Do you have crooked teeth? If you do, you are not alone. Very few people are born with teeth that are completely straight. Some people have just a few crooked teeth while others have many teeth that are out of alignment. In either case, having crooked teeth can make you hesitant to share your smile with others. Fortunately, we have the technology today to fix crooked teeth and make your smile look its best! Check out a gathering of facts including how long it takes to fix crooked teeth as well as examples of the methods used to accomplish this goal.
How Long Does It Take to Straighten Crooked Teeth?
The answer to this question varies from individual to individual. As an example, one person may have protruding front teeth, sometimes called buck teeth, as well as several crooked teeth on the bottom row. Another person has straight teeth, with the exception of a slight overlapping of the two front teeth. The first person would wear braces longer than the second person because of the number of issues that need to be addressed. If you’re looking for an average amount of time, it takes about 24 months for braces to move teeth into their correct alignment.
Can Braces Fix My Crooked Teeth?
The answer is yes. Braces are designed to move crooked teeth in different directions to align them inside your mouth. This happens in a gradual way, so the teeth are more likely to remain in place once the braces are removed. Braces can close gaps between teeth, move teeth down from the gumline to match the length of other teeth, uncross teeth and more.
How Do I Fix My Crooked Teeth?
Stainless Steel Braces
In the past, a person with crooked teeth would wear traditional metal braces to correct any misalignment. The arch wires and brackets on these braces slowly move teeth into their proper places. Rubber bands are used with metal braces to help with the alignment process. These rubber bands are put on and changed by the person wearing the braces. Metal braces need to be tightened every four to six weeks and otherwise adjusted so they continue to be effective. Metal braces are still used to fix crooked teeth, but have been updated over time to be more comfortable and attractive. An orthodontist uses a special procedure to remove metal braces once they’ve accomplished their purpose.
Besides Straight Teeth, What are the Benefits of Braces?
Invisalign
One of the newest products used to fix misaligned teeth is called Invisalign. These are clear braces you can remove when you want to eat or drink. Many people prefer Invisalign because they are less obvious than metal braces. Of course, it’s important for anyone using Invisalign to keep them in place most of the time so the teeth will begin to shift.
Ceramic Braces
These braces are a cross between metal braces and Invisalign. They are not removable, but they are made of mostly teeth-like material, which means they usually go unnoticed while doing the work of straightening your teeth.
Retainers
Retainers are molds made in the shape of your mouth. It fits around your teeth to help keep them in alignment once your braces have been removed. Retainers are usually worn at night or during part of the day. They are especially important to wear immediately after braces have been removed so your teeth don’t try to move back to their former places.
The Work of an Orthodontist
How do I fix my crooked teeth? This is a question for an orthodontist. An orthodontist specializes in fixing poor bites and misaligned teeth. This is different from a dentist who performs general dental work such as cleaning teeth, filling cavities and whitening teeth. An orthodontist has a greater amount of training and education in the area of teeth alignment. Though an orthodontist looks at the general health of your teeth, he or she is mostly concerned with how to fix crooked teeth, fill gaps between teeth and improve alignment.
How to Find the Right Orthodontist for You
After making the decision to fix your crooked teeth, the next step is to find the right orthodontist for you. It’s best to make an appointment with an orthodontist who has plenty of good reviews. In short, you want an orthodontist who has successfully straightened many patients’ teeth. Reputable orthodontists usually post patient success stories on their website to show potential patients proof of their work. Look for an orthodontist who listens and makes you feel at ease during every step of the process from the initial evaluation to putting on the braces and beyond. You should feel free to ask questions at any point during your journey toward straight teeth.
Other qualities of a first-rate orthodontist:
- A courteous office staff
- A convenient scheduling process
- Emergency appointments available
- An inviting waiting room
- A team of qualified technicians and staff
- An efficient check-in process.
- Follow-up care
Tips for Your First Visit to the Orthodontist
There are several things you can do to make your first visit to the orthodontist a pleasant experience. For one, arrive about ten minutes before your appointment time. That way, you can fill out any remaining forms and relax a little bit before meeting the orthodontist. Another tip is to wear comfortable clothing, so you feel more at ease while being examined in the orthodontist’s chair. Think of, or write down, four or five questions you’d like to ask about braces such as: Can braces fix my crooked teeth? When it comes to braces, what are my options? How long does it take to straighten crooked teeth? You’re likely to think of more questions as you sit and talk with your orthodontist about what to expect. Your orthodontist should be glad to help you better understand what’s involved in fixing your teeth.
Lastly, getting your bite corrected or teeth aligned takes the expertise of a talented, caring orthodontist. We are proud to provide first-rate orthodontic care to our patients. Give us a call today and let us help you move toward achieving your best smile!
Team Demas Orthodontics
27 Meriden Ave #2a, Southington, CT 06489, USA
Phone: 860-276-0333
