How Do We Correct Misalignment?

Did you know that misalignment, which includes crooked or crowded teeth, can have a negative impact on your overall oral health? In order to correct the smile’s alignment, and offer cosmetic benefits for our patients, we may prescribe orthodontics. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at two common options for improving smile alignment in Gary, IN: braces and clear aligners.

The Health Risks of Poor Alignment

Did you know that uneven teeth may provide places for bits of food to become trapped? Even brushing and flossing may not be enough to remove these particles, which means bacteria can break them down. This process leads to elevated levels of oral acidity and coats the teeth in plaque. This buildup, combined with higher oral acidity, leads to a greater risk of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and gum disease. For others, poor alignment may mean pressure on the jaw joints, increasing the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism, and the headaches, jaw pain, and dental damage that accompanies these issues. As you can see, correcting your uneven smile improves much more than just your smile’s appearance!

Braces

One of the most common options for correcting misalignment, braces can address severe alignment issues. Treatment involves placing a metal bracket onto the front facing side of your teeth. We then connect an arch wire to the brackets. During periodic visits, the dentist will adjust the tension in the wire, which helps reposition the teeth and correct alignment in a period of about two years.

Clear Aligners

We also have an alternative to braces, one that employs a series of clear and practically invisible aligners to address alignment concerns instead of braces. Treatment begins with the dentist taking detailed impressions and measurements of your smile, which will be used to design and craft a series of aligners from a BPA-free, clear acrylic material. The patient begins wearing a set for about 20 to 22 hours every day. After around two weeks, the patient moves on to the next set in the series. The total treatment time takes about a year to complete, and helps correct minor and severe cases of misalignment. We may recommend this option of adults and teens alike. If you have any questions about correcting misalignment, or if you’re ready to seek treatment for you or a member of your family, then contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions Orthodontic Treatment?

Our team can correct poor dental alignment with a number of different orthodontic options. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.