New procedures correct tooth gaps

New therapeutic approaches can correct crooked teeth and tooth gaps

01/09/2013

Crooked teeth or missing teeth - for many a sore point. Often sufferers do not dare to laugh openly or shyly hold their hand over their mouths. Most still associate tooth position corrections with long wear of unsightly clips. Especially adults, this idea often prevents it, to compensate for disturbing malpositions or large gaps between the teeth. There are now many ways to fix such flaws discreetly and quickly.

Even with complicated misalignments, it only takes a few weeks
When it comes to braces, many immediately think of the tedious procedures of childhood. High-efficiency correction systems for adults combined with computer-assisted planning usually require only a short duration of therapy. „In conjunction with tooth-colored brackets that we stick to the front of the teeth, this is a great option for many adults“, explains Dr. Diana Svoboda, medical director of Essen dental clinic diPura. „Since patients often enjoy straight teeth after just a few weeks, they are happy to accept wearing a discreet clip for such a short time.“ For the tooth-conscious, who want to rely on an invisible solution, the so-called lingual technique is available. Here dentists hide the brackets on the back of the teeth. Elastic rubbers in between provide the necessary tension. In their function, they are in no way inferior to the first method. But Dr. Svoboda emphasizes: „Sometimes the inner brackets initially limit pronunciation. In addition, we use this option only when the patient is ready to adjust their dental care habits. Especially the careful cleaning under the brackets is particularly difficult for many on the back of the teeth.“ From Alignern, so transparent rails, advises the dentist basically from: „Although they can be taken out for important occasions or meals, they require a lot of discipline and patience.“

Express variant veneers with small misalignments
If even this waiting time is too long and the effort seems too high, you can rely on veneers instead. These veneers compensate for minor misalignments and also make it possible to optimize tooth shape and tooth color. The prejudice that much tooth substance would be lost is no longer valid. New veneers are significantly thinner than conventional veneers and are glued directly to the tooth surface. Typically, this improved material requires little or no sanding. This preserves important tooth substance and protects teeth. However, severe malpositions often require prior orthodontic treatment and can not be readily regulated. „For impatient with small blemishes, but the process is good“, emphasizes Svoboda. Usually two short sessions are enough to achieve the desired look.