Options For Correcting Uneven Teeth

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cleveland orthodontics

When you have an uneven smile, this could be due to crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth. Treating this could help prevent oral health issues, and also boost the beauty of your smile. In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist will talk about orthodontics, including braces and even clear Invisalign® aligners.

When You Need Orthodontics

We suggest treatment if you have misalignment. Poor alignment isn’t just a cosmetic issue. Uneven smiles could provide hiding places for food particles and bacteria to remain out of reach for your toothbrush bristles and your floss tape. As a result, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease could rise. In addition, the strain on your bite balance and jaw joints from misalignment is linked to a greater risk of painful jaw joint disorders, like TMD and bruxism (teeth grinding). To protect the beauty and health of your smile, talk to our team about possible solutions.

Braces

For more severe cases in teen and adult smiles, we could recommend braces. Essentially, we attach a metal bracket to the front-facing side of each tooth. A section of a thin arch wire is connected to each bracket with a band. During visits to our office, we will adjust tension in the wire to begin shifting the teeth into proper position. This could take about two years total, but helps you enjoy healthy and even smiles.

Invisalign®

We also have an option for teens and adults that is much less visible. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, we will craft a series of custom aligners, each made from a clear plastic material. The patients will wear a set for 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for meals or to brush and floss. After two weeks, the next set is worn. Each subsequent set will begin to shift the teeth and correct the alignment and beauty of the smile. Total treatment time is about 18 months for teens, and around a year for adults. Being removable means no worries about food being caught in your braces, as you take them out before you eat. Being removable also means brushing and flossing is much easier too!

If you have any questions about these two orthodontic options, then contact our team today. We can examine your smile and see which one is right for you, helping you enjoy a straighter and more attractive smile again.

Do You Have Questions About Orthodontics?

We would like to help you enjoy healthier and more beautiful smiles with orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about correcting misalignment, then schedule a consultation today by contacting Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX, at (281) 592-1234. You can also find our practice at 205 E. Houston St. Cleveland, TX 77327.