If you are among the many people who have misaligned teeth, you know that this condition can impact your life in a variety of ways. You may not smile as much or avoid social situations because you’re ashamed of your smile. You may have difficulty chewing and digesting your food and often choose processed over fresh food because it’s easier to chew.
However, at Covington Complete Dentistry in Covington, WA, we offer a variety of options for straightening your teeth and improving your smile. Dr. Baptista Kwok has experience and expertise in a variety of dental treatment options and strives to help his patients find a treatment plan that fits their needs and budget.
What Is Teeth Straightening?
Basically, teeth straightening is the process of pulling your teeth into their appropriate alignment within your jaw. At Covington Complete Dentistry, we offer several different types of teeth straightening treatment plans based on your needs and goals.
However, before we can create a personalized treatment plan, we must first determine the type of teeth misalignment you have. Patients may have one or more of the following:
7 Types of Teeth Misalignment
Teeth misalignment is also referred to as malocclusion. There are several different types and some patients have more than one. The seven most common types of teeth misalignment include:
- Crossbite: a condition in which some upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth. This type of misalignment typically affects the front or back teeth- but may also affect both.
- Diastema: this is also referred to as ‘gapped teeth’ and is a condition in which there is a gap between the teeth. While many patients have gaps between several pairs of teeth, the most noticeable one is the two front teeth.
- Open bite: a condition in which upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, may develop in the front or back teeth.
- Overbite: a condition in which the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed. May also be referred to as “closed bite” or “deep bite”.
- Overcrowding: a condition in which the teeth overlap each other due to a lack of space for them to grow in straight
- Overjet: a condition in which the upper front teeth stick out, often referred to as “buck teeth”.
- Underbite: a condition in which the lower front teeth overlap the top teeth, opposite of overbite.
Top 7 Teeth Straightening Options
No matter what type of teeth misalignment you have, we can fix it. Dr. Kwok and the team at Covington Complete Dentistry offer the following treatment options:
1. Traditional Metal Braces
On average, traditional metal braces cost between $2,500 to $7,500. This treatment option consists of metal brackets and wires that gradually pull teeth into their appropriate position within the jaw. Modern braces are much smaller and lighter than previous versions and patients can choose the color brackets and bands.
2. Ceramic Braces
On average, ceramic braces cost between $3,000 to $10,000. This treatment option works the same way as traditional metal braces but are less visible. The brackets are made of ceramic or porcelain and the wires are a metal alloy.
3. Lingual Braces
On average, lingual braces cost between $5,000 to $13,000. This treatment option is often referred to as invisible braces because they are placed on the back of the teeth, where they are less visible. This is often an ideal solution for patients who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want the braces to be seen.
4. Invisalign
On average, Invisalign costs between $3,500 to $8,500+. This treatment option is a series of custom, removable aligners designed to gradually shift teeth into their appropriate position. The aligners are worn like retainers and should be replaced every 1 to 3 weeks based on your treatment plan. This option is much less noticeable than traditional braces and lingual braces. The aligners can be removed to brush/floss teeth and to eat- but must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day.
5. Dental Bonding
On average, dental bonding costs between $300 to $600 per tooth. This is a purely cosmetic treatment option used to correct the appearance of crooked/uneven teeth. This involves shaping/molding resin to close gaps, whiten your smile, and repair chips or cracks in teeth.
6. Dental Veneers
On average, dental veneers cost between $1,000 to $3,500 per arch. Dental veneers are also an option for improving the appearance of crooked teeth. This treatment plan involves the placement of thin, tooth-like shells on the front of teeth, and will not shift teeth into their appropriate position.
7. Retainers
On average, retainers cost $100 to $500 each. Retainers are designed to be used after orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in their new positions and may be permanent or removable. In some cases of very minor misalignment, we may be able to use retainers as a standalone treatment.
How Long Does Teeth Straightening Take?
The length of time it takes to straighten your teeth varies based on the severity of your condition, as well as your treatment plan.
On average, traditional braces take 18 to 24 months, while Invisalign clear aligners take about 12 to 18 months. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Kwok and the team will assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment. He will then explain what you can expect from treatment and how long it should take.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Straightening?
There are many benefits associated with straightening your teeth, including:
- Improved oral health
- Better chewing ability, which leads to better digestion
- Reduced head/neck pain
- Lowered risk of cracked, chipped, or knocked-out teeth
- Enhanced speaking ability
- Improved appearance, leading to boosted confidence
- Better overall health
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have crooked teeth, schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwok and the team at Covington Complete Dentistry today. We will perform a thorough exam, including cleaning and x-rays, to determine the type and severity of your malocclusion. From there, we will create a treatment plan.
In some cases, your dental insurance will cover a portion of the treatment. Our friendly office staff will work with your provider to determine coverage and will explain what you will owe before we move forward with treatment.