Teeth Straightening: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Teeth straightening procedure is done to correct the tooth cavities or decays. It can also be done when you are unhappy with the shape or position of your teeth. The most commonly used technique of teeth straightening is the use of braces. There are many kinds of braces available to choose from depending on your choice and situation. You must get an x ray of your teeth and proper medical consultation to decide which one suits you. There are fixed orthodontic braces, lingual braces, damon braces and many others. You can get your teeth straightened even without braces. The use of veeners, fitting a crown and composite bonding are a few options if you do not want to invest your time and energy in getting and managing braces. People with much more critical issues may go for dental surgery.

An x ray of your teeth is taken and studied in detail before zeroing in on the best option for you. It is wise to get braces at a young age. Braces may take quite some time to put your teeth in the correct position but are a foolproof treatment to all your dental woes. Fixed orthodontic braces are the most commonly used braces. It may take two to three years depending on the required movement in teeth. Lingual braces are more aesthetic compared to orthodontic braces. A system of wires is tightened around the teeth and gradually straightens them. It is tightened at the back of the teeth making it invisible from the front. They are ideal if you want your teeth fixed without anyone noticing. Damon braces are a fairly new alternative to fixed orthodontic braces and lingual braces. They are said to be a friction free method of teeth straightening. They do not have plastic ties, which cause irritation, making them more comfortable than others. Veeners and crowns are an aesthetic solution to the problems of crooked teeth. They are just fixed over the problematic teeth and give a false impression of straight teeth. Composite bonding is the most economical and painless method of teeth straightening. A tooth coloured resin called a composite is fixed over the crooked teeth and it is the most natural looking process there can be. Dental surgery is not for people who face crookedness in one or two teeth. If the root of your problem is in your jaw or your jaw is not positioned correctly, you must go for dental surgery. Surgery will leave you with lifelong effects.

People who suffer from the problems of teeth crookedness may go for any of these treatments. Choose the one according to the severity of your problem. Take proper medical guidance before deciding on one.

Most of the people with crooked teeth problems can get these treatments done but it is always wise to consult an experienced orthodontist and find the best treatment suitable for you.

Braces may need quite a lot of looking after. They can cause mild irritation in your mouth and jaw pain for a few days until you get used to their presence. There may also be occasional bleeding in the initial days. Composite bonding is a very cheap and natural looking method of getting your teeth fixed but the material used in the process may not be very long lasting. It may get stained and chip or break after a few years.

You must make regular appointments with your orthodontist after getting the treatment that suits your situation. It is important to keep a regular check on the condition of your teeth. Brushing after every meal with a brush made up of soft bristles is recommended if you get braces. You should keep your teeth clean all the time. Flossing every day helps. Make sure that nothing is stuck in your teeth for long. Avoid sticky foods like caramel, taffy and chewing gum.

Braces may take up to 3 years, depending on the severity. You may need just 2-3 days to recover after getting treatments like composite bonding, veeners and crowns. Dental surgery may take about a week to become completely normal.

Fixed orthodontic braces may cost between ₹18000 - ₹35000. The cost of lingual braces is on the higher side. It may be between ₹72000 - ₹190000. Dental surgery may cost anything between ₹60000 - ₹150000 depending on your need. Cost of composite bonding may range from ₹7000 - ₹20000 per tooth.

The results of braces and dental surgery are permanent. They last throughout the person’s life. Fitting of crowns or veeners and getting composite bonding may last only a few years.

There are no treatments available for teeth straightening that you can do by your own. You must follow good oral hygiene and inculcate this habit in your children at a young age in order to avoid these treatments.