Why Correct Teeth Alignment Is Important
Many people think of aligned teeth as a cosmetic need, but in fact, there are important health reasons for aligning your teeth correctly.
In addition to providing you with a great smile, aligned teeth reduce the risk of developing cavities. Misaligned teeth, or malocclusions, are more difficult to clean with brushing and flossing, trapping food, debris, and bacteria that can build up over time and cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Chronic gum infections may also result from misaligned teeth where food particles are trapped beneath or between the gums.
If you have regular protective fluoride treatments, fluoride cannot penetrate the hard-to-reach areas of misaligned or overcrowded teeth. This can also put you at a higher risk for accelerated tooth decay.
Misaligned teeth can also cause speech impediments such as lips and problems with chewing.
While very minor misalignments can be corrected with veneers or crowns, most malocclusions need to be corrected with orthodontic interventions.
Tooth Alignment Issues
- Crowded teeth: teeth don’t have enough space to fit comfortably in the jaw
- Gapped teeth: gaps between teeth can teeth to shift or abnormal jaw growth
- Crossbite: the upper and lower jaws are misaligned
- Overbite: the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
- Underbite: the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth
- Open bite: some teeth can’t make contact with their opposite teeth
How to Correct Teeth Alignment
Teeth alignment is typically corrected through two methods: braces or aligners. In some cases, contemporary braces may be more appropriate to address your orthodontic needs and budget.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, provide gentle, discreet teeth alignment in less time than traditional braces.
Contemporary Braces
Contemporary braces focus on the front 6-8 teeth, which means that alignment is typically much faster than full orthodontic braces. If your front teeth are crowded, mildly gapped, rotated, or protruding, contemporary braces may be the simple solution you need to correct your teeth alignment.
On average, contemporary braces treatments can be completed in just 4-6 months. They are more cost-effective than aligners and are an excellent choice for orthodontic relapses.
At My HM Dentist Kellyville, we use 3M brackets to help bring your front teeth into alignment and correct crossbites.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an excellent alternative to brackets and wires and resemble a mouthguard. They are a series of custom-moulded trays created specifically for your mouth. Over the course of your treatment, you will wear these trays for 20-22 hours per day, taking them out only to brush, floss, eat, and drink anything other than water.
Each tray is worn for two weeks and then switched out for the next tray. These trays gently pull your teeth into alignment over the course of 12-18 months. As opposed to braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible while you wear them, making them an aesthetically pleasing choice.
Since they are removable, you do not have to modify your diet, and you can brush and floss as normal.
Clear aligners are more expensive than contemporary braces, but they can be used to adjust mild gaps, crowding, underbites, open bites, and overbites. For a whole-mouth solution that is easy to wear and not obvious to others, clear aligners may be the best choice for many patients.
You will need to return to see Dr Matsuoka every four weeks to ensure your aligners are working properly.
Payment Options
At My HM Dentist Kellyville, we believe that all of our patients deserve a beautifully straight, functional smile. We offer our patients several payment options.
Your invisible braces consultation is completely free, and we also offer promotional discounts to new patients on select services and treatments.
In addition to Visa and Mastercard, we also accept HICAPS and most insurance plans.
Contact Us
Dr Matsuoka ensures your dental concerns are addressed and can help you meet your smile goals by choosing the right orthodontic system to meet your needs. While aesthetics are important, Dr Matsuoka also focuses on your bite so you can enjoy a beautiful and functional smile.
If you are interested in correcting your teeth alignment and would like to schedule a free consultation, please call us on (02) 9158 6379 to book your appointment or visit our dental clinic in Kellyville today.
