The best teeth straightening treatment options

Many of our Clyde Munro Dental practices offer some simple solutions that straighten and reposition your teeth in order to create a beautiful smile you will be proud to show off. Otherwise known as orthodontics, there are different types of tooth straightening treatment options. One of the most popular is clear aligner treatment.

Clear aligners

Clear aligner treatment usually involves wearing a series of clear plastic, tray-like appliances that fit over the top of your teeth. Each aligner in the sequence is designed to gently push the teeth into a new position, straightening your smile safely and effectively.

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth before treatment begins in order to customise the aligners specifically to fit your mouth. At this stage, they will be able to estimate your treatment length and cost. They will also review progress throughout treatment to make sure your teeth are moving as expected and your oral hygiene remains good. This is essential for the best outcome.

A small amount of the teeth will need to be removed/filed down –­ called interproximal reduction ­– to allow them to move past each other correctly. Retention will also be important after treatment is complete. A fixed and/or removable retainer will be provided to keep the teeth in their new positions.

The benefits of clear aligner treatment include:

• Fast and efficient
• Convenient – aligners can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth
• Cost-effective
• Discrete – few people will even notice you are wearing the aligners!

Other orthodontic options

Clear aligners not suitable for everyone. In more complicated cases, your dentist may recommend fixed orthodontics. Treatment has come a long way from the metal ‘train tracks’ of decades ago! Today, the brackets and wires can be super discrete or may even be placed on the inside of the teeth, becoming virtually invisible.

Your dentist will talk you through the options available to you, including all the benefits, risks and costs involved so you know exactly what to expect.

Alternative treatment

When orthodontics is not suitable or you would prefer a different solution, there are other cosmetic dental treatments to consider. For example, minimal prep veneers can provide an instant improvement in smile appearance, significantly enhancing the shape, length and colour of teeth. Again, it’s important to speak to your dentist about what you want to achieve, your timeframe and your budget. They will then help you explore all the treatment options available.

To book an appointment with your local dentist, you can find your nearest Clyde Munro practice here.