Three Procedures That Straighten Teeth

Teeth misalignment is not just a cosmetic issue. It can interfere with your overall oral health and everyday life. Crooked teeth can make oral hygiene difficult, making you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. 

Teeth straightening procedures correct misaligned teeth and can be either opted by the patient or are recommended by a dentist. 

In this article, our dental experts at East Burn Dentistry and Implants in Portland, Oregon, share three procedures that can straighten teeth.

Dental Procedures to Straighten Teeth

The following are three of the many options available for straightening teeth in children, teenagers, and adults:

Braces

An age-old way to improve dental alignment, braces work by putting gentle and constant pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position. Braces are different depending on the material they are made from and the manner in which they work: 

• Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets, with wires threaded through and held in place by small elastic bands. 
• Self-ligating braces are ‘auto-adjustable'; they do not require elastics and function like metallic ones.
• Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and are hence less visible.  
• Invisible braces, known by the brand name Invisalign, are custom-fitted, clear, and removable. Best for mild to moderate correction, they are opted for by patients who don't want others to know they are wearing braces. 

Palate Expanders

This option is best suited for children and young adults whose jaws are still developing. Often, there is too little space in the mouth to allow the teeth to properly emerge, resulting in overcrowding. A palate expander is inserted into the top arch of the teeth to rectify the issue. It is a device that gently pushes teeth apart to create space for adult teeth to grow.

Surgery

Surgery to straighten teeth is resorted to when the problem is in the jaw. It requires shifting the gums and bones to get the teeth in their natural positions. Surgical correction of misaligned teeth takes less time, with more permanent results. 

To learn more about the different ways you can straighten your teeth, call (503) 233-4871 to schedule an appointment at East Burn Dentistry and Implants. You can also visit us at 1415 SE Ankeny St, Portland, OR 97214 for all your dental concerns.