The Australian Society of Orthodontists discovered that 55% of Australians feel self-conscious about how their teeth look. 46% of them said they would change their smile if they could. Your smile is the best way to communicate how you feel with the world, and you should never feel bad about how it looks.
Wire braces can be expensive and a hassle. Without insurance, braces can cost up to $10,000. With advancements in teeth straightening technology, you don’t have to get braces to have a perfect smile!
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look and feel great. Keep reading to learn how to get that perfect smile without breaking the bank.
Reasons to Get Your Teeth Straightened
Fixing crooked teeth can do more than improve your self-confidence. Straightening crooked teeth can also improve your dental health.
Teeth that are tight or overlapping can be difficult to clean. When you can’t properly clean your teeth, bacteria and plaque can build up. As plaque builds up, it can cause gum disease, which is the #1 reason for tooth loss according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Crooked teeth are also more likely to crack or wear down. Worn-down teeth can be expensive to repair.
As you bite down, the way your teeth are aligned can impact your jaw. Crooked teeth can cause neck, jaw, and head pains from incorrect bites.
Moreover, misaligned teeth can affect your face shape and make the lower part of your face protrude further.
We also recommend teeth straightening when you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowded teeth, or diastema.
What Happens During Teeth Straightening Surgery
Dental surgery is needed if braces and teeth straighteners alone cannot correct your teeth. Some patients will choose to undergo surgery if they don’t want to deal with braces or want to shorten the length of time they need to wear braces.
At a basic level, your dentist will use a local anaesthetic on the affected area. They will reposition the gums and teeth bones so they sit appropriately.
There is a more invasive dental tooth straightening surgery that is needed for more intense repairs. Orthognathic surgery will use general anaesthesia. The surgeon will correct your jaw alignment and any teeth that need repositioning.
Orthognathic surgery will take place in the hospital because it is more invasive and can take longer.
Dental Surgery Aftercare and Risks
If you get the basic dental surgery that uses a local anaesthetic, you have to wear braces afterwards. This dental surgery reduces how long you have to wear braces, but you still have to wear them.
Orthognathic surgery will require 6 weeks of recovery time in the hospital. Your jaw could potentially be wired shut during that recovery time to prevent incorrect healing.
Like all surgeries, there are risks.
The surgical area could become infected. You may also experience pain and swelling. Even with a long recovery time, the bones may not heal properly.
You will also have to make multiple visits to your dentist to periodically check on the healing of your mouth. Even with insurance, this can get expensive.
Many insurances will not cover the basic procedure with a local anaesthetic. When it comes to orthognathic surgery, it will only be partially covered by insurance. This is assuming you have dental insurance in the first place, which only 50% of adults between the ages of 18-24 do.
Clear Aligners
Dental surgery is expensive. It also has long recovery times. Braces are an alternative, but they can be expensive and inconvenient. Not everyone has dental insurance or extra money to afford expensive surgeries and dental work, but they still want to fix their teeth to prevent any future problems.
Luckily, if you want straighter teeth, there is an alternative.
Clear aligners are a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution to crooked or misaligned teeth. They are a type of clear braces that anyone over the age of 12 can wear. They look like clear retainers and sit close to your gums, so no one will know you’re wearing them.
Cost
Cost-wise, it’s more affordable and accessible for people than braces. Prices start at $84 a month, and there are often deals and discounts you can take advantage of! You don’t have to break the bank to have a great smile.
The Process
The process is simple. The kit you receive will have tools to make an impression of your teeth. There will be instructions in the kit, or you can schedule a video call if you need help making impressions.
Once you have an impression, you just send them back to SmilePath. Our team of experts will make your aligners. We will also send you a treatment plan. Once you approve the treatment plan, we send your aligners to your home.
The aligners are ready to wear the second they show up at your door. If there are any issues with the way they fit, send them back and we can adjust them. It only takes 5 to 7 weeks from getting your kit to be able to start wearing your aligners.
The Treatment
You will need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours a day. You can take them out to eat and drink, so there are no dietary restrictions like traditional braces. Over time, the aligner tray will shift your teeth into a straighter position.
Every 10 days, you will get a new aligner that matches the progress your teeth are making. This way, you will never be uncomfortable.
Results can show up within 4-6 months of usage. But, the entire process can take a little over a year depending on how much adjusting your teeth need. After the treatment is complete, we will send you a retainer to wear for 6 months, then only at night.
Taking Care of Your Aligners
Dental surgery has a long after-care process that can be painful and full of swelling. All you have to do to take care of clear aligners is rinse them off and lightly brush them with a soft toothbrush.
You might feel slight discomfort as your teeth move into place. This is normal, and usually only lasts a few days. This pain is nothing compared to pain related to surgeries or metal braces.
Jump into Teeth Straightening Today!
Teeth straightening with clear aligners is an easy process that can improve your self-esteem and dental health. They are affordable, invisible, and more accessible than braces or dental surgery.
Don’t wait any longer. Our team at SmilePath wants to help you achieve the dazzling smile you deserve today. Take our free assessment to find out if clear aligners are perfect for you and order your kit today!
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