Is Teeth Straightening Really Worth The Money?

As more people are realising the importance of having straight teeth for a picture-perfect smile, the demand for orthodontic treatment in the UK continues to increase. A 2023 survey by the British Orthodontic Society revealed that over 76% of orthodontists in the UK reported an increase in demand for adult orthodontic treatment over the previous three years. Interestingly, a whopping 83% of these patients were in the 26-55 year bracket. If you’re also considering teeth straightening,  you might wonder, “Is teeth straightening really worth the money?” 

We will answer this question in detail in this blog. So, read it till the end to find answers to your queries about orthodontic treatment. 

Why Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

Teeth straightening is not just important for having a beautiful smile; it is equally essential for optimal oral health and physical well-being. This is because straighter teeth are easier to clean. Therefore, they are less prone to common dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, straight teeth allow for optimal chewing and digestion, thereby helping you maintain good physical health. So, if someone has misaligned or crooked teeth, they should consider orthodontic treatment. 

Do Crooked Teeth Cause Cavities?

Yes, crooked teeth are more prone to dental cavities. This is because misaligned and crooked teeth are harder to clean. Therefore, there are higher chances of plaque and tartar deposition on crooked teeth than on straight ones, leading to various dental complications, including periodontal disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. 

What Are The Teeth Straightening Options For Adults?

Modern dentistry offers a variety of options for straightening teeth. There are two broad treatment options: fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. 

• Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Options – these include braces. Previously, only metal braces were available for teeth straightening. However, today, tooth-coloured ceramic braces and orthodontic wires are available that are virtually inconspicuous. Another option is the lingual braces. These braces are bonded to the lingual or palatal (tongue-facing) surfaces of the teeth and are therefore invisible. 
• Removable Orthodontic Treatment Options – orthodontists also use various removable appliances to straighten crooked teeth. Among them, clear aligners are a popular treatment option. According to the British Orthodontic Society, clear aligners are removable appliances that are worn over the teeth like mouthguards. These aligners are designed such that they exert pressure on the teeth and move them gradually in the desired direction. 

Can Braces Or Invisalign Make Your Teeth Fall Out?

It is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment can make your teeth fall out. While orthodontic treatment does make your teeth slightly loose, it will not cause your teeth to fall out. The looseness of your teeth during orthodontic treatment is temporary, and your teeth will anchor themselves optimally in their sockets as soon as the treatment is complete. So, braces or Invisalign aligners won’t cause your teeth to fall out. 

How Painful Is Teeth Straightening?

Braces or Invisalign aligners straighten your teeth by exerting pressure on them. So, you may experience some pain or discomfort during treatment, especially whenever you wear a new aligner set or when your braces are tightened. However, this pain or discomfort is mild and won’t affect your daily life. 

Can I Still Get Braces If I Have A Lot Of Fillings?

You can get braces on your teeth as long as the fillings are intact and the restored teeth are not at risk of getting fractured over time. If your dentist feels that one of your fillings is loose or if there is a very large filling, they may consider reinforcing that tooth with a porcelain crown before starting braces treatment. 

Do Teeth Aligned With Braces Remain Stable For A Lifetime?

An important phase of orthodontic treatment is retention. This phase begins when your dentist has finished straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners. They will prescribe you removable or fixed retainers. These are appliances that prevent the teeth from moving back to their original positions. So, if you want to ensure that your teeth remain stable in their new positions, you should wear your retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist. 

Are Braces A Good Idea If You Have Decayed Teeth?

Dentists begin orthodontic treatment only when all the underlying dental issues have been fixed. So, if you have decayed teeth, they will restore them first with composite bonding or porcelain crowns before they place orthodontic brackets on them. 

Can You Get Braces If You Have Poor Oral Hygiene?

It is not recommended to have braces or clear aligners if you have poor oral hygiene. This is because poor oral health can negatively affect your treatment progress. Therefore, you should first seek dental treatment to restore optimal oral hygiene and then get braces or aligners for teeth straightening. 

How Effective Is Invisalign For Correcting Crooked Teeth?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment option in the UK. This is because it is virtually invisible and offers superior comfort and convenience to fixed braces. At the same time, Invisalign aligners are effective in treating various mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as excessive tooth spaces, tooth crowding, and mild bite-related problems. 

If you are looking for private orthodontics in Surrey, you should consider Horsley Dental. We have a team of highly qualified and experienced dentists who are trained to treat even the most complicated orthodontic issues. Book a free consultation with us today and let us take care of your family’s dental health and smile.