There are a number of orthodontic procedures, many affordably priced, that will help correct your teeth alignment to give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Throughout the course of this brief guide, you will learn about just a few of the options that are available for you to peruse.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces operate much like traditional braces do; however, they are placed on the backside of the teeth in order to produce an "invisible" aesthetic. This is to say, to those that you encounter in your everyday life, it will not appear as if you have braces at all. Lingual braces tend to be a bit more expensive than the traditional route, but operate in much the same way: slight pressure is exerted on the teeth to cause them to move in a prescribed way. Over time, your teeth will be pushed together in a straighter alignment.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are perhaps the most common form of teeth alignment that are used by orthodontists. Brackets are glued onto the front of your teeth, through which an arch wire is placed. This is used to ensure that the teeth will move in a very specific manner, over the course of time. Orthodontists tend to adjust the arch wire during check ups, which occur once every four to six weeks. The general amount of time for which a person is required to wear braces depends on the state of their misaligned teeth, and can last anywhere from one to three years.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a custom aligner tray that is built specifically for your teeth. It can be removed from your teeth easily, and at will. Invisalign trays are generally removed for brushing, eating, and flossing. It is designed to shift your teeth into a desired configuration. You will not use the same tray for the entirety of your treatment. Approximately once every two months, your tray must be replaced. Much like its name implies, Invisalign offers the wearer a more unnoticeable alternative to aligning one's teeth when compared to braces. Although the time in which it takes Invisalign to achieve its goals in realigning your teeth depends on the state of your teeth's current alignment, it usually takes a slightly shorter time than wearing braces.

There are numerous options available to you if you so decide to choose to an orthodontic teeth realignment procedure. Hopefully, this brief guide has given you some idea of the choices that are widely available. Contact a doctor, such as John C. Matunas D.D.S., PA, for more information.   

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