Even if you take good care of your mouth by brushing your teeth regularly, problems with moving teeth or crowding can still occur as you age. And even if this is a purely cosmetic issue, if your confidence is impacted then seeking a teeth straightening option could be important for your well-being.

For this, you need orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics covers anything involving the positioning of teeth, and many comprehensive dental practices such as Crestmead Dental will have highly experienced orthodontists at their clinic.

These experts will be able to talk you through your options thoroughly, in a way that is easy to understand. As every mouth is different, they will put together a treatment plan that works most efficiently for you, including the best form of braces to achieve the desired position for your teeth.

Traditional braces

Crestmead Dental offers traditional braces for both children’s and adult teeth. Although many people associate braces with adolescents, they have become a popular option for adults to improve both the look and function of their teeth.

For this method, you will typically get a choice of ceramic braces or metal ones. These ceramic or metal brackets are connected with orthodontic wires and pressed against each individual tooth to gradually shift their position. Your orthodontist will then see you at regular intervals, possibly every six weeks or so, to check on the progress of your realignment. Braces may be uncomfortable at first, but wearers quickly adjust to the feeling.

One of the most popular choices with adults are lingual braces, as they sit on the inside of your teeth rather than the outside, so they can’t be seen when you smile.

Invisalign

If you’d like to do away with brackets and wires altogether, you might be more interested in an alternative to braces, such as Invisalign. These clear teeth aligners are virtually invisible, so they can result in straighter smiles without the awkward in-between period.

When preparing for Invisalign, your orthodontist will take 3D images of your mouth. This allows you to see how your teeth will look after treatment, as well as giving your orthodontist all the information they need to create a series of custom aligners. With the help of occasional photos and X-rays, they will provide you with a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as your teeth begin to realign.

Some more complicated cases may not respond as well to Invisalign, but for those who do, it can be far more convenient than other options. Because these aligners are removable, you can take them out for cleaning, brushing and flossing, or to eat and drink as per usual.

SmileFast

Another option that’s speedier than braces is SmileFast. While traditional braces can require 3 years or more to see optimal results, the modern technology behind SmileFast cuts this treatment time down to just 6 to 9 months.

Using a state-of-the-art scanning process, an orthodontist is able to use digital indirect bonding – giving them a precise 3D model of your mouth to plan out exactly where they need to attach each bracket. This means less check-ups, less adjustments, and less discomfort.

If suitable for you, these short-term braces are tooth coloured and discreet, so you won’t feel the need to hide your smile in the meantime.

Your options with Crestmead Dental

All of these methods of tooth straightening are available at Crestmead Dental. With their wide range of services, and friendly, gentle staff, you’ll have all the guidance you need to choose the right treatment option for you.

As tooth straightening is often assumed to be expensive, you may be surprised by the affordable treatments at Crestmead Dental. To ask about a payment plan, or for any other enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the clinic on (07) 3805 7765.