Straightening your teeth: What are your options?
At The Practice, our dentists speak with many patients who want to straighten their teeth. They want to improve the alignment of their teeth to improve their smile and give them extra confidence.
Thankfully, there are a couple of different options we can explore to help you straighten your teeth. Some options we offer at our West End dental practice include:
Traditional metal braces
Fixed braces, otherwise known as traditional braces, are a common way to straighten teeth and are available in both metal and ceramic options. Metal braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. Ceramic braces offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative.
Over time, the brackets are adjusted and the teeth gradually shift into the correct position. The metal braces are more noticeable, but they are an extremely effective way to straighten teeth.
The length of time you need to wear traditional braces can vary, depending on your teeth alignment and the desired outcome. Generally, traditional braces need to be worn for 12 to 24 months.
Clear aligners
Aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces. With clear aligners, you are supplied with a series of trays that over time make slight adjustments to the position of your teeth.
Some of the main benefits of clear aligners include:
- They are virtually invisible.
- More comfortable than traditional braces.
- You can eat what you want as they are removable.
- You can remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth.
A treatment plan will be provided by your dentist and every two weeks you will move into the next series of clear aligners.
While it’s different for every patient, aligners can take anywhere from six to 12 months or longer. Clear aligners are suitable for adults and children once their baby teeth have fallen out and adult teeth are through.
Clear aligners aren’t for everyone, so the dentists at The Practice will perform a thorough examination to determine if they are for you and they will recommend a treatment plan.
Early prevention: Myobraces
At The Practice, our dentists use Myobraces as an early preventative treatment for teeth that are not aligned. Myobraces consist of a series of removable dental appliances that work to correct the alignment of the teeth and jaw. These dental appliances must be worn for a prescribed period of time and will gradually move the teeth into their correct positions.
Myobraces are a common treatment in Australia for both children and adults who would prefer a less-invasive approach to orthodontic treatment. They are designed to treat the root cause of the problem by correcting tongue position, breathing and swallowing habits.
Myobraces are a popular option as you’ll only need to wear them for one or two hours a day, as well as overnight while you are sleeping. This means minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Book an appointment today at The Practice
Looking to improve the alignment of your teeth? Our South Brisbane dentists are highly skilled and have years of experience with traditional braces, clear aligners and Myobraces. Each one has its unique advantages and your dentist will recommend the best option for your individual needs.
At The Practice, we’d love to help you straighten your teeth and improve your smile and confidence. Book online or call (07)3733 3223 for an appointment at our West End dental clinic.
