Find out about teeth straightening options for the correction of teeth misalignment

Many adults and teenagers want to improve their teeth alignment and thus their confidence, and perhaps you're no different, but you don't know what treatment options you have for straightening your teeth. Misalignment of teeth not only impacts the appearance of the patient's teeth, and therefore their self-esteem, but can also have repercussions when it comes to oral health. It is therefore important that you know how teeth are supposed to line up so that you can seek treatment options for alignment correction.

In this article, we’ll explore what teeth alignment is, the types of teeth misalignment and the problems those with misaligned teeth might face. We’ll also outline the available options for straightening teeth, such as cosmetic teeth straightening or orthodontic treatment, and the cost of these treatments.

What is teeth alignment or straightening?

Like many others, you may be wondering what teeth alignment or teeth straightening actually is and what it entails. Teeth alignment refers to when teeth are correctly positioned and arranged in the dental arches. In order to be able to chew efficiently and to have a proper distribution of force when biting, the teeth must be properly aligned and fit together harmoniously. While the correction of teeth alignment can help improve the appearance of teeth, it is also essential to ensure further oral health problems don’t develop.

How are teeth supposed to line up? The ideal alignment of teeth for the perfect bite

If you find yourself wondering how your teeth are actually supposed to line up, here we give you some insights. Ideal teeth alignment is necessary in order to have the perfect bite, and consists of the following aspects:

• Occlusion: When the jaw is closed, the upper teeth (maxillary arch) should fit just over the lower teeth (mandibular arch), with the upper incisors sitting just in front of the lower incisors.
• Midline alignment: The line between the front two teeth of the upper and lower jaw should align with the centre of the face when a person is viewed from the front.
  
• Straight alignment: Proper teeth alignment means that teeth should be in a straight line both vertically and horizontally, and there shouldn’t be a lot of overlapping, crowding, or gaps.
  
• Harmonious shape and size: The size and shape of the teeth should be balanced, and each tooth should be positioned properly so that they support the surrounding teeth and so that proper jaw function is maintained.
  

So if you think you have misaligned teeth, you should visit a dental specialist so that they can assess your case and advise you on the different options available to achieve proper teeth alignment.

Why are my teeth not aligned properly?

You might be questioning, “why are my teeth not aligned?”. The truth is, there are various factors that can determine teeth alignment.

One factor that can influence whether or not teeth are straight is genetics. Below are some examples of genetic factors that can determine whether or not your teeth are aligned properly:

• Tongue tie and lip tie: If you have or have ever had tongue tie or lip tie, this could be the reason behind misalignment of teeth, including gaps and poor bite.
• Misaligned jaw: Genetics can sometimes determine the alignment of your jaw. If your jaw is not properly aligned, your upper teeth will not sit correctly over your lower teeth, which can have a negative impact on your bite.
  

However, the reasons for not having straight teeth are not always genetic, there are other external factors that can cause misaligned teeth:

• Inadequate dental hygiene: If you don't take care of your teeth correctly or schedule regular visits with your dentist, you might let problems go unnoticed, which can lead to tooth loss. Having teeth missing can cause your other teeth to shift and become crooked.
• Trauma or injuries: If you've experienced some kind of trauma or injury to the mouth, this may affect your jaw or lead to tooth loss, which can make the remaining teeth misaligned.
  
• Bad habits: Biting your nails, sucking your thumb or breathing through your mouth can all lead to misalignment of the teeth.
  

If you don't want factors such as these to affect the alignment of your teeth, you should ensure that you have regular check-ups with your dentist. This allows any issues to be detected by your dentist so that an effective treatment plan for straightening your teeth can be put in place.

Types of misalignment in teeth

Different types of misalignment in the teeth are otherwise known as malocclusions. It's important to be aware of the different types of malocclusions so that they can be detected early:

• Vertical malocclusions: Vertical malocclusion refers to when there is only sometimes contact between the upper and lower teeth. With an overbite, the patient's upper teeth sit in a way that makes the lower teeth look almost invisible. With open bites, however, the patient's teeth do not overlap vertically, meaning their teeth don't come into contact when they bite.
• Sagittal malocclusions: These types of malocclusions can involve crowding, gaps in the teeth or protruding teeth, which can lead to additional problems such as wearing down of the tooth enamel and bruxism.
  
• Transverse malocclusions: Transverse malocclusions are categorised into two different types: crossbites and scissor bites. When a patient has transverse malocclusion, it means that the width of their upper and lower jaw does not line up properly, or they have dental inclination, which can affect their bite.
  

Problems with misaligned teeth

Misalignment of teeth not only affects their overall appearance but there are a number of oral health problems which can arise as a result of misaligned teeth:

• Injury or worn-down teeth: When teeth are not in alignment, they may rub on or touch each other where they shouldn't be, which can cause the teeth’s enamel to wear down, or even cracks in the teeth.
• Pain: Another of the problems associated with misaligned teeth is that when teeth touch where they shouldn't or constantly rub on each other, they can cause pain in the temporomandibular joint which can then lead to the patient having headaches.
  
• Issues with speech: When a person has misaligned teeth, gaps or crowding, they may struggle to pronounce certain words or sounds.
  
• Oral hygiene problems: Patients who have misaligned teeth or overcrowding may experience problems with dental plaque buildup or food becoming stuck in certain parts of their teeth, as they can’t effectively clean all areas of their mouth. As a result, patients may experience tooth decay or bad breath.
  
• Difficulty with breathing correctly: Finally, when the alignment of the teeth affects how the mouth closes, it might lead to some issues with breathing correctly.
  

Options for straightening your teeth: treatments for teeth alignment

There are a number of different options available for straightening your teeth, but the teeth alignment treatment you choose depends on your own specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget.

One of the most common ways to straighten your teeth, which is often recommended by dentists, is with orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners. However, another way in which you can straighten your teeth, or at least create the appearance of straighter teeth, is with cosmetic dentistry. While it is one of the more costly teeth alignment options, it offers instant results, but only in cases where misalignment is minor.

Orthodontic teeth straightening using braces or aligners

You may find that dentists recommend orthodontic treatment for those seeking ways to straighten their teeth, as it is a solution that fixes the issue with alignment, rather than simply covering it up.

Traditional metal braces are one of the most common types of braces used. These consist of brackets which are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, which gradually moves the teeth, straightening them. Other more advanced options for braces include lingual braces, self-litigating braces and clear ceramic braces.

While braces are an effective and resistant option that can be used to treat a variety of different cases, they can often be expensive (particularly aesthetic braces), cause some pain or discomfort, and can restrict what a person eats. Furthermore, self-litigating or traditional metal braces are visible, which can affect the self-esteem of the patient. This is why many patients are choosing less-visible options like clear aligners.

Clear aligners are becoming more and more popular as a teeth-straightening option for both adults and teenagers. They are able to treat a number of alignment issues, but are comfortable, removable and practically invisible, unlike braces. Being able to remove your aligners easily also means you can eat what you like without damaging the aligners, and you can clean your teeth more easily.

When looking for orthodontic options for proper teeth alignment, you should consult a dental specialist so that they can assess your specific case. In this way, they can advise you whether braces or aligners might be a more viable option for achieving aligned teeth.

Cosmetic teeth straightening: achieving straight teeth quickly

For those who are seeking a quicker way to achieve the appearance of straight teeth, cosmetic dentistry is an effective option.

Composite dental bonding is a cosmetic option that can be used when teeth are only slightly misaligned, such as when they have small gaps or chips. With dental bonding, composite resin is applied and moulded directly to the teeth to fill the gaps or chips and create the appearance of aligned teeth.

Another cosmetic option for straightening teeth is with veneers. Dental veneers are thin teeth coverings which are applied directly to the front of each tooth, creating the appearance of uniformity in the teeth. They are often made using porcelain or composite, and can be customized according to the needs and preferences of the patient.

Although cosmetic dentistry provides instant results, it should be noted that rather than straightening the teeth and avoiding any further oral health problems developing, it simply masks the problem. Furthermore, most cosmetic dental procedures require maintenance after time, and eventually replacement, which can mean the cost can add up to more than expected.

As with orthodontic treatment, if you’re seeking cosmetic treatment, you should first seek the advice of a dentist so that they can review your case and recommend the treatment option that would best suit you.

The cost of teeth straightening

If you’re wondering how much teeth alignment treatments cost, it depends on factors such as your location, your chosen dental clinic, and the severity of your specific case.

When it comes to the cost of teeth straightening using orthodontics, the price can vary significantly depending on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose:

• Traditional metal braces: between $3,000 and $7,000.
• Clear braces: between $4,000 and $8,500.
  
• Lingual braces: between $8,000 and $13,000.
  
• Clear aligners: between $3,500 and $6,000.
  

The cost of cosmetic teeth alignment can also vary a lot depending on the type of procedure you choose to have:

• Dental bonding: This can cost between $100 and $500 per tooth, but depends on the size of the area to be repaired or covered.
  
• With veneers, the cost varies according to the type of material used. Composite veneers can cost between $400 and $1500 per tooth, while porcelain veneers can cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.
  

Straightening your teeth with Impress

Whether your alignment issue is straightforward or complex, we can help you here at Impress. Our orthodontic treatments, such as our clear aligners, are tailored to you and made to straighten your teeth safely, effectively and efficiently. For those struggling with misaligned teeth, you can pay a visit to one of our clinics for a complimentary evaluation, where we’ll use 360º X-rays and 3D scanners to design a treatment plan which is 100% personalized to you.

Our expert doctors oversee every step of your treatment, and you can follow up with your treatment via our convenient app, or at one of our clinics.

If you’re interested in a treatment with Impress, you can visit your nearest Impress clinic and meet the expert team who will oversee your treatment. You can also schedule an appointment online or by phone at 888.490.1421.