Did you know that 9 out of 10 people in the United States have crooked teeth? Having crooked teeth can be hugely detrimental to one’s self-esteem. In some cases, it may even make people ashamed to smile or laugh out of fear of showing their teeth. 

No one should be ashamed of their smile, but what are the options when it comes to fixing crooked teeth? Choosing the right braces or aligners is the first step to answering the question of how to fix crooked teeth. To learn more about the options to fix your crooked teeth, keep reading more below.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are, by far, the most traditional of all the types of braces you will come across. For that reason, they work quite well and can give you straight teeth in a relatively short amount of time. However, because they are more old-fashioned, they also come with a few downsides. 

When you get braces, you will need to see your dentist a few times as your teeth start to shift. This is because your dentist will need to make sure that the braces remain tight, otherwise, they will not be able to pull your teeth into place. When you first get your braces, your dentist will apply them to your teeth piece by piece starting with brackets.

Brackets are blocky pieces of metal that your dentist will glue to the center of each of your teeth. Then, your dentist will connect the brackets with metal wires, tightening the wires to a certain extent so they will start to pull your teeth into place. Because metal braces are so sturdy, they make a great choice for treating malocclusion

However, the downside is that metal braces can be painful. Not only will you feel the discomfort of the braces pulling on your teeth, but the braces themselves may be uncomfortable. That’s because metal braces have a lot of rigid edges that may irritate the inside of your mouth. 

Fortunately, this discomfort should go away after a week or two. Another thing you will need to look out for is staining. If you don’t take great care of your teeth while you have braces, the braces may end up causing white stains on the surface of your teeth. 

However, you can avoid this fate by following basic dental hygiene practices while you have your braces. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are much like metal braces but they are more modern. Many people, especially adults, don’t like the idea of having traditional metal braces for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is that metal braces are very visible and you won’t be able to hide them from anyone. 

On the other hand, ceramic braces are much more streamlined and less visible, although they are not invisible. That’s because ceramic braces are smaller and thinner than metal braces. But more than that, ceramic braces are designed to match the color of your teeth. 

So, even though ceramic braces are still visible, they won’t stick out like a sore thumb when you smile or talk. Because they are smaller and not as bulky as metal braces, they also will not irritate the inside of your mouth as much. However, even though ceramic braces are full of benefits, they also have a few downsides that you will need to take into account. 

For example, because they are the color of your teeth, they may stain more easily. This is especially true if you consume a lot of dark substances such as coffee or tea. In the same fashion, dark substances can stain your actual teeth as well. 

However, if you can’t live without your coffee or tea, don’t fret. As long as you brush your teeth after you eat or drink something dark, you shouldn’t have to worry about your braces or teeth turning a darker shade. Another downside is that ceramic braces tend to not be as sturdy as metal braces.

However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from getting ceramic braces. As long as you don’t chew on hard things such as ice, peanuts, or hard candy, your braces should be fine for a long time. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are quite a modern invention and they are favored by all age groups, but especially adults. Many adults feel self-conscious about wearing braces, especially if the braces are very visible. The great thing about clear aligners is that they are completely invisible. 

No one will be able to even tell that you are wearing them. This can give you an extra boost of confidence while you’re wearing them throughout the day. Another great thing about clear aligners is that you can remove them any time you want. 

However, you should still aim to keep them in your mouth for the majority of the day. Otherwise, the aligners will not have enough time to straighten your teeth. As a result, you will need to wear the aligners for much longer than necessary. 

You will even need to wear the aligners while you sleep. You should only take them out before you eat and when you need to brush your teeth. If you try to eat with your aligners, you will risk damaging the aligners.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

When it comes to how to fix crooked teeth, there are many options to choose from. From metal and ceramic braces to clear aligners, you shouldn’t have any trouble picking the best option for you and your teeth. 

To learn more about getting braces for your teeth with Bozeman Smiles, contact us here.