Teeth straightening is like a gentle push for your teeth over time. It's like training them to line up just right. Our orthodontist experts at Local Dental Clinic use different tools to help, such as braces and clear aligners.
What's Involved in Teeth Straightening?
First off, you'll have a sit-down with one of our specialist dental professionals. They'll snap some photos of your teeth and maybe take a peek inside with some X-rays.
Then, they'll craft a personalised plan to help your teeth as straight as they can be. Sometimes, they'll recommend metal braces. Or, they might suggest Invisalign clear aligners.
Braces or Clear Aligners?
Braces are like tiny metal or ceramic squares glued to your teeth. They use wires and rubber bands to guide your teeth into place.
Clear aligners are clear trays custom-made for your teeth. You wear them most of the day and change to new ones every couple of weeks.
How Do Braces Work?
The brackets on your teeth are connected by wires and rubber bands. They act as gentle guides, your teeth into place over time. It's like having a team of construction workers build your smile. You have regular visits to the clinic to tweak things and keep it on track.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
These custom-made trays fit snugly over your teeth and are practically invisible. Each set of aligners is slightly different, designed to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. You wear them for most of the day, swapping to a new set every few weeks. It's like having a secret makeover for your smile. Each new tray brings you closer to that perfect grin!
Once you've nailed that perfect alignment, it's not quite a wrap just yet. Enter the retention phase!
This is where you switch to retainers. These handy helpers keep your teeth in their new, aligned positions. They can be removable or fixed, but, either way, they help you maintain the gorgeous smile you've worked so hard for.
The Secret Science of Tooth Movement
Teeth movement is actually all about the bone surrounding your teeth, called the alveolar bone. Pressure on your teeth, with braces or aligners, triggers a process called bone remodelling. This means the bone changes on one side (where the pressure is) and builds up on the other (where the tooth is moving).
Now, you must be wondering – how long does it take?
Ah, the million-dollar question! It can vary from about 6 to 24 months, depending on how wonky your teeth are and how well you stick to the plan. After you've got that picture-perfect smile, you might need to wear a retainer to keep things in place for a little while longer.
Summing it up
Getting your teeth straightened is like a combination of science and art. It might take some time and effort, but having a dazzling smile and a healthy mouth at the end of it all? Totally worth it! So, if you're thinking about it, don't hesitate to step in to your nearest Local Dental clinic or book a consultation today.
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