Crooked teeth are a source of embarrassment for many individuals. Orthodontic misalignment can be detrimental to your oral health, as well. There are a few treatment options available for those who wish to straighten their smile, including bonding, veneers, braces, and Invisalign®. Here, Dr. Timothy E. Mickiewicz and our Sacramento, CA, dental team explore these procedures in a little more detail.
#1: Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the least invasive and most affordable cosmetic treatments available. This procedure involves the application of composite resin, a material that is carefully color-matched to your natural teeth.
Bonding can be used to correct a number of cosmetic flaws, including crooked teeth. It also conceals chips, cracks, and discoloration.
It’s important to note that dental bonding only offers a cosmetic solution. The teeth are not actually moved during treatment, but the composite resin gives the illusion of a straighter smile.
#2: Porcelain Veneers
Another popular cosmetic option is porcelain veneers. Like dental bonding, veneers can give the illusion of a straighter smile. For this reason, veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics”.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made ceramic shells that attach to the front teeth surfaces. Dr. Mickiewicz will take impressions of your teeth, then send them to a lab for fabrication. A skilled ceramist will create your veneers using layers of medical-grade porcelain. Once complete, you’ll be scheduled for a second appointment, during which Dr. Mickiewicz will place your new veneers.
#3: Traditional Braces
If your misalignment is more severe, then orthodontics will likely be recommended. In addition to improving the aesthetics of your smile, traditional metal braces also improve overall oral health and give you the best chance for long-term success. After all, straighter teeth, that are not crowded, crooked, or overlapped, are much easier to clean and maintain.
Traditional braces use brackets, bands, and wires to move the teeth into their appropriate positions over time. Depending on the complexity of your case, this process can take as little as six months or as much as two years or longer. During treatment, our team will monitor your progress during monthly appointments.
Braces are ideal for patients of all ages, from kids to adults. If crooked teeth are making you embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz.
#4: Invisalign
The most popular orthodontic option at our Sacramento practice, Invisalign straightens the teeth like braces. But instead of using metal components like brackets, bands, and wires, this system uses a series of clear aligner trays. Patients simply wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, then graduate up to the next set until a straight smile is achieved.
At our practice, we offer Invisalign for teens and adults. This solution is preferred for those who wish to straighten their teeth discreetly. The trays are fabricated from clear thermoplastic, so most people won’t even be able to tell you’re undergoing orthodontics.
Our patients love Invisalign because it gives them the freedom to eat all of their favorite foods while straightening their teeth. Another notable benefit is that the trays can simply be removed when it’s time to brush and floss. That means no cleaning around metal brackets or underneath wires.
Contact Us for More Information
If crooked teeth are interfering with your confidence or oral health, schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Mickiewicz at our Sacramento, CA, practice. Contact us online anytime or call us at 916-469-9178.
