What are Some Teeth Straightening Options for Adults?

Perfect set of teeth don’t just improve our physical beauty but also offer better health. Irregularities in the tooth structure can lead to interference while talking or eating. Moreover, it becomes extremely difficult to clean crooked teeth which might lead to germ and plaque build-up. There are a variety of teeth straightening methods that are used to significantly enhance the physical beauty of an individual. Here are a few successful options for adults:

Braces

There are different kinds of braces that dentists use to correct imperfections. These include, metal and lingual braces. Lingual braces are set on the insides of the teeth making them difficult to detect. Metal braces, on the other hand, are utilized on the lower and upper teeth. These brackets are corded together with the help of wires and fixed at the front.

Teeth Straightening Surgery

This method can be used on children and adults alike. It is used to cure jawbone discrepancies and is performed under general anesthesia. Treatment begins with a surgical intervention. Later, braces are utilized to hold the teeth at the right place during the process of healing. It takes eighteen to twenty-four months for a complete course of therapy using orthodontic braces. The timeline for treatment differs from patient to patient. It is best to consult a qualified dental expert to evaluate what requires being executed.

Clear Aligners

Clear straightening tools comprise of moldings for teeth. These moldings work best for individuals who require help in getting their teeth aligned. The mold slowly shoves the teeth together and seal slight gaps or properly space out teeth that are crowded. This method does not work for badly misaligned or ingrown teeth. Patients need to consult their doctors to know if they are the right candidates for such a technique.

Invisalign

Invasalign aligners for adults are almost undetectable. They are very similar to whitening trays and have to be worn throughout the day except while eating. They make it very easy for the user to floss or brush. And because they are made up of smooth plastic, they do not irritate the mouth at all. They are also easy to clean.

Veneers

Veneers are used to rectify minor dental flaws and do not involve braces. These shells are made out of composite or porcelain and are usually fitted on uneven or curved teeth. They are also useful in covering any kind of discoloration and are reasonable and durable. One can choose the color of the veneer to match the color of the teeth, making them less visible.

Cosmetic Contouring

People who suffer from crowded, overlapped or unevenly spaced teeth can opt for cosmetic contouring. The process finishes quickly and is performed under general anesthesia. It entails removing slight quantity of the tooth structure to attain a pleasing appearance. Cracked or chipped sections are evened out and edges are shaped to change the way in which the patient’s smile appears. Teeth alignment with the help of cosmetic contouring can certainly make the smile look more attractive and appealing.

Misaligned, crooked, or spaced teeth create a negative impact on the appearance and health of an individual. It also affects the person’s confidence dramatically. In such situations, straightening the skewed or crooked projections is the best way available. With the development in dental technology, dentists can now choose from a variety of ways to provide that much needed make over. California, in particular, is known to offer the best cosmetic dentistry makeovers as the clinics boast of state of the art equipment and dental technology. The professionals are also well qualified here and undergo regular training.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Dental Visit?

Good dental health plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of a child. However, before scheduling the first appointment, parents must consider whether they’ll be most comfortable in visiting a family dentist or a pediatric dentist- a specialist that offers specialized oral care for children. Pediatric dentists normally have child-friendly clinics and equipment designed especially for kids. 

How to prepare a child for an appointment? 

Keeping the mouth clean: One way to prepare the child is to keep his/her mouth clean by using a small infant toothbrush or running a wash cloth. Experts recommend taking the new born to a dentist after one year, or when the first tooth pops out.

Using dramatic play: Parents can teach children about dental procedures by using role play. They can play games that involve dentists and patients. They can also use props such as dental floss, toothbrushes, flashlights, and paper cups for practicing spitting and rinsing. This may train the child for the appointment.

Talk about teeth: Kids should be informed about dental procedures before they have to face any. Parents must talk to their children about the importance of keeping their mouth healthy. They must also explain the function of different parts of the mouth such as teeth, tongue, gums, and the like.

Be encouraging: It’s good to let children talk about the things that scare them about dentists. Parents must try to make their toddlers feel secure by promising to stay with them during the whole process. Also, in case their children want to take toys, or stuffed animals, for extra security, they should be allowed to do that. Apart from this, explaining the meaning of the words that kids might hear from their dentist such as, cavity, fluoride, x-ray and gums is a good idea.

Visit the dentist before the appointment: A lot of dentists take out time to meet their patients before the actual appointment. The child should be encouraged to meet the staff and sit in the waiting room. This helps in familiarizing the child with the surroundings so that he/she is calm during the appointment.

What to expect during an appointment?

Dental treatment for children differs according to their age. Here is what the parents should expect during the appointments:

Infants (six months to one year):

The hygienist or dentist might place the infant on a table or have the parent hold the child to conduct an examination. Once done, the dentist might:

•     Evaluate the overall health of the child and hygiene level.
•     Remove any deposits or stains on the child's teeth
•     Show proper cleaning techniques
•     Look for bumps or sores on the child's tongue, cheeks and on the mouth’s roof.

Toddlers and adolescents:

During regular checkup, the hygienist or dentist evaluates the child's overall health, oral hygiene, eating habits, drinking and risk of tooth decay. Apart from cleaning the child's teeth, the expert might:

•     Take X-rays and do diagnostic procedures
•     Apply thin coatings such as sealants
•     Repair any tooth defects or cavities
•     Counsel the child about the problems of jaw clenching, thumb sucking, or nail biting

As the child gets older, dental exams may also include teaching the child about the oral health risks associated with:

•     Smoking
•     Drinking sugary beverages
•     Chewing tobacco
•     Oral piercings
•     Eating disorders

Parents should realize that the initial experiences their children have at dental clinics decide their attitude towards dental treatments for the rest of their lives. Hence, it’s important to keep the experiences positive. It is also important to choose a doctor wisely. There are several great clinics in California. All one needs to do is research about them over the web.