Bright, White, and Perfectly Aligned: Ways to Straighten Your Smile

Crooked teeth can cause a number of cosmetic problems and health problems, both of which are important to consider. The team at Bell Dental knows this, and we've helped many patients in the Lake Jackson area have straight and beautiful smiles.

There are many general and cosmetic dentistry treatments for addressing crooked teeth, and we'd like to consider a few options right now.

Crooked Teeth Cause Cosmetic and Health Issues

In terms of smile aesthetics, crooked teeth can be off-putting, especially if there are significant problems with spacing and crowding. With major malocclusion, you may find yourself self-conscious about smiling, laughing, and speaking, even around people you have known for years.

The dental health issues associated with crooked teeth are much more serious to consider. Major dental misalignment can make biting and chewing painful. It's also been shown that tooth misalignment is linked to teeth grinding (bruxism), TMJ disorders, and other problems.

Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Treating Crooked Teeth

When you have teeth that are crooked but in a predominantly cosmetic fashion, the best option for treatment is generally the following cosmetic procedures:

• Dental Bonding – Dental bonding uses tooth-colored dental resin that is applied directly to a tooth in a process similar to painting. This composite material helps build out tooth structure, filling gaps and spaces in the process as well as adding tooth structure to address asymmetry. This is most ideal when the tooth misalignment is very minor.

• Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are used to mask various kinds of dental imperfections. They are adhered to the fronts of the teeth, improving shape and overall appearance. Veneers are often used to address more serious gaps and can improve the overall shape and appearance of a tooth. Porcelain veneers are typically ideal when dental bonding is not sufficient to address the issues with spaces and symmetry.

Orthodontic Treatments for Major Malocclusion

When a patient has major problems with crooked teeth, cosmetic procedures are simply not enough to address matters. In these cases, the best option to consider it orthodontic care. Traditionally this meant the use of braces, which involve the use of brackets and wires that apply tension and pressure to the teeth until a better alignment is achieved.

Today there are new alternatives to the metal braces of the past. Clear braces or tooth-color braces are available to help reduce any aesthetic concerns about wearing braces. There's also Invisalign® to consider, an orthodontic treatment system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. Invisalign® is growing in popularity among teens and adults since the trays are removable and virtually undetectable.

Designing a Total Smile Makeover Just for You

Straightening your teeth takes customized care, which is why we carefully plan all aspects of treatment and even consider combining cosmetic and orthodontic approaches when appropriate. We'd be more than happy to discuss all of your treatment options in greater detail during the consultation process, giving you all the information you need to make smart choices about your dental wellness.

Schedule a Consultation at Bell Dental

To learn more about your options for straightening your teeth, be sure to contact our advanced dental care center today. We will work with you to help you have a healthy and beautiful smile. Total wellness and great smiles are what Bell Dental is all about.