40% of Brits are unhappy with how their teeth look. For some, it's the colouring, and for others, it's the shapes and sizes. And for a lot of them, it's how crooked their teeth are.
Thankfully, there are many teeth straightening options out there in the world of dentistry. There's a right choice for every preference and wallet, which means you stand a fantastic chance of getting the smile you've always wanted.
Would you like to get your teeth beautified? Then keep reading. Here are all the teeth straightening options you have available.
First of all, why get your teeth straightened in the first place? There's the obvious benefit that you look and feel better! A huge confidence boost can improve all areas of your life, from romantic relationships to jobs.
But there are so many other benefits of teeth straightening you can enjoy. Keep reading to find out what they are.
Those with slightly crooked teeth may not have any issues with speech. But for those with more seriously misaligned teeth, it can be hard to enunciate your words.
You might have a tough time getting your point across to people, which can wear down all sorts of relationships. Plus, it can also take its toll on your mental health.
When you can fix your speech with perfectly aligned teeth, then you'll see all areas of your life improve.
Teeth straightening can also help you eat better. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to properly chew your food and you may have pain and discomfort.
Eating should be something you enjoy every day, not dread. It shouldn't be something you rush through just to have sustenance and energy for the entire day.
By having your teeth fixed, you'll have a better time eating. This should also reduce other issues, such as muscle pain.
Having straight teeth will enable you to brush and floss better. When they're all aligned with one another, you won't have much difficulty staying on top of your oral hygiene.
As a result, you'll experience fewer issues with your gums and fewer cavities as well.
So after hearing about all the benefits of teeth straightening, maybe now you're convinced that you should have it done.
But what are your choices? And which one's the best for you?
Read on to find out more about all your teeth straightening options.
Metal bracket braces are the most commonly used teeth straightening option. This is because they're one of the cheapest ways to fix your teeth, especially if you can get the NHS to cover it. Not only that, but they're also the earliest type of modern braces, as they were invented in 1819.
With these, each tooth has its own metal bracket. They're all connected by a thin wire, which is secured with elastic bands on each bracket.
To make them more fun, orthodontists usually let their patients choose the colours of the bands. So you can get blue braces, red braces, or even rainbow braces if you wanted. For those who want their braces to be less conspicuous, you can choose clear bands as well.
Metal bracket braces are very simple, which is why they're considered cheap braces. However, the downside is many patients feel pain, especially when they get their bands replaced. The brackets and wire might also pinch the inner cheek, which can cause pain and discomfort.
Another major downside is you have to avoid certain drinks or foods, or be very vigilant about brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you risk having stained teeth after treatment.
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal bracket ones.
However, instead of using metal brackets, they use ceramic ones. This allows your braces to not be as noticeable since the ceramic is matched to the colour of your natural teeth. This is what makes this teeth straightening option much more appealing for people who are self-conscious about their smiles.
These cost a bit more and the NHS doesn't cover it, which means you'll need to spend a few grand to have them done. This may not be affordable for some.
In addition to a higher cost, they also stain a lot more easily than metal bracket braces do. They're also not as robust.
This means you have to be extra-vigilant about the things you ingest, as well as brushing and flossing right after. Otherwise, you'll end up with not only stained teeth, but also stained ceramic brackets.
Lastly, treatment for ceramic braces takes longer than with metal bracket ones. And during treatment, you might experience more than you would with the metal version, as the brackets are larger in size.
Here's another teeth straightening option that falls within the same family as the above 2. Lingual braces are actually a type of metal bracket braces.
However, they don't go on the front of your teeth. Instead, they go on the back. This makes it appear as if you aren't going through any orthodontic treatment at all, which can be very appealing if you don't want to draw attention to your teeth.
This benefit doesn't come cheap though. Lingual braces are one of the most expensive teeth straightening options around.
In addition, they're not right for everyone. These type of braces can only be used for people who have smaller degrees of crookedness in their teeth. For more serious issues, you'll have to use another option on this list.
Clear aligners are a revolutionary and modern way of straightening your teeth. They're also known as clear braces.
Instead of having brackets on your teeth, you'll have aligner trays that look and feel like retainers. These are more personalised, as the trays are made to fit your teeth like a glove.
Because of this, it'll involve a little more on your part. For instance, you'll need to take a mould of your mouth so the clear aligners can be made to order. You'll also need to wear multiple sets of aligners, as your teeth will slowly shift and eventually won't fit some of the trays.
In the past, you'd go to your orthodontist to have invisible braces made. But today, there are many at-home options, including Straight My Teeth. We'll explain more about our services in a later section.
If the degree of crookedness for your teeth is minimal, plus you have discolouration and uneven shapes, veneers can be an option for teeth straightening.
With veneers, you won't actually shift your teeth into different positions. Instead, you'll have thin caps put over them. These can be made of either resin composite or porcelain, which are carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth.
Veneers are a viable option if you want quick results, since they take only 1 appointment at the dentist to get. In addition, they're a lot cheaper than the other options on this list.
However, veneers should only be used to hide imperfections that are mostly cosmetic. For more serious misalignments, veneers won't be able to help. You'll need something like braces or clear aligners to achieve desirable results.
We're ending the list with mewing, which isn't a method you should try. However, we thought we should inform you about it anyway.
This is teeth straightening at home where you don't need any equipment. Instead, what you do is put your tongue on the roof of your mouth and push regularly. In theory, this will reshape both your teeth and your jawline.
However, mewing is not recommended. It may take years to see results, if any at all.
As of the time of writing, there has been no scientific evidence that mewing actually works. So you may spend years invested in this teeth straightening method with nothing to show for it at the end.
When you compare all the options available to you, clear aligners should stand out as one of the best options. Not only are they more comfortable and inconspicuous, but they're also highly customised for maximum efficiency.
One of the best benefits of using clear aligners is you can remove them at any time you wish. With all the other options, they're cemented onto your teeth, which means you're stuck with them 24/7 for the entire duration of your treatment.
But with clear braces, you can take the trays out whenever you want. So you can remove them when you eat, drink, brush your teeth, or just need a break. However, do note that for them to be fully effective, you need to keep them in for at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Plus, what may convince you to pick clear aligners over the rest is the fact that you don't have to go to the orthodontist's office for them. Again, there are at-home options like Straight My Teeth, which means you won't have to waste time going back and forth to a physical office.
Lastly, while they use the latest in technology, clear braces can actually be one of the cheapest options around. Since you don't have to visit a physical office, this cuts a lot of costs out. With Straight My Teeth, you only pay £1499!
Clear aligners may sound wonderful, and you're ready to get them. But are you actually a good candidate?
For instance, people with severely misaligned jaws will not be able to get clear braces. You'll probably have to go with one of the other options from above.
Also, while children can technically get clear aligners, it's not recommended for them. This is because their teeth are still growing and they may not be responsible enough to wear the trays for 22 hours a day. It's better to wait until they're older and more mature.
Otherwise, most teenagers and adults should be good candidates for clear braces.
To get clear aligners, fill out our assessment page first. It should only take you about 30 seconds to complete it, which means it's quick and painless.
If our staff determines that clear braces are good for you, then we'll send you an impression kit. You can take up to 4 impressions with this kit. Postage is included, so you won't have to worry about that.
Once you've sent the kit in and we've taken a look at it, we'll then come up with a personalised treatment plan. We'll mail you your aligners, which you'll wear for the next 6 to 14 months, depending on your personal plan.
So long as you follow all the instructions for clear braces, you'll have an easy time straightening your teeth. Just wear them every day for around 22 hours, swap them out when the time comes, and take care of your oral health.
At the end of treatment, you'll have a beautiful and radiant smile!
Now you know all about your teeth straightening options. After reading all about them, you've most likely decided that clear aligners are the best choice for you.
They're worth the investment, as not only are they discreet, but they're also easy to use at home. Since you don't have to make any dentist trips, it'll be super convenient to straighten your teeth.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to get the smile you've always wanted. And with Straight My Teeth, it's very affordable too!
Are you interested in teeth straightening without braces?
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