reasons why this happens. The first has to do with the genetic factor. It is something natural and hard to avoid, though it can be corrected.
Other factors are related to pacifier use during infancy, breathing problems, early loss of teeth, among many others. Although there are no strict rules (meaning there are exceptions to all these cases), in most situations where someone’s teeth become crooked, these factors are involved.
Why Is It Important to Align Teeth?
Anyone who thinks that aligning teeth is only for aesthetic reasons is mistaken. It’s true that many times this is the main reason why someone visits a dentist to align their teeth, but there are many other reasons why this is important. Gum health, for example, shows significant improvement when a person has straight teeth. In addition, brushing and flossing are easier.
We can’t forget the psychological benefits that come from straightening your teeth. Often, when a person has crooked teeth, especially in the front, they feel bad about their appearance, which can lead to various other problems. Aligning the teeth, in this sense, also helps with self-esteem and the prevention of psychological illnesses. Again, it’s important to stress that these aren’t rules but rather subjective cases. Still, we can’t ignore that these issues exist.
In some rarer cases, dental alignment can even help improve headaches, gum pain, and even gastrointestinal problems.
Main Ways to Align Teeth
A few decades ago, thinking about ways to straighten teeth was rare and even seen as a minor concern. But with advancements in dental studies and technologies, there are now various options. Among the main ones are:
- Orthodontic Braces
- Cosmetic Contouring
- Invisalign
Let’s talk in more detail about each one so you can better understand how they work.
Orthodontic Braces
Also known as dental braces, orthodontic braces can come in various forms, as there are several types. The most common are fixed braces, made up of brackets, bands, and wires; and removable braces, which are used to maintain teeth position after the work of the fixed braces is done.
Besides straightening the teeth, orthodontic braces serve multiple other purposes, such as bite alignment and even improving chewing. Although they were once difficult to access, orthodontic braces are now very common and easy to maintain, being the most popular way to safely and professionally straighten teeth.
Cosmetic Contouring
Cosmetic contouring is a technique used by dentists to change the appearance of teeth through restorations. In other words, it’s not really about aligning but rather the perception of straight teeth. While extremely effective in terms of appearance, this type of orthodontic treatment does not correct other problems that may arise from poor tooth positioning. Therefore, cosmetic contouring is recommended only for those seeking an aesthetic improvement to their smile.
Invisalign
Besides these techniques, there is also Invisalign, one of the newest ways to straighten teeth at home and without braces. It’s a set of aligners that are custom-made for you using a mold prepared by your dentist. You place the trays on your teeth and change them every 15 days to gradually align them. Although not as precise as orthodontic braces, it is a great option for those who do not wish to wear braces for many months. Invisalign is a great alternative for those looking for convenience and short-term results.
Caring for your smile is very common. That’s why it’s also normal to hear about various methods for straightening teeth. But even though there are many options, it’s always important to pay attention to the best method for your case, and of course, talk to a trusted dentist so you can get the most appropriate treatment. Remember, appearance is extremely important and, as we said before, essential for your health. Remember: taking care of your body is taking care of yourself.
