How [Long Would It Take to Fix] My Crooked Teeth?

How Long Would It Take to Fix My Crooked Teeth?

You think about it every time you smile or look in the mirror. You wonder if people you talk to and smile at do not see your great personality and looks, but your crooked or crowded teeth. Now that you are ready to enjoy life with straight, perfect teeth, you probably have a lot of questions. How do I fix my crooked teeth? Can braces fix my crooked teeth? How long does it take to straighten crooked teeth? As you prepare for the journey of having perfectly straight teeth to go along with your awesome personality and great smile, here are the answers to your questions.  

How do I fix my crooked teeth?

While you may think you have crooked teeth, your orthodontist will determine if you do. Your orthodontist will look for the following symptoms:
 

• Abnormal appearance of your face  
• Discomfort when you chew or bite 
• Difficulty when you chew or bite  
• Speech difficulties such as a lisp
   

If your dentist examines you and makes the determination, they will refer you to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is the only one who can diagnose and treat any misalignment in your jaws and crooked teeth.  

Alternative for Slight Imperfections 

Porcelain veneers look just like natural teeth. They are made with porcelain so the veneers, or shells, look like natural teeth. The treatment takes at least two visits. 

The process of getting the veneers is quick because the shells cover your teeth. Your orthodontist will have to shave the teeth that will be covered by the veneers slightly. This is so the shells completely hide your natural teeth. The thin shells are then placed on your natural teeth. One shell covers one tooth. Each porcelain tooth covers your natural tooth to give the appearance that you have straight teeth.  

The biggest advantages of having the porcelain veneer procedure done is that you can complete the procedure in two appointments. You enjoy your straight, perfect teeth instantly. Another advantage is there is little chance of you “relapsing.” A relapse, in orthodontist terms, means that your teeth might shift back to their original positions after the treatment.  

The instant success of porcelain veneers include some disadvantages. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than braces. Your orthodontist will discuss the exact amount you will pay. The cost of veneers depends on how many pieces you will need and the complexity of the procedure. 

Keep your veneers looking perfect and working properly. You have to be more careful about oral hygiene. You must floss and brush carefully every day so the veneers are not damaged. 

Mcdermott Orthodontics – How to Find an Orthodontist Near Me

Can braces fix my crooked teeth?

In the majority of the cases, braces can fix your crooked teeth. The purpose of brackets is to slowly shift your teeth to the straight, perfect position over a specific period of time. The traditional braces are attached to your teeth. A metal wire is placed in the brackets. Small rubber bands are placed onto the brackets. During a series of visits, your orthodontist will check the progress of your shifting teeth. They will change the wire and rubber bands and make any other adjustments. After your braces are removed. You will wear a retainer. A retainer resembles are mouth guard, but it is a mold of your teeth. You will wear the retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back into their original place.

The biggest advantage is that you have nothing artificial placed on your teeth such as veneers. Once your braces are removed, no other maintenance is required.
Of course, braces have some disadvantages. These disadvantages vary from person-to-person. For instance, wearing braces may be uncomfortable. Other orthodontic treatments similar to braces try to remove this disadvantage.  

You may choose to use dental products like Invisalign. Invisalign, or invisible braces, resemble the retainers you receive after the braces are removed. You wear the clear retainer to straighten your teeth. As your teeth move into position, you receive another retainer. You may wear several different retainers throughout the course of treatment. 

Others may consider it to be unattractive. A chance of relapse does exist. Once your teeth are straightened, they can return to their original crooked position if retainers are not worn. This is not always the case. 

How long does it take to straighten crooked teeth?

It depends on the severity of the case. Treatments can take two to three years to complete. The exact timeframe of your treatment will be discussed during your first consultation with your orthodontist.

You are ready for a perfect, straight smile, your only choice now is what type of treatment will achieve your goal. Contact us so we can help you achieve your greatness. Our clients have been in your position.

What can you expect during consultations with us? We typically take X-rays and photographs of your face. We also take impressions of your teeth. This is to determine if treatment is needed and what type of treatment is necessary. X-rays give us the information regarding the positions of your teeth, your roots and whether you have any teeth that have not pushed through the gum. We also use the tests to check out your jaws for any misalignment. Impressions are also made of your teeth using a soft material. The soft material hardens and creates a mold for us to use to get a copy of your teeth that we can use during our treatment analysis.  

The time is now. No more pretending to smile or hiding your crooked teeth. You are ready for straight teeth and we are ready to help you. Contact us. 

How Long Would It Take to Fix My Crooked Teeth?

McDermott Orthodontist
708 Elm Ave. E.
Delano, MN
55328
TEL: 763-972-4444