Straight Teeth; We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages, including traditional and clear braces, Lingual braces (braces that are bonded to the back of your teeth), Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.
Our team provides high quality orthodontics with a gentle touch and a warm smile in a fun and caring environment. Drs. Jimenez and Collazo are highly trained and experienced in providing orthodontic care to children, teens and adults. We believe that a beautiful, healthy smile is an investment in yourself that can last a lifetime.
We are conveniently located in the heart of the City of Miami near Downtown, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Kendall and Key Biscayne. We also see patients from Broward County (Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood) and West Palm Beach
Crooked or crowded teeth can be difficult to clean, making them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. There are several options available to straighten your teeth and improve your smile, including braces and clear aligners.
A dentist or orthodontist can help you determine which option is right for you.
Braces consist of brackets connected by wires. These wires are tightened at regular intervals to slowly move your teeth into the desired position.
You may choose traditional metal braces or opt for clear ceramic braces that are less visible on your teeth. You may also opt for invisible braces — such as Invisalign — that use transparent plastic aligners instead of traditional metal brackets and wires.
If you have crooked teeth, braces can help correct the alignment of your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. They also make it easier to brush and floss your teeth, helping you maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
Because they are more visible than clear aligners, braces tend to attract more attention to your mouth when you speak or smile. But many people feel that the benefits of fixing their crooked teeth far outweigh this consideration.
The days of bulky and uncomfortable metal braces are over. Today, many adults are choosing Invisalign over traditional braces to straighten their teeth. This is thanks to the introduction of Invisalign, a revolutionary alternative to traditional metal braces. At Prairie View Dental in Eaton Rapids our dentists and staff can help you straighten your teeth without anyone else knowing.
Invisalign is a set of clear aligners that are completely removable and custom-made with advanced 3-D computer imaging technology. The aligners fit snugly over the teeth and move them little by little until the desired result is achieved.
One of the major benefits of Invisalign is that most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them at all. Unlike traditional braces, which have brackets and bands, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible when they are worn. Additionally, Invisalign allows you to remove your aligners whenever you need. This means you’ll be able to eat whatever you want without worrying about getting food stuck in your aligners or on your brackets and wires. You can also easily brush and floss your teeth for optimal oral health during treatment.
Experienced dentists use a variety of orthodontic treatments to move teeth into their proper place. The most common types are:
Metal braces — This is the most traditional approach, using brackets attached directly to the teeth and connected by a metal wire.
Ceramic braces — These look like metal braces, but the brackets are made from clear ceramic material that blends in with the teeth. The wire connecting them is often tooth-colored as well.
Self-ligating braces — Some brands of metal and ceramic braces don’t require elastic ties to hold the archwire in place. Instead, they have tiny “doors” that slide open and shut to secure it.
Lingual braces — These are like traditional metal braces, except that they are placed on the back side of the teeth so they are hidden from view. They’re more challenging to put on, so they’re more expensive than other types, but some people consider them worth it for cosmetic reasons.
Although each type works in essentially the same way, there are pros and cons to each version. As you consider your options, cost will probably play an important role in your decision since some versions can be significantly more expensive than others
The first thing the dentist will do is take a complete set of X-rays and make a thorough examination. This allows him or her to determine which teeth are positioned abnormally. The dentist will also note which teeth are missing or impacted, and whether the patient has any cavities or gum disease.
During the initial visit, the dentist will explain the treatment options to the patient and his/her parents. He or she will also explain what to expect over the course of treatment and answer any questions that arise during this visit.
A treatment plan will then be developed based on what’s best for the patient’s specific needs. For example, some patients may need to have their wisdom teeth removed before braces can be applied. Others may require headgear for a time, in addition to wearing braces, to help provide additional assistance with straightening their teeth.
The amount of time required for braces varies from one person to another. It depends on how crooked your teeth are when you start treatment, how much space there is between your teeth, how much your jaw needs to change its position and how your teeth respond to treatment. But generally speaking, braces are worn anywhere from 18 months to three years or more.
If you’re interested in getting braces, then you should schedule an
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a medical practitioner who specializes in dentistry and the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
The dentist’s supporting team aids in providing oral health services. The dental team includes dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental technicians, and in some states, dental therapists.
Dentists can also prescribe medications such as antibiotics, sedatives, and any other medications used in patient management.
Are Straight Teeth More Attractive?
In considering the attractive traits of straight teeth, two things are important to keep in mind. Firstly, there is a difference between straight and perfect. If a patient has an issue with their smile, it is not necessarily a case of needing an alignment or orthodontic treatment.
Secondly, as Dr John Mew states “Most of the general population have crooked teeth”. This means that there are many people who could benefit from having their teeth straightened but are not aware that they have this option!
Are straight teeth more attractive?
Straight teeth do tend to be considered more attractive, especially by children and teenagers. There are several reasons why this might be:
Straight teeth can look healthier than misaligned teeth and gums may be less likely to harbour debris and plaque if they are straight
Straight teeth are easier to clean and floss properly, so they may be less prone to decay and gum disease
Misaligned teeth sometimes wear unevenly, which can cause them to look strange (and feel uncomfortable) as we age
Are straight teeth more attractive?
A recent study conducted by Kelton Global and Invisalign revealed that 68% of Americans believe that straight teeth are an important factor in determining the overall attractiveness of a person. The study also found that almost half of adults surveyed believe straight teeth make people more successful in their personal lives and careers too.
The benefits of having straight teeth include:
- Improved oral health: Crowded, crooked teeth are difficult to brush properly which can lead to tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, tooth loss and other dental problems. Straight teeth can be cleaned more easily, reducing your risk for oral health issues.
- Ease of speaking and eating: Misaligned or crooked teeth can cause a lisp or make it difficult to chew foods properly. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign® invisible braces can provide you with an improved ability to speak clearly and eat comfortably.
- Enhanced self-confidence: Having straight teeth often results in a better smile, which most people want as it offers a boost in confidence. This is especially beneficial for adults who often feel self-conscious about their smiles due to misalignment or crookedness issues.
When you think about orthodontics, you might assume it’s all about having a beautiful, award-winning smile. And that’s true for many patients seeking orthodontic treatment. But there are other important aspects to consider as well.
Orthodontic treatment is extensive and time-consuming, with most treatments lasting at least a year or two. These and other factors make the decision whether to get orthodontic treatment a more complicated one than people realize. One question a lot of people have is whether they need straight teeth because they’re attractive to others or if there are other reasons to consider orthodontic treatment.
Are Straight Teeth More Attractive?
There are different opinions on the subject of whether straight teeth are more attractive than crooked teeth. Psychologists have investigated this and have found some interesting results from their research.
You might be surprised to learn that the answer is ‘no’.
Straight teeth are not more attractive or healthier in any way. In fact, it is better to have slight misalignments of your teeth and jaw than to have a perfect alignment.
A natural smile should reveal all of the teeth. The two front teeth should be slightly longer than those next to them. If your teeth are perfectly straight and white it can look artificial.
Today, orthodontic treatment is more popular than ever before. In fact, the number of adults seeking orthodontic care has more than doubled in the last decade. Many adults want to straighten their teeth for purely aesthetic reasons, but there are also functional benefits that come with having a well-aligned bite.
Straight teeth are easier to clean and are less likely to develop cavities. They also help you chew your food better, which can improve your overall health.
The bottom line is that straight teeth are not just aesthetically pleasing, they’re also much healthier for your mouth.
In short, yes. But why? What we see as straight teeth is actually when the two front teeth are in line with each other and the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth.
It is also known as a Class 1 occlusion.
Some people are born with a Class 1 occlusion, while others need braces to straighten their teeth to achieve the aesthetically pleasing look of straight front teeth.
Another important aspect of straightening your teeth is that it can help improve your overall oral health. For instance, crooked or crowded teeth can be harder to clean and may contribute to plaque buildup, tooth decay and gum disease.
Straightening your teeth also helps correct all these problems, which will have an impact on your overall oral health.
Braces aren’t just for children and teens. Orthodontists have seen more adults than ever coming in to get the straighter teeth they always wanted, but never got.
Getting braces is a great way to improve your smile and your self-esteem. But there are plenty of other reasons to get them as an adult besides feeling more confident.
Straight teeth are healthier teeth
When you have straight teeth, you’re able to brush and floss more effectively, which makes it easier to remove plaque, food particles and bacteria from your mouth. The less plaque that builds up on your teeth, the less likely you are to develop cavities or gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
Straight teeth are easier to clean
Crooked teeth have nooks and crannies where food can get stuck. When food gets stuck in those tight spaces it can cause plaque buildup on your teeth, which leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Can You Straighten Your Teeth Without Braces?
You can’t straighten your teeth without some kind of dental treatment. However, Invisalign has been a popular choice for straightening teeth without traditional metal braces.
Invisalign is essentially a series of clear trays that fit over your teeth to gradually shift them into place. They’re called aligners. The aligners are made specifically for you and your teeth, and they’re changed every couple weeks. The entire process usually takes about a year, but it varies by person.
Braces have brackets that are glued to the front of each tooth, and then wired together. Then the orthodontist tightens the wire each visit to slowly move teeth into place. Braces typically need adjustments every four to six weeks, which can be painful as the wires are tightened. Treatment times vary with braces, too, but most people wear them from 18 months to three years.
A study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found that Invisalign® was just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces. In the study, the researchers tracked 104 patients with crooked teeth. They split them into two groups. One group wore Invisalign®, and one group wore traditional metal braces.
After 22 months, both sets of patients had achieved similar results. The Invisalign® group had finished treatment in an average of 9.5 months, compared to 12.8 months for the metal-braced patients.
How does it work?
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gently move your teeth into a straighter position. The aligners are made from a medical-grade thermoplastic material that’s super thin and comfortable to wear.
You change aligners every two weeks to progress through your treatment plan. Each new aligner moves your teeth just a little bit closer to their ideal position. The length of time you wear each device depends on your specific needs and how much your teeth need to move, but it’s usually about two weeks per aligner.
The best part is that no one will notice you’re wearing them
It may be too early to say that the days of braces are over, but a new company called Candid is betting on it.
The startup offers a direct-to-consumer take on invisible aligners — the clear plastic teeth-straightening devices that have grown into a multibillion dollar industry. Like SmileDirectClub and Align Technology’s Invisalign, Candid creates personalized aligners and ships them to consumers who need to straighten their teeth.
But unlike those companies, Candid doesn’t use dentists for the initial step of taking scans or impressions of patients’ mouths. Customers instead get molded in an at-home kit and upload pictures of their teeth for doctors who work with Candid to review.
“We’re taking out the middleman,” Candid cofounder and chief product officer Alex Fenkell told Business Insider. “It’s just easier.”
Candid’s approach could make clear aligners more accessible and affordable for people who want straighter teeth but don’t need major dental work, Fenkell said. The company charges $1,900 upfront or $88 per month for its treatment, which includes unlimited aligners shipped directly to customers’ homes.
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening treatment that uses clear aligners (removable trays) to move your teeth into alignment over time. Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligner, but there are other brands of clear aligners available, such as SmileDirectClub and Candid. Invisalign is typically used to treat mild or moderate misalignment – for example, crowding or spacing in the front teeth.
There is lots of overlap between Invisalign and braces. Both can straighten crooked teeth, but they differ in several significant ways:
Appearance. Invisalign works best when only minor changes are needed because the aligners can’t make large adjustments like brackets and wires can. For this reason, they’re best suited to crowding or spacing in the front teeth and mild overbites or underbites. If you have significant misalignment problems, you may need conventional braces instead of Invisalign.
Comfort. Clear braces are removable; you take them out for meals and when brushing and flossing your teeth. Traditional braces are fixed in place, so you need to brush around them carefully, which can be challenging.
Costs. Both types of treatment cost about
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They offer the same benefits of traditional braces without the metal brackets and wires. Instead, clear aligners are made of flexible plastic and fit comfortably on your teeth.
Clear aligners work by using a series of trays that fit over your teeth and gently guide them into position. Each tray moves your teeth slightly closer to their desired position, with the goal of straightening them within 12–18 months.
While clear aligners can help correct many different alignment issues, they’re not effective in all cases. They may not be right for people with severe alignment issues or those who have lost a significant amount of bone mass in their jaw due to periodontal disease, for example.
The growing popularity of adult braces is a testament to the effectiveness of orthodontic treatments. However, wearing braces for a year or two can be inconvenient, especially for older patients.
Invisalign is often used as an alternative to traditional metal braces. In fact, Invisalign is considered the leading brand of clear aligners in the world.
The benefits of Invisalign include:
Appearance — The aligners are clear and virtually invisible; they are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Comfort — The aligners are made from smooth plastic and will not irritate your mouth or gums. This allows you to eat, drink and clean your teeth without any discomfort.
Customization — Each set of aligners is custom fitted to your unique bite, allowing for maximum comfort and precise tooth movement.
Removable — Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable so that you can eat and drink whenever you want during treatment.
We tend to think of braces as a necessary evil. A rite of passage for young teens, who resent them because they’re big and uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat pizza. But a new invention, created by an orthodontist in the US, is set to change that.
The iTero Element Scanner is an intraoral scanner that takes thousands of pictures every second and stitches them together to create a 3D image of your teeth. This means you can see exactly how your teeth will move during treatment before you even start.
Australian orthodontist Dr Gurs Sehmi provides Invisalign treatments using the iTero scanner at his Sydney practice, where he has treated patients as young as five through to adults in their 80s.