I Have Misaligned Teeth, What Can I Do About It?

The most common way to fix misaligned or badly spaced teeth is to implement some kind of orthodontic system, to gradually move them into a more desirable position. People with problem teeth will often just ignore the issue until it gets worse as the years pass, so it’s always advisable to fix severe orthodontic problems as soon as possible, as dental misalignment can cause more serious conditions over time; such as uneven bite patterns, or TMJ (a jaw disorder). It can sometimes be overwhelming to learn about all the different types of braces, but your dentist should be able to prescribe a system that is suitable, effective, and within your budget range. To help you out a little bit, let’s take a look at the various options available to you, as well as how they can fix your alignment problem.

What are the different types of braces?

Metal (fixed) – Commonly known as ‘train tracks’, these braces comprise of several brackets that are attached to each tooth, and then joined by a metal wire that will work by slowly pulling the teeth into a straight line. Although they are not as discreet as some other systems, traditional braces like this are still widely used in dentistry today, in various forms, simply because they are very effective, and they can work with even extremely crooked teeth. The main problem that a lot of patients have with this style is that they are not very discreet, which is why a lot of adults in the UK are not anxious to have them fitted – they would rather leave their teeth as they are, than worry about how their friends will react to ‘train tracks’. Fortunately for older patients, there are alternatives that work using the same components; small ceramic brackets are very useful in this respect, they are painted to match the shade of the enamel, and a tooth-coloured wire is used to connect them, so they are still noticeable, but much more subtle than large traditional braces. It’s also possible, in some cases, to attach the brackets to the back of the teeth instead of the front, this performs in the same way, but it means the patient can hide their orthodontic treatment.

Aligners (removable) – For patients with slight misalignment or crowding at the front of their mouths, clear aligners are the ideal solution. These transparent shields are made from acrylic resin, and they are vacuum moulded to fit perfectly around the patients teeth, so that when they are clipped in place, they are barely noticeable. This kind of brace won’t work for people with severe orthodontic problems, because the durable plastic has only limited movement, and no metal components to hold the teeth in their new position. Aligners are completely removable and they need to be worn for at least twenty-two hours a day, if the treatment is to be successful, they work by covering all the teeth on the top jaw, and applying the right amount of pressure in the appropriate places, to gradually move them into alignment.  Braces like this are thought to be more comfortable than the traditional variety because they only shift the teeth in gradual increments, then another aligner is fitted to continue the movement. Removable braces are very popular in the dentistry world, primarily because they are discreet, but they can also boast very fast treatment times, and outstanding results.

Inman aligners – The Inman aligner has only recently become available in the UK, so it might be a struggle to find one initially, but as this award-winning design takes off, it should become more widely accessible. This type of brace could be considered a hybrid of the first two kinds; fixed and removable, because it takes components from each system and combines them to create a fast-acting, comfortable orthodontic device, that can help with a variety of problems. The aligner itself is mainly used for patients with crowding or minor misalignments at the front of their mouths, on both upper and lower jaws, but there are plenty of other Inman designs that are coming onto the market that are capable of treating many dental problems. The Inman aligner consists of a resin retainer-type device, that is clipped over the teeth with metal hoops, it then employs springs and wires to apply pressure to the back of the teeth, whilst at the same time, pulling them into alignment using a wire that runs around the front of them. It is not as discreet as an all-plastic aligner, but it can work in a matter of weeks, and it is not nearly as obvious as traditional metal braces.

Lingual braces – Not many people will be familiar with these braces, as they are much more exclusive than other varieties; they are made up of small brackets – similar to those of fixed braces – each of which has been specifically moulded to fit an individual tooth, this makes them easier to hide (behind the front teeth), and much more effective. For cosmetic reasons, these braces are very popular, but not every patient is suited to the way they work, for example; those with very small teeth or certain bite problems would have to look into alternative treatment. Another point worth mentioning is that they cost a lot more than other systems, simply because they are so specialist, and this often puts a lot of people off selecting them. Lingual braces can work very well with the right patient, but they need to be aware that they are not as fast as other systems, such as aligners, and they do sometimes need adjusting, to perform to the optimum level.

Where can I get braces from?

It shouldn’t be too hard to find an orthodontist in your area, and your dentist could probably refer you to a decent practitioner. Prices for braces vary from place to place, but you have to remember that you are paying for the skill and experience of your dentist, rather than just the products themselves. If you are thinking about getting braces, you should give the professionals a call at the Pearl Dental Clinic; they offer the very latest dental treatments, as well as various cosmetic restorations.