Why should I bother straightening my teeth?
With everything you’ve got going on in your life, you may think that procedures for straightening teeth are done for cosmetic purposes, and who has time for that? However, straight teeth are indeed important for your health as well.
Crooked teeth can make it difficult to give your teeth a really good cleaning – for instance, if one tooth is so close to another that you can’t even floss between them. This can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Teeth that are misaligned because they are crooked can also lead to problems with the muscles in your jaw, resulting in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Patients with TMJ often suffer with headaches and muscle pain.
Invisalign
Invisalign is one option to straighten teeth that is a far cry from metal braces. You will be given comfortable plastic trays to place over your teeth. These trays gradually move teeth into their correct place, and you will be given a new tray about every two weeks or so. They are comfortable, basically invisible, and require much less maintenance than metal braces. They are also easily removed for eating, drinking, and when you need to brush and floss.
Porcelain veneers
A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that fits over your tooth. They can be used not only to help fix teeth that are crooked but for teeth that are discolored or chipped as well. It only takes one or two appointments to get veneers made, they are custom made to match the color of your other teeth, and maintaining them takes no more effort than brushing and flossing your teeth as you would usually do.
How Can Your Dentist Help You Choose Between Invisalign and Veneers?
Invisalign and porcelain veneers can both improve the appearance of your smile, but they serve different purposes. At Pacific Northwest Smiles, Dr. Darren Greenhalgh can evaluate your tooth alignment, bite, and overall oral health to help determine which treatment may be appropriate. He can also explain whether moving your teeth with Invisalign or improving their appearance with veneers better matches your dental needs and smile goals.
Choosing between Invisalign and veneers can involve questions about treatment time, appearance, and long-term results. The Dental Marketing Secrets Podcast explores how dental practices communicate treatment options, understand patient expectations, and help people make informed decisions about their dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults straighten their teeth without metal braces?
Yes. Adults with mild to moderate alignment problems may qualify for Invisalign clear aligners. Treatment suitability depends on tooth position, bite alignment, and overall oral health.
Do porcelain veneers straighten crooked teeth?
No. Veneers improve the appearance of mildly crooked or uneven teeth without changing their actual position. Invisalign moves teeth into better alignment and may address certain bite problems.
How long does Invisalign treatment take for adults?
Invisalign treatment often takes 6 to 18 months, although complex cases may require longer. The timeline depends on the amount of tooth movement needed and how consistently aligners are worn.
Fixing teeth that are crooked is not just a cosmetic issue. It can also save you from health problems and pain. If you would like to discuss veneers or Invisalign, make an appointment at Pacific Northwest Smiles! Call 425-357-6400 today!