Traditionally the only dental treatment options to straighten crooked teeth was to go to the orthodontist and get metal braces. A mouth full of wires and brackets were constant companions for the next couple of years at least. Soreness of the soft tissues, constant readjustments and irritation accompanied the treatment.

Dietary restrictions were also part of the process. Sticky foods needed to be eliminated. Hard foods could dislodge the metal wires or affect the bracket. Favorite treats were no longer allowed.

Special devices had to be used to clean your teeth and the braces. After the treatment was completed there was always the prospect of dental decay and gingivitis to be addressed due to the inability to sufficiently clean the teeth and gums.

Consequently, if only a little straightening needed to be done to make one’s smile more appealing, the treatment often seemed more unappealing than living with a few misaligned teeth. However, dental technology has continued to advance, producing orthodontic treatments that provide straight teeth without the use of metal wires and brackets. Midgette Family Dentistry offers alternatives to traditional braces:

Causes and Cures for Misalignment

Misalignment of teeth can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the cause is all about genetics. A small jaw inherited from your mother’s side of the family will not accommodate the large teeth inherited from your father’s side, hence you end up with crowded teeth. Other causes are the result of habits such as thumb sucking. This can push anterior teeth out of alignment and cause them to protrude. Missing teeth can also cause misalignment as neighboring teeth migrate to fill the space.

Minor misalignments can be corrected with orthodontic options that are not as inconvenient as traditional braces. If you are considering straightening your teeth and would like to hear about alternative treatments, contact Midgette Family Dentistry for a consultation. We can straighten out your smile comfortably and efficiently without metal brackets and wires.