Each person is unique from one another, and this includes the teeth. Some people have more prominent teeth or smaller teeth, and some have aligned teeth or misaligned teeth. Misaligned teeth may occur for many reasons and can cause several oral health problems like oral hygiene issues and bite problems, affecting self-esteem.
The causes of teeth misalignment
Several factors can cause teeth misalignment or malocclusion:
The different treatment or prevention methods
Most people have malocclusion treated to improve their smile. But most people don’t know that misaligned teeth could also cause tooth damage when left untreated or interfere with daily tasks like speaking or chewing. Listed below are some treatment methods to fix teeth misalignment or even methods to prevent it.
Braces
Orthodontists, or dentists specializing in tooth alignment, utilize braces to treat most teeth alignment cases in children to adolescents. Most adults these days are also getting braces.
This treatment entails bonding metal brackets to each tooth and using wires and elastic bands. It is a standard treatment done for malocclusion, but some may not appreciate the appearance of this treatment. It also makes it difficult to clean in between the teeth and brackets.
Dental appliances
Dental appliances like clear aligners function like metal braces but are removable and made of transparent materials. This treatment method is better aesthetic-wise. They can also be called invisible or clear braces. It is easier to brush your teeth when using dental appliances than with teeth having braces. This treatment will have the user wear custom-made, clear aligners to help move the teeth back into their proper position.
Tooth extraction
A method to avoid future teeth misalignment is to extract baby teeth selectively. This procedure is done so that the future bigger, permanent teeth have more space to take the former tooth’s place.
This method is considered for children aged eight years old and above. The dentist will most likely extract the primary canine when the other front teeth are erupted to make space for the future permanent front teeth.
Conclusion
Crooked teeth can cause many problems like speech changes or even discomfort when chewing, aside from aesthetic issues. It’s best to visit a dentist to review your options on how to align misaligned teeth. Treating misaligned teeth at their early stages will perceive better and faster results.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/do-i-need-braces#signs-a-child-needs-braces
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tn2534
https://www.healthline.com/health/malocclusion-of-teeth#prevention
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-causes-crooked-teeth
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/crooked-teeth-misaligned-bites
Depending on the before status of your teeth, straightening your teeth can take up to 60 weeks to create the smile of your dreams. After all of that time and dedication, you want to do everything possible to keep them straight. But how?
Retainers are the only surefire way to maintain those perfect teeth, but the big question is: what is a retainer for?
Your teeth are constantly on the move—the second you stop using your alignment trays, your teeth begin shifting back to the way they were before, primarily your lower front teeth. It’s for this reason, that you should plan to wear your retainer for some period of time every day for the rest of your life. Retainer benefits are many, and preventing you from throwing away all of the time and money you just invested in straightening your teeth is definitely at the top of the list.
The amount of time you need to wear your retainer varies based on how long it’s been since you finished your last alignment tray. Typically, you can expect to wear your retainer almost around-the-clock during the first few months, eventually decreasing to nightly wear for up to two years post-alignment tray, tapering off to just a few nights a week after that. Although it’s tempting to discontinue use of your retainer at this point in time, it’s highly recommended that you don’t—to reap the best results, you should plan on wearing your retainers 3 or 4 times a week.
With two main varieties of dental retainers available, it’s important that you find the one that best fits your lifestyle. Removable retainers are comprised of wire and acrylic and can be customized in a variety of colours to help you show your personality. Clear overlay retainers are much like alignment trays and can actually serve a dual purpose—they keep your teeth in line while protecting them from the wear and tear that can accompany grinding your teeth. NewSmile® gives you 1 set of retainers for free with the service, and you can buy extras as you may lose your retainer. Even better, overlay retainers are nearly invisible and can double as a whitening tray.
Are you almost finished with your aligners and preparing to finally experience life with the delightful teeth you’ve always dreamed of? Perhaps you’re just trying to figure out what to plan for when you complete the alignment process you’re hoping to begin soon. Whatever the case, we can help!
Check out more of our blog posts for ideas on how to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, looking and feeling beautiful.
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Dental braces have evolved to offer a range of options when it come to fixing misaligned teeth.
For example, ceramic braces and lingual braces provide an alternative to metal braces, while plastic aligners have revolutionized how teeth straightening can be achieved.
Dental veneers are another alternative to braces, and accelerated orthodontics, with minor surgery, can correct crooked teeth faster than braces alone.
Here we’ll look at the pros and cons of the various ways to straighten teeth and how they compare price-wise.
Braces aren’t cheap. Metal braces are likely to set you back upwards of $6,000, with ceramic braces and lingual braces costing even more.
Advances in orthodontics have resulted in less conspicuous alternatives to braces. The most popular of these are clear plastic aligners. These have many advantages over traditional braces but are generally more expensive.
This is why many people turn to home teeth straightening, with aligners delivered to your door that cost thousands less than in-office clear aligner treatments, or getting metal/ceramic braces.
If you need to get braces on a limited budget, bear in mind that metal braces cost less than ceramic braces or lingual braces, and are effective in rectifying many orthodontic issues. On the downside, metal braces are more noticeable.
There are other ways adults can cut the cost of getting braces. You could try:
Today, the cheapest and safest way to straighten your teeth is to get at-home invisible aligners. Start by having an impression kit sent to you in the mail, from which customised clear aligners can be made for you and delivered to your home.
You can make the cost of braces for your child more manageable by planning in advance for their orthodontic treatment, so you’re financially prepared for the expenditure when the time comes – or at least have some of the cost covered.
If you have dental insurance, look into the possibility of increasing orthodontic options. Health insurance benefits through work will also cover some of the cost.
It’s advisable to shop around for orthodontic treatment for your child – fees for braces vary from clinic-to-clinic because there are no provincial fee guides for orthodontics, and again, ask whether you can pay in monthly instalments.
If your child is under 14 and you simply cannot afford orthodontic care for them, there may still be a solution. Under a national scheme, local orthodontists can provide treatment for $500 to cover admin costs. Applications are assessed on financial eligibility, based on federal government low-income criteria.
Universal health care in Canada doesn’t include any type of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, but – as the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) points out – some dental insurance plans do cover teeth straightening, which can halve the cost.
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign as well as conventional braces. Your insurance provider may pay a set dollar amount or a percentage of the cost of treatment, but there’s often a lifetime cap on these payments.
The first step in getting your insurance to pay for Invisalign is to contact the provider to confirm they specifically cover Invisalign treatment. If they do, you’ll probably find they don’t pay the dentist directly, so you’ll have to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
When looking for alternatives to metal braces, you may want to consider ceramic braces or lingual braces.
Ceramic braces are similar in shape and size to their metal counterparts but have clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with teeth. Tooth-coloured wires can also be used to make them even less conspicuous. Ceramic braces move teeth faster than plastic aligners but cost more than metal braces. If you don’t take good care of them, they can easily become stained.
Lingual (tongue side) braces are one of the most expensive types of braces. Like ceramic braces, they’re similar to metal braces – but instead of going onto the front of teeth, they’re attached to the back, which keeps them hidden from view. On the downside, lingual braces are hard to keep clean and routine adjustments are difficult, which means lengthy appointments.
Although less discreet than ceramic braces and lingual braces, metal braces remain the most effective option to treat severe teeth overcrowding.
The cosmetic dental procedure of choice for Hollywood celebrities, porcelain veneers are tooth-coloured, ultra-thin casings fixed onto the front of teeth to conceal problems such as crowded or gapped teeth, slightly misaligned teeth, or stains and chipping.
Accelerated orthodontics speeds up teeth straightening with the help of minor surgery. Before your braces are fitted, gum and bone tissue are trimmed and restructured so teeth can be moved into their correct position more easily.
A generally cheaper alternative to Invisalign, ClearCorrect plastic aligners offer similar benefits you can’t get with braces, including:
Disadvantages of ClearCorrect:
Braces and aligners move teeth into their correct position by exerting mild, constant pressure that causes jaw bone to soften and reconstruct.
Instead of straightening your teeth, DIY attempts at orthodontics can permanently damage them and cause infection, so don’t be tempted to try braces “hacks” you may come across online. Trying to manually push teeth into place or using elastic bands or string as makeshift orthodontic appliances can seriously jeopardise your oral health.
The only way to safely and effectively straighten your teeth at home is with the help of a reputable home teeth straightening provider, that has passed country-specific health certifications such as Health Canada or the FDA.
With professional home teeth straightening – supervised and monitored by dental experts – you get a series of custom-fit invisible aligners delivered to your door. They’re made from a mould of your mouth for a perfect fit.
A key benefit of this system is the greatly reduced cost. For instance, clear plastic aligners from NewSmile® cost about 75 percent less than braces and will save you thousands of dollars compared with in-office aligner treatment.
You’ll also receive:
While regular aligners need to be worn for 22 hours a day for the best results, night aligners are available to straighten your teeth while you sleep, and worn for 10 continuous hours a day.
Teeth straightening at home with NewSmile® – including a monitoring app to help you keep your treatment on track, with the average treatment time taking just four to six months.
This compares with an average treatment time of two years for braces, and 12 to 18 months with other in-office invisible aligner treatments. Moreover, there are no time-consuming, expensive repeat trips to the dentist or orthodontist.
Home aligners shouldn’t be confused with DIY orthodontics without professional dental supervision, which can be extremely dangerous.
In the hands of professionals, straightening your teeth at home is perfectly safe, with dental experts monitoring your treatment and are also available to answer any questions you may have.
If you have concerns about the type of aligners you may get, check that they’re approved by Health Canada.
Home teeth straightening with aligners can correct mild to moderate cases of crooked, gapped or crowded teeth. This makes it an ideal option for individuals looking to straighten their teeth for aesthetic reasons – a fast, convenient and affordable way to get a dream smile. If you have a more serious orthodontic issue, regular braces are likely to be more effective.
A good home teeth straightening company has dental professionals on hand to evaluate your specific case, and will generally offer a free smile assessment to help you make an informed decision on whether at-home teeth straightening is your best alternative to braces.
Those who consider traditional braces but find them restrictive and life-limiting, now have the choice of wearing clear (or invisible) aligners instead. Clear aligners are now available online, are more popular than ever, and offer a multitude of advantages. Here are a few benefits of using invisible aligners:
Smile more without insecurities
Clear aligners can help alleviate all insecurities towards smiling without looking different. They're virtually invisible when worn, and often go unnoticed whenever you're speaking and/or smiling. Smile as much as you want without showing any metal pieces in your mouth - no one can tell you're wearing them!
Convenience from home
Long gone are the days of going in for monthly dental clinic visits. All of your invisible aligners will be delivered to your home to save time and money by not going to monthly appointments for adjustments/tightening, plus get to avoid those waiting rooms.
More comfortable than braces
Metal braces and wires often cut the insides of your mouth. Avoid unnecessary pain using clear aligners that don't poke into the inside of your cheeks. While invisible aligners may still cause discomfort (like braces) from moving teeth, it's a lot more tolerable and definitely more comfortable.
It's easier to eat and brush
Compared to braces where metal or ceramic brackets are attached to your teeth, invisible aligners may be removed at any time. Quickly remove your trays off whenever you need to, making it easier to eat, drink, brush, and kiss! The worry of having food unknowingly stuck between your braces and talking to people will never happen.
NewSmile® is a leading online at-home clear aligner provider, and is featured in leading consumer review companies:
SmilePrep: read here
Fin vs. Fin: read here
TheTeethBlog: read here
Best Company: read here
These leading consumer review site compare NewSmile at-home clear aligners against others in the market.
If you're looking to get straighter teeth, but the thought of wearing braces for two years, or putting a huge amount of money into Invisalign, along with the time and expenses associated with orthodontic treatment, is scaring you off, you are not alone. Whether you skipped the braces in childhood or developed alignment and bite problems later in life that has affected your smile, confidence, and quality of life, rest assured that more and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before.
The good news is that Invisalign alternatives or clear aligner trays offer an affordable, convenient, minimally invasive and cosmetically attractive alternative to traditional metallic or ceramic braces. The bad news is that they still cost thousands of dollars, not to mention numerous trips to the dentist over the course of the treatment period. None of these options sound good, so we came up with our own braces and clear aligner alternatives with NewSmile®!
So how does it work?
NewSmile® sends you a simple and easy-to-use impression kit, which includes instructions and the materials you'll need to create an accurate mold of your teeth. Once you've taken the impression, you simply mail it back to us for an evaluation. If you are a good candidate for NewSmile, we'll send you a preview of the expected final result -- essentially a digital "after" shot of what your teeth will look like at the end of the process so that you can decide whether or not to move forward. If you like what you see, the trays will be manufactured and sent to you in the mail to begin your journey to straighter teeth in the comfort of your own home.
On the off chance that you don't like what you see, or if we determine that NewSmile® is not the right treatment for you, you'll get a refund for the cost of the impression kit, no questions asked.
NewSmile® aligner trays are made of the clearest and most durable plastic available. They are FDA approved and cost up to 75 percent less than other treatments, making them the most affordable option available and a great Invisalign alternative. And that doesn't include all of the time and money you'll save going back and forth to the dentist! Because they're minimally invasive and practically invisible, no one even has to know that you're wearing them! You can remove them to eat, brush and floss, so they won't interfere with your diet and oral hygiene routine like traditional braces.
NewSmile® consists of a series of removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into the desired alignment. You'll have to commit to wearing the trays for at least 22 hours every day and keep up a good oral hygiene routine. It's as easy as that! Over time, your teeth will get straighter until you have the smile you want.
If you are discouraged by the thought of spending thousands of dollars on invisible braces, Invisalign or expensive alternatives, and countless hours driving to and from a dentist's office to sit in a waiting room while your to-do list and Netflix queue piles up, NewSmile® is the solution to your problem.
Are you ready to get straighter teeth in the comfort of your own home and save up to 75% in the process? For more information on how NewSmile® clear aligner trays work and whether they are the right option for you, answer a few simple questions online to get started today!
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Sure, your mother’s been telling you to put on a smile for the majority of your life, but did you know there are more benefits to smiling than pleasing a parent? And the claims aren’t just for those who see the world through rose-colored glasses, either.
There is substantial scientific research backing up the health benefits of smiling. Pretty remarkable, isn’t it? Experts from psychology, medicine, and science have performed countless studies showing that smiling has the power to enhance relationships, improve your mood, and even help you live longer.
If you’re still thinking the concept is too good to be true, check out our list of in-depth evidence that shows how smiling can actually improve your health.
If you experience high blood pressure, something as easy as smiling and laughing could help bring levels down. Who knew? A 2009 review shows how a few giggles will increase your heart rate and then cause a moment of muscle relaxation, which decreases heart rate and blood pressure. This reduces the risk of developing heart disease. So get to laughing!
Even if you have to fake a smile, your body will feel relief when you do so. In 2015, a psychology study showed that smiling can lower heart rate in a moment of stress. Therefore, if you smile while doing a stressful task, your body will maintain a lower heart rate and blood pressure.
The “fake it until you make it” idea really rings true here. No need to turn to expensive massages or comedy shows to improve your mood—just putting on a smile will give you an immediate boost. A study in 2010 found that smiling can increase positive thoughts and make you feel better about your situation.
The health benefits of smiling aren’t just about you—smiling can enhance relationships and therefore pass on the health benefits to those around you. In 2014, a study showed that people who smile are more likable than those who don’t smile. This helps improve relationships and increase positivity between couples.
If you’re smiling in the workplace, you’ll feel happier there too. That happiness will pay off too—studies show that happy employees are more productive, energetic, and more likely to be promoted. So if you’re looking for a raise, you just may be able to smile your way there.
Yes, the claims on this one are sound. Smiling can actually contribute to a longer life! Researchers who analyzed the smiles of Major League Baseball players from 1952 found that those who had even a partial smile in photos lived two years longer than players who didn’t smile. And those who had big smiles lived an average of seven years longer than those without smiles.
If you’re tired of popping the painkillers, give smiling a try. A 2012 study found social laughter to be powerful medicine, helping to increase pain thresholds and create a higher pain tolerance. Though the pain doesn’t technically go away, the body’s ability to feel the pain lowers. It’s like magic!
Along with the health benefit of reducing stress, smiling can send out signalling molecules to the brain that fights off illness. This means you’ll have a stronger immune system and get sick less often. So, start practicing your best smile when cold season comes around! A 2015 study even found that recent postpartum women had a stronger immune system when they participated in laughter therapy.
Whether you’re looking for love or just a friend to hang out with, try smiling to attract others. Smiling is contagious, and since it brings so many health benefits, those who see you smiling will start to smile and reap the benefits as well. Though the feelings may be subconscious, your companions will like you more when they see a smile on your face.
So now you know a variety of ways that smiling can benefit your health. But how exactly does smiling help you live longer and healthier? Assuming you’re not interested in reading the nitty gritty details of all these scientific studies, we’ll break things down for you in simpler terms.
Every time you smile, your brain receives neural messages. Neuropeptides are one of the helpful, minuscule molecules that send positive vibes to the brain. These molecules allow neurons to communicate and tell your body when the brain is feeling any emotion, from happiness to fear or excitement.
Smiling also releases neurotransmitters, including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These are some of the chemicals released during exercise, sex, and breastfeeding, and they are a powerful way of bringing out positive emotions and creating human bonds.
Though forced and even fake smiles can amazingly provide similar health benefits to a real smile, studies show that authentic smiles are best. So what is a “real” smile? A true smile is scientifically known as a Duchenne smile and is constituted by a smile that causes the cheeks and eyes to raise. Smiling with just the mouth can bring benefits, but Duchenne smiles are more effective in bringing all the life-elongated benefits of smiling.
If you aren’t already a habitual smiler, it’s time to start practicing. Men are especially prone to smile less than women, and adults smile less than children. So there’s plenty of room to improve on the smiling habit, no matter who you are.
If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth at home, you’ll need to take your dental impressions at home. To get started as soon as possible, follow these tips to take good, clear imprints of your teeth, and love your smile more.
See if you're a fit for NewSmile® Aligners
Before taking impressions of your teeth at home, know that we'll be making 3D molds of your teeth, and making using that model to make aligners that should fit firm and snug around your teeth. Since the aligners will be moving your teeth to be straight, they'll be applying pressure to the bottom of your teeth, which will need your gum line imprint.
Your teeth should be comfortably placed in the middle of the tray, and NOT rub up against the edges of the tray which will give a bad impression. To check the fit, place the tray inside your mouth without any putty in it. The tray shouldn’t touch or pinch the outer edges of your teeth. If you need a different tray size, let us know right away. Don’t make your impressions and we'll send you better fitting trays!
We use VPS putty which hardens quickly, so mix the putty as fast and as much as possible until it's one solid colour, without any streaks of the original putty colours. If you don’t mix it thoroughly, the putty won’t capture your impressions.
Line up your teeth over the centre of the tray before you bite down. It helps to look in a mirror so you can make sure the tray handle is positioned at the centre of your smile.
Press the tray deep enough so the putty can fully capture your gum line. Once your teeth sink into the putty, press it once (only once, we don't want double bite marks) and firmly all the way through until you feel your teeth come in light contact with the bottom of the tray. You'll feel the putty coming up out of the tray, oozing over your teeth and reaching up to your gums.
If done properly, the putty comes out of the back and over the sides of the tray as you bite down. You should feel it over your gums at the back of your mouth. For your upper teeth, put your lip over the tray, and press above your gums (for the upper tray) so the putty gets an imprint of your gums. The same for your low tray where you place your lower lip over the front, and then press all the way around.
Once your tray is fully seated—you feel the putty on your gums and your teeth have come in light contact with the bottom of the tray—don’t move or adjust the tray until it’s time to remove it. If you wiggle the tray, your 3D molds will look to have squiggly teeth, etc. Remember, the impression should fit around your teeth very snug since your aligners will be snug as well.
After 2 minutes and 30 seconds have passed, remove your tray in an 'up and down' rocking motion. Apply pressure so that it loosens slowly, and it'll pop off by itself.
If you have any questions about taking impressions of your at home, go on our chat box online at www.newsmilelife.ca. We're excited to get you started!
There are many benefits to clear aligners when compared to traditional metal braces: they’re discreet, straighten teeth quickly, and everything may be done without any dental appointments. They don’t show up in photos, so most people won’t you're wearing clear aligners. In fact, a few years down the road, you may look back and have forgotten you had ever worn them. (Except when you compare how much straighter your smile is!)
Still, wearing clear dental aligners can be an adjustment for some people. They may not be sure of how long to keep aligners on, how much discomfort is normal, or what they can do while wearing them. Here are some tips to help you adjust to aligners in your everyday life:
By following these tips, you’ll be much more prepared for life with clear aligners. Before you know it, you’ll be totally used to wearing them and on your way to a straighter smile. Check out our other blog posts for more information on
NewSmile® aligners.
One of the questions we get frequently at NewSmile® is whether invisible aligners can be used on veneer teeth. As aligners are most commonly used by adults, and adults often have other cosmetic dental work done, it’s a fair question. So, in the interest of putting concerns to rest, here are some answers.
Dental veneers are thin shells or wafers made of porcelain that are adhered to teeth to improve their appearance. Much like veneer used in the construction of furniture, they’re designed to give the front of a tooth a healthy and attractive appearance. They’re used to correct a number of problems, such as:
Dental veneers are designed to be a semi-permanent solution, lasting between seven and fifteen years on average. As long as they are properly applied, it’s rare for veneers to be loosened or fall off early. The porcelain is stain resistant and reasonably durable, holding up under most wear and tear. People who grind their teeth or clench their jaw frequently, however, may not be good candidates for veneers, as they can chip or crack under those conditions.
One of the biggest advantages invisible aligners have over traditional braces is the fact that they’re less aggressive. Braces have to be adhered to teeth, using similar adhesive to what’s used to bond the veneer. Since veneers cover the front of the tooth, and that’s where the braces brackets go, that means the brackets are adhered to the veneers, which are adhered to the teeth.
This can cause a number of problems. First, the adhesive can discolour and deform the veneer. Second, braces can be dislodged under certain circumstances (like when an eager 11-year-old forgets he can’t eat the caramel in his Halloween candy). Since the bonding on the braces is the same as what’s on the veneer, it’s just as likely for the veneer to come loose as it is for the brackets.
Aligners are different. They’re not adhered to the teeth, and they’re removable, meaning there’s nothing pulling on the veneer. What’s more, the pressure from the aligners is less severe than the pressure from braces, mostly because it’s distributed across the whole tooth. In other words, as long as your veneers were installed properly, you won’t have any problems.
For more answers about invisible aligners, or to find out more about how easy it is to get the smile you want, contact the experts at NewSmile®.
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