Teeth straightening

Teeth straightening is the correction of misaligned teeth and an irregular bite. Misaligned teeth and an improper bite can lead to various dental conditions (such as tooth decay and gum disease). Crooked teeth, especially when crowded, are difficult to clean, which can result in dental and gum problems. Braces are typically used to straighten teeth, but there are also other methods of teeth straightening. In our clinic, we offer teeth straightening with aligners.

There can be several reasons for an improper bite or crooked teeth, but the main causes are:

• Genetics (inheritance);
• Various traumas;
• Early loss of baby teeth.

When baby teeth are lost prematurely, an irregular tooth replacement occurs, leading to uneven tooth alignment. The teeth start shifting, and when permanent teeth start growing, they lack sufficient space due to the uneven position of the remaining baby teeth, causing the permanent teeth to grow in an irregular position.

Straightening crooked teeth and correcting the bite is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also to prevent various dental and gum diseases that may lead to tooth loss.

• Tooth decay. Due to misaligned teeth and their crowding, dental care becomes more challenging as food debris gets trapped between uneven teeth, making it difficult to clean and leading to tooth decay and other diseases.
• Gum disease.
• Accelerated tooth abrasion (wear and tear).

It’s also important to mention the aesthetic aspect. People with crooked teeth often avoid smiling or showing their teeth while speaking.

Due to an improper bite, food is not properly chewed, which can eventually lead to various gastrointestinal problems.

• Braces.
• Aligners.
• Orthodontic plates.

Teeth straightening with aligners involves using individually made aligner trays to straighten teeth and correct the bite. The aligners are custom-made for each patient. The dentist takes dental impressions, and a computer program models the entire treatment process. Typically, 8 to 25 or more aligner trays are made for each jaw during the entire treatment period, depending on the patient’s specific situation. The aligner trays are kept at the clinic, and the patient is given the necessary number of trays for each treatment stage.

The duration of this treatment method is similar to or slightly shorter than braces, but the success of the treatment greatly depends on the patient since the aligners are removable (recommended to be removed while eating or drinking). The optimal daily wear time for aligners is approximately 22 hours. The patient needs to regularly visit the dentist who oversees the treatment progress according to the predetermined treatment plan. During the visit, the patient receives a new set of aligner trays. The treatment with aligners can last from several months to several years, depending on the condition of the patient’s teeth and their compliance with wearing the aligners.