Teeth Straightening - Instant Orthodontics

Cosmetic Dentist Serving San Jose, Sunnyvale and the Bay Area

Most people would agree that straight teeth look better than crooked teeth. Today there are many options for straightening crooked teeth:

Traditional orthodontics
Invisalign and similar products
Porcelain restorations and composite resin
Combinations

Traditional orthodontics use brackets and wires to move teeth. The brackets are bonded onto enamel and wires are connected to each bracket. The wire gradually moves teeth into a new and better position. It needs to be changed frequently because each wire can only move teeth a small distance. The procedure typically takes two to three years, but can be as little as six months or as long as six to seven years.

The biggest disadvantage of this method of tooth straightening is the time required to finish the case. Most adult patients are reluctant to start orthodontics and spend several years in unattractive braces.

Invisalign: an alternative to traditional braces

One solution to this dilemma is Invisalign, a nearly invisible way to move teeth. It cannot be used in every situation, but can help most patients. Invisalign aligners fit over your teeth and gradually move the teeth into a new position. There is a new aligner every two weeks. The aligners are removed to eat, brush, and floss. Otherwise, they are worn 24 hours a day. Speech is normal and people do not know you are wearing aligners and straightening your teeth.

Porcelain veneers and crowns

Porcelain veneers and crowns can straighten teeth by reshaping. Crowded and misaligned teeth can be reshaped and covered with porcelain. A veneer just covers the outside portion of a tooth while a crown covers the entire tooth.

There are several advantages to this method.

It is fast – most “instant orthodontics” procedures can be completed in just two weeks!
The color, size, and shape of the teeth can be improved. This is important because orthodontics alone cannot change these factors. It is possible to have braces for two to three years and end up with straight teeth that are yellow, small, large, chipped, stained, or just plain ugly!

The procedure usually involves two appointments. On the first appointment your teeth are reshaped to achieve basic straightening. An impression is made and sent to the laboratory to fabricate your veneers or crowns. Temporary restorations are cemented on the prepared teeth and the final restorations cemented in a second appointment. The result is stunning; a new smile with straight, bright, white teeth that have perfect size and shape.

Combination treatments

Sometimes a combination of orthodontics and veneers/crowns is appropriate. This usually means minor orthodontics (six months or less) is completed, followed by porcelain veneers/crowns. Teeth are moved close to an ideal position and the porcelain veneers/crowns complete the restoration. This achieves perfectly straight teeth with perfect contour, shape, size, and color; all in a much shorter time than traditional orthodontics alone.

Common Dental Problems

Frequently Asked Teeth Straightening Questions

If you would like to learn more about instant orthodontics any of the procedures or treatments Dr. Wayland provides, or if you would like to find out what cosmetic dentistry techniques he can use to correct your smile, contact him today to schedule your initial consultation.