Do you have teeth that overlap, or sit crooked in your smile? If so, this is far from a purely esthetic concern. In fact, without treatment your uneven smile could lead to serious problems for your oral health. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist explains why smiles of all ages need orthodontics, and we will also look at our cosmetic alternatives to traditional metal braces.
The Dangers of Crooked and Crowded Teeth
When children and adults have uneven teeth, this often provides places for food particles to become trapped, places you may not be able to reach when you brush and floss. These food particles will then be broken down by bacteria, a process that elevates oral acidity and coats the teeth in a sticky layer of plaque buildup. Soon, enamel may weaken and erode and gum tissues may become inflamed, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Your uneven smile could also upset bite balance, placing pressure on your jaw joints and increasing the likelihood of TMJ disorder and bruxism forming, two oral health issues linked to jaw pain, headaches, and even damaged teeth. Finally, the esthetic aspects of your smile could lead to embarrassment and have a negative impact on your social interactions!
The Invisalign® System
One system we use to help teens and adults enjoy more even smiles is Invisalign®. This system doesn’t require metal braces, instead we take detailed digital impressions of the smile with 3D imaging technology, allowing us to design and create a series of aligners from a clear plastic material. The aligners will be worn daily to help correct the position of your teeth, with optimal results often taking as little as one year. You can remove the aligners before meals or prior to brushing and flossing.
Tooth-Colored Brackets
If you do need braces, we can take steps to limit their appearance. For example, the brackets we place on the front of your teeth could be made from ceramic instead of metal. Ceramic is a strong material that we can shade to match the color of your teeth. This limits the appearance of your braces throughout the treatment process. We also have interceptive orthodontic options for children, such as teeth spacers and retainers. If you have any questions about correcting misalignment, or about our cosmetic treatment options, then please contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Braces?
With our cosmetic treatment options, we can offer barely noticeable solutions to minor and severe misalignment. To schedule your consultation and discuss cosmetic orthodontics, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in White Settlement, North Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.
