Crowded teeth are a very common occurrence among people in the UK and many people seek orthodontic treatment in order to fix the misalignment. While general dentistry focuses on preventing tooth decay, orthodontics main job is to straighten teeth and fix any overcrowding issues. The reasons for people wanting to fix overcrowding can vary; some people want to achieve a perfect smile, whereas others want to improve their oral health. Whatever the reason may be, there are many treatments available that can help you fix your crowded teeth. If this is an issue for you and you want to seek treatment, then keep on reading to find out about some of the treatment options available.
Fixed Metal Braces
When it comes to orthodontic treatments, fixed metal braces are widely considered to be the most common treatment. Metal braces are very popular among teenagers, which has led them to get a stereotype of looking ‘kid-like’. As an adult seeking orthodontic treatment, you may be put off by metal braces, because of their appearance, but it is important to note that fixed braces are still very effective when it comes to aligning teeth.
The way they work is by having a wire fitted through the brackets on your teeth which is then gently tightened over the course of treatment. The tightening of the wire puts pressure on the teeth, which causes them to move into place. However, one major downside to fixed metal braces is that there are limitations to what you can and can’t eat. A lot of foods are ruled out when wearing braces as you could easily break off one of the brackets. Things like chewy bread or hard fruits are off-limits when wearing braces as the food has a tendency to get stuck or damage the brace entirely.
Clear Aligners
The next treatment we are going to look at is clear aligners. Clear aligners have become a popular option on how to fix crowded teeth as the treatment is virtually invisible, so the patient has no interruption to their appearance. The aligners work the same way as braces in that they put pressure on the teeth, however, instead of something fixed, you wear a clear retainer over your teeth at all times. Clear aligners are very effective when it comes to fixing overcrowding and sometimes the treatments can last as little as a year.
Throughout the treatment, you will get a new set of aligners every few months and these will be bespoken to your teeth. The new aligners will fit snugly onto your teeth and will apply that gentle pressure so that your teeth move into the right place. One major advantage that clear aligners have over metal braces is that you have no food restrictions. When going through treatment with clear aligners, all you have to do is take them out when you want to eat food. Once you have finished your meal, just brush your teeth and pop the aligners back in.
Veneers Or Composite Bonding
If your overcrowding isn’t too severe, then a good alternative option could be veneers or composite bonding. Both of these options can help people achieve a perfect smile through squaring off the teeth and getting rid of any ridges or chips. Veneers work by shaving a tiny amount of enamel of the teeth and then a very thin layer of porcelain or composite is placed over the tooth. This layer should just add enough to give the teeth a fresh, white appearance, but they shouldn’t make the teeth look too big or out of place. Veneers are a popular option among celebrities, but it is a permanent and a very expensive treatment. So, while they can definitely help you achieve your perfect smile, it is a huge commitment, so you must make sure you are positive in your decision beforehand.
Another good option if your teeth are not too crowded is to get composite bonding. Composite bonding is similar to veneers in that the aim is to achieve perfectly even and square teeth. Whereas veneers cover the entire surface of the tooth, composite bonding is applied to only a small section of the tooth. In terms of material, both composite bonding and composite veneers use the same material, but it is the method in which they differ. Composite bonding is often used when you just want to shape up a singular tooth, whereas veneers is often a full-mouth treatment.
Summary
So, when it comes to fixing overcrowded teeth, it is clear that there are many options available. Whether you choose to go down the orthodontic route or you are after cosmetic dentistry instead, it is super important that you always do your research beforehand and only go with a trustworthy dentist or orthodontist.