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Smiling helps make your day better, it reduces your stress levels, and also has a positive effect on the people around you. However, most people tend to lose their confidence when their smiles are affected by issues like teeth misalignment.

Today, there are different ways to help you resolve these problems. In this article, our team at Dental Specialists of North Florida in Saint Augustine and Palm Coast, Florida, share insights on the three major procedures that can help straighten your teeth.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan

An accurate diagnosis is required before initiating the procedures for straightening your teeth. This involves studying your medical history and conducting an extraoral and intraoral clinical examination.

Apart from that, a functional examination, X-rays, scans, and models are used to finalize the treatment plan that can include one of the following solutions:

Braces are made up of brackets, bands, archwires, and ligatures. They are the most common solution for teeth straightening. The different types of braces include: 

• Metal braces that are stronger, durable, and economical
• Tooth-colored ceramic braces that are less visible 
• Lingual braces that are fixed at the inner part of your teeth
• Self-ligating braces that do not require elastic ligatures like conventional braces

Invisalign 

These transparent aligners made from thin plastic are fabricated using CAD-CAM technology. They are gaining popularity as they are aesthetic, comfortable, easy to maintain, removable, and facilitate oral hygiene. They also promote healthy gums and reduce the risk of enamel decalcification.

Made from elastic thermoplastic, Invisalign aligners straighten the teeth by applying pressure on them. You have to change the aligners every 7 to 14 days until your teeth are completely straightened and wear them for 20 to 22 hours each day except when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Orthognathic Surgery 

Misalignment issues caused by skeletal deformities cannot be corrected only with regular orthodontic treatments. Jaw surgery is also required to improve the appearance of teeth and correct functional difficulties. 

For more information on the different procedures available for teeth straightening, call Dental Specialists of North Florida at (904) 794-1000 or (386) 986-1000. You can also visit us at 10 Saint Johns Medical Park Drive, Suite C, Saint Augustine, FL 32086 and 3 Cypress Branch Way # 107, Palm Coast, FL 32164.