We’re not all blessed with perfectly straight teeth. Unfortunately, this can damage our self-confidence, overall quality of life and more importantly our oral hygiene with misplaced or crooked teeth causing cavities and gum disease. But luckily, faultless straight teeth is not out of reach. Modern day teeth straightening techniques align your teeth relatively simply with multiple options for teeth straightening available. Here are few of the most common ones: Clear Aligners (Invisalign and Clearcorrect) One of the newest and most sort after techniques available. Clear aligners are specifically designed aligners that, over time, allow the patient’s teeth to slowly shift in the direction designated by your dentist or orthodontist. This can result in a perfectly straight smile. 
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners and what makes them unique to their competition is their ‘invisible’ look and slim-line fit. Made from clear, smooth plastic, Invisalign and Clearcorrect are basically unnoticeable. Invisalign and Clearcorrect are replaced every two weeks for a new set and this step is repeated until the teeth are straight. The longevity of use differs from patient to patient. Downside to Invisalign aligners is that they can’t be used for severe cases and are a bit slower working than other alternatives. Cosmetic contouring When teeth are misaligned but not crooked, the technique of cosmetic contouring can be an option. Cosmetic contouring can be completed in just one visit that usually last about 30 to 40 minutes. In this procedure, your dentist or orthodontist will change the length and sculpt troublesome teeth. Sometimes, the position of the teeth might also be altered, to provide a more suitable outcome. Using specific dental tools, the dentist will shape the tooth by cautiously removing enamel. When the enamel is removed, the tooth shape changes and allows the surrounding teeth to move into better position over time. The finishing touches involve smoothing and polishing to create a bright, clean smile. Cosmetic contouring can only be used in minor displacement cases. Ceramic braces Like more traditional metal braces, ceramic braces work on the same principal – brackets and wires that bind to the teeth guide the teeth into place. The difference for ceramic braces is the brackets are tooth-coloured to be disguised on the tooth. Some people even go further with tooth coloured wires which become even less noticeable. Whilst ceramic braces help with moving the teeth fast, they do cost more. The brackets can also stain which means, in time, the colour of the brackets will differ from the teeth if proper maintenance isn’t adhered to. Metal braces The most common braces people envision when thinking of braces. However, modern braces are smaller and tend to be less noticeable than the older “metal-mouth” ones. They are the most economical option, and are the best option for severe cases and can be used on children from a very young age. Modern metal braces come with coloured bands which give kids a chance to express themselves. Newer heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help the teeth move more quickly and painlessly. Lingual braces Just like metal braces, though worn on the inside of your teeth. This means there is little to no visibility of the braces which sometime causes angst. They work the same way as metal braces and can be used for severe cases. But, they’re slightly more expensive, difficult to clean, harder to tension and can sometimes be more painful at the start. Benefits of having straight teeth Having a great smile will not only help boost confidence, but will make sure that you don’t incur any nasty gum or tooth decay. Keeping up good oral hygiene is highly beneficial for your mouth, teeth, gums and your overall health. A simple consultation will give you the answers required about your mouth and its condition. And, remember, early diagnosis is always best as it will yield the most suitable results. Children from as young as 8 should have a consultation if there is any concern of their teeth placement. So, when looking for a consultation it’s always important to find the right practitioner. Dr Michael Lentini of Lentini Dental, Werribee has over 20 years’ experience and is regarded as one of the best Cosmetic Dentists in Melbourne. Lentini Dental is well known for prompt and courteous service along with its advanced knowledge in all things Dental. They are located on the Princes Highway, Werribee. Call today on (03) 9742 6928.
One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners and what makes them unique to their competition is their ‘invisible’ look and slim-line fit. Made from clear, smooth plastic, Invisalign and Clearcorrect are basically unnoticeable. Invisalign and Clearcorrect are replaced every two weeks for a new set and this step is repeated until the teeth are straight. The longevity of use differs from patient to patient. Downside to Invisalign aligners is that they can’t be used for severe cases and are a bit slower working than other alternatives. Cosmetic contouring When teeth are misaligned but not crooked, the technique of cosmetic contouring can be an option. Cosmetic contouring can be completed in just one visit that usually last about 30 to 40 minutes. In this procedure, your dentist or orthodontist will change the length and sculpt troublesome teeth. Sometimes, the position of the teeth might also be altered, to provide a more suitable outcome. Using specific dental tools, the dentist will shape the tooth by cautiously removing enamel. When the enamel is removed, the tooth shape changes and allows the surrounding teeth to move into better position over time. The finishing touches involve smoothing and polishing to create a bright, clean smile. Cosmetic contouring can only be used in minor displacement cases. Ceramic braces Like more traditional metal braces, ceramic braces work on the same principal – brackets and wires that bind to the teeth guide the teeth into place. The difference for ceramic braces is the brackets are tooth-coloured to be disguised on the tooth. Some people even go further with tooth coloured wires which become even less noticeable. Whilst ceramic braces help with moving the teeth fast, they do cost more. The brackets can also stain which means, in time, the colour of the brackets will differ from the teeth if proper maintenance isn’t adhered to. Metal braces The most common braces people envision when thinking of braces. However, modern braces are smaller and tend to be less noticeable than the older “metal-mouth” ones. They are the most economical option, and are the best option for severe cases and can be used on children from a very young age. Modern metal braces come with coloured bands which give kids a chance to express themselves. Newer heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help the teeth move more quickly and painlessly. Lingual braces Just like metal braces, though worn on the inside of your teeth. This means there is little to no visibility of the braces which sometime causes angst. They work the same way as metal braces and can be used for severe cases. But, they’re slightly more expensive, difficult to clean, harder to tension and can sometimes be more painful at the start. Benefits of having straight teeth Having a great smile will not only help boost confidence, but will make sure that you don’t incur any nasty gum or tooth decay. Keeping up good oral hygiene is highly beneficial for your mouth, teeth, gums and your overall health. A simple consultation will give you the answers required about your mouth and its condition. And, remember, early diagnosis is always best as it will yield the most suitable results. Children from as young as 8 should have a consultation if there is any concern of their teeth placement. So, when looking for a consultation it’s always important to find the right practitioner. Dr Michael Lentini of Lentini Dental, Werribee has over 20 years’ experience and is regarded as one of the best Cosmetic Dentists in Melbourne. Lentini Dental is well known for prompt and courteous service along with its advanced knowledge in all things Dental. They are located on the Princes Highway, Werribee. Call today on (03) 9742 6928.
