Many people who suffer from a dental misalignment are looking for ways to improve the straightness of their teeth. Straighter teeth can make a smile appear more attractive and uniform. Here a few ways to improve the look of misaligned teeth.

Conventional Braces

Conventional braces include brackets and an archwire. The brackets, which are bonded to the teeth, transfer the alignment pressure from the archwire to the teeth. Elastic bands are used to connect the archwire to the brackets.

Although only metal braces were available in the past, there are now additional options, including ceramic braces. The ceramic braces include brackets that are made of ceramic instead of metal. The ceramic is tooth-colored, so the braces are not so noticeable in the mouth.

Plastic Aligners

Aligners that are made from transparent plastic can also be used to straighten the teeth. Developed from an impression of the patient's mouth, the aligners are customized to the precise measurements of the patient's teeth. The treatment with the aligners requires multiple sets of the aligning trays. Each set is worn for a few weeks and then replaced by a subsequent set. Once the final set in the treatment plan has been worn for the prescribed period, the teeth have been properly repositioned.

Many people prefer plastic aligners because they can easily be removed, so the patient can eat and brush their teeth more freely. Still, the patient must be dedicated to wearing their aligners for the majority of the day to help ensure the success of their treatment. The aligners should not be left out of the mouth for more than a couple of hours daily.

Veneers

Some people only have a minor misalignment but still want the look of straighter teeth. Dental veneers can be used to make the teeth look straight and even. Dental veneers don't actually reposition the teeth. Instead, they conceal the crookedness.

Each veneer is a thin sheath of resin or porcelain that is shaped like a tooth. The veneer is bonded to the front surface of a tooth, hiding any underlying imperfections. To correct the look of misaligned teeth, a full set of veneers may be needed. Before the veneers can be applied to the teeth, the teeth have to be prepared for the application. A small amount of the enamel must be removed to ensure that the veneers do not add excessive bulk to the front of the teeth. 

To learn more ways to achieve straighter-looking teeth, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your local area.