For many years, anyone who heard about teeth straightening or “braces” immediately thought of traditional wire braces you would receive through an orthodontist. They were the most widely used treatment for straightening teeth since the dawn of orthodontics as a dental specialty. Modern-day dentistry has improved in many ways and techniques to straighten teeth now include more aesthetic options than wire braces. Dentists use a variety of treatment options to correct misaligned teeth and jaws and to restore your beautiful smile.

The Value of a Great Smile

There have been studies that indicate that people who have straighter teeth and beautiful smiles exude more confidence than those who do not. Most people discern someone with straighter teeth to be more confident, trustworthy, and attractive. When applying for jobs, applicants with straight teeth are far more likely to land the position than those who have crooked teeth. A beautiful smile can boost your confidence almost immediately. To get and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile you will need to see your dentist at least twice a year and practice good oral hygiene. Your Buffalo Grove dentist can help you restore your smile and straighten your teeth so you can look and feel more confident. Here are three orthodontic procedures that can help restore your smile.

Traditional Braces to Restore Your Smile

Metal braces are often the most common orthodontic treatment option for straightening teeth. Wires and brackets are placed on your teeth and tightened periodically to help teeth shift into proper alignment. They are useful for fixing gapped or crooked teeth and for correcting common issues like overbite, underbite, or overcrowding. Today, there are modern alternatives that can achieve the same goal without wires and brackets.

Invisalign at Your Buffalo Grove, Il Dentist

Thanks to the latest technological advancements in dentistry, Dr. McCune offers a common alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign. They are a popular option because they are more comfortable than having wires and brackets in your mouth. They also make your day-to-day life easier by being removable. While the clear aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours each day, they can be removed for daily hygiene and meals. But what most patients who see their orthodontist appreciate about Invisalign is that they are nearly invisible. Most people will not even be able to tell that they are being worn. They achieve the same purpose as traditional braces but are far more comfortable and practical.

Retainers

In some cases, retainers are used after braces, or Invisalign clear aligners have been used to realign the teeth. A retainer is usually only worn at nighttime, and it helps prevent teeth from shifting back to the position they were in before orthodontic treatment. If you need a retainer, you’ll be told when it needs to be worn and for how long it should be worn. There are a lot of different types of retainers, and you’ll be prescribed the type that is needed to be most beneficial following orthodontic treatment.

Contact Your Buffalo Grove, IL Dentist!

If you have any concerns about your teeth or their appearance, contact Creekside Dental. We can schedule you for a consultation with Dr. McCune. After he examines your teeth, he can make cosmetic recommendations based on your teeth and your goals. Call us today to set up your next appointment!