Teeth Straightening Procedures

Teeth straightening techniques such as porcelain veneers, invisalign, and braces are becoming more popular among children and adults in the United States. Crooked and misaligned teeth can be treated with these procedures. The most common teeth straightening treatment is orthodontic braces.

It is more and more common for children to begin with braces in their pre-teens. Braces cost on average $5,400 to approximately $7,600. Traditional braces or orthodontics are placed around the exterior of the teeth. Tooth colored ceramic braces are also available. Behind the teeth braces are called lingual or concealed braces.

Modern braces have come beyond the older version of “railroad track braces” that were available in the past.  The newer, modern braces are smaller and much more comfortable than they were 10 or 15 years ago. Metal or ceramic brakes will be attached to each tooth with glue or a metal band. An arch wire is then drawn from bracket to bracket, putting pressure on the teeth to move them in the desired direction.

Small colored elastics hold the bracket on the arch wire, although some brackets will not need elastics. Ceramic braces are less visible than traditional braces but may take a few months longer to straighten teeth. I-braces are braces that utilize brackets installed on the tongue side of the teeth. These braces require special training to install and the treatment may take longer and is sometimes ineffective. Your dentist will be able to better inform you as to which braces are feasible for your teeth.

Many dental patients prefer invisalign invisible braces or porcelain veneers to straighten teeth. The invisalign system incorporates use of a series of aligners that gradually straighten teeth, similar to how braces work. However, the aligners are clear and much more discreet than braces. Porcelain veneers can be placed over your natural teeth to create a straighter, more uniform appearance.

Our Cleveland cosmetic dentist offers a range of procedures to our patients, including dental implants, teeth whitening, and more.