Teeth Straightening Options - Which Is Best For You?

Seeing a specialist orthodontist is the first step to getting a straighter smile. As orthodontists, we inspect our patients’ teeth to identify the most suitable teeth straightening options based on the types and severity of dental issues.

Gone are the days where braces are your only option for teeth straightening. These days, there are a number of ways to align crooked teeth, close gaps, and improve jaw alignment through orthodontics. Whether it be for children or adults, there are modern solutions for teeth straightening that are personalised to you; here’s everything you need to know about your options, suitability, and treatment timelines.

So, what are your options? The two most popular treatments for straightening teeth are braces and clear aligners. Braces are more suited to treat complex conditions like severe malocclusions, while clear aligners offer a more discreet form of treatment.

With braces, there are different options including metal or ceramic braces, or lingual braces.

How Does Teeth Straightening Work?

Teeth straightening works by using orthodontic appliances to apply light pressure to teeth, causing them to shift in position over time. The level of pressure and movements will be adjusted throughout the treatment to gradually realign teeth and bite, and close gaps.

The results of teeth straightening are not purely cosmetic on dental and facial aspects - correctly aligned teeth can improve bite, realign the jaw, prevent dental problems caused by trapped food and plaque, and make eating and speaking more comfortable.

Treatment Options for Teeth Straightening

Metal and Ceramic Braces

Metal braces are one of the most common treatments for teeth straightening. Small metal brackets are attached to the teeth by a specialist orthodontist and connected to an archwire - this wire is adjusted over time to gradually move teeth into the correct alignment. Metal braces can treat complex tooth misalignment issues and resolve bite problems.

Ceramic braces are a variation of metal braces that use a tooth-coloured ceramic instead of metal for the brackets, which provide a more subtle appearance in your smile. Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces do. High quality ceramic braces, such as those we use at Glow Orthodontics means that the braces are as durable as metal braces, and can achieve the same results for teeth straightening.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fitted behind teeth instead of the front surfaces and are completely hidden from view. Since the brackets are attached to the back surface of the teeth, lingual braces are more difficult to clean compared to metal braces.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligners are a convenient and discreet treatment option for teeth straightening. We use 3D imaging technology to create a digital mould of your teeth, which is then used for the orthodontist Dr Jessica Yeo to design your customised treatment plan. A series of sequential clear aligner trays will be custom-made to fit your teeth, and your orthodontist gives you instructions to change your clear aligners every 1-2 weekly to tighter ones to apply gentle pressure required for tooth alignment.

One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners is that they can be removed for eating and brushing, unlike braces that stay on until the end of treatment. Clear aligners must be consistently worn at least 22 hours each day for the treatment to work, and may not be appropriate for individuals with more severe bite issues.

Children can develop different dental and jaw alignment issues throughout their life and the best way to find out which option is best for your child is to see a specialist orthodontist for proper diagnosis of their condition. Your orthodontist’s expertise lies in recommending the most appropriate orthodontic treatment plan targeted to suit your child’s needs. They also specialise in timing treatment to the ideal stage of your child’s growth, to successfully treat your child’s dental alignment and bite. The Australian Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have their first orthodontic assessment from 7 years of age.

Which Teeth Straightening Option Is Best For Kids?

How Long Does Teeth Straightening Take?

It can take between 12 to 24 months to straighten teeth with either braces or clear aligners. Braces can achieve results quickly compared to clear aligners, but have an obvious appearance. Clear aligners may take longer, but offer more convenience and a virtually invisible appearance.

Visiting an orthodontist for an initial consultation to assess your teeth condition will provide you with more clarity on how long teeth straightening will take. Book a consultation with Sydney’s leading orthodontists, Glow Orthodontics - we’ll give you a clear breakdown of suitable teeth straightening options, whether it’s metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners.