Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine Sep 2009: HEALTH1 - Medical, Health and Well Being in Katy, Texas,

By Cheryl Alexander

alocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth, affects more than75 percent of the population in the United States and is one of the most common reasons that patients seek dental care. The metal braces that have been used for years to treat malocclusion are difficult to care for, require restrictions on the patient ’s diet, can be uncomfortable to wear and are noticeable. Quite frankly, aside from cost, the hassle that accompanies wearing braces keeps many people, especially adults, from seeking the orthodontic help they really need. But the days of wire and rubber bands are over. There are now several options to obtain perfectly straight teeth without braces.

Clear Aligners – This system of teeth straightening utilizes a series of retainer-like, custom-made, removable clear trays that snap over your teeth and incrementally adjust them. After the dentist makes original impressions of your teeth, a computer model is used to digitally correct your smile. Every couple of weeks you change your trays, which gently move and shift teeth into perfect alignment. Treatment typically takes a year and works best on those whose teeth misalignment is relatively minor. Clear aligners are not typically used on children or younger adults whose bones may still be growing.

There are two brands of clear aligners currently available: Invisalign and ClearCorrect. Both companies, Align Technology out of California and ClearCorrect Inc. out of Houston, manufacture the aligners and certify dentists to fit them. According to Dr. Ronada R. Davis, president of the Southwestern Society of Oral Medicine ( ddsassociates.com), “Regardless of which system your dentist chooses for you, the key is that you must wear the aligners at least 18-20 hours per day. ”

Dr. Davis continues, “Patients are amazed at how well they talk with them in place and how their friends and co-workers do not even know they are wearing them. Clear aligner therapy can take care of over 80 percent of all orthodontic situations. ”

Over the past 10 years, thousands of patients have successfully been treated with clear aligners to straighten teeth. Patients enjoy being able to remove them and eat normally and they are able to brush and floss without working around wires and brackets. The cost, however, is typically more than traditional braces. According to DocShop.com, nationwide, the average rate is about $5,000.

Veneers – Another method to align crooked teeth is to have veneers applied to the teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin shells bonded to the front of teeth to create a natural-looking and beautiful smile. Sometimes called “instant orthodontics,” veneers can be attached instantly, covering old imperfections and giving you a perfect smile minus all the pain of actually straightening teeth. Veneers come in porcelain and composite, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist can advise you on which is best for your particular case.

This cosmetic dentistry procedure consists in shaving part of the teeth to make room for the veneers and using a mold of your teeth to create them. Veneers are made of a very strong material and will provide you with a bright, straight and natural-looking smile, usually treating small malocclusion defects or cracked teeth. Your teeth will not only be straighter, but whiter.

Docshop.com reports the following regarding cost of veneers:

•The number of teeth treated: The number of teeth being treated can increase the cost of treatment significantly. As stated above, the price per tooth is $700 to $2,000, meaning a full set of dental veneers can be priced between $10,000 and $30,000.

•Materials used: The type of materials and veneers that are used can also cause variations in prices. There are different types of veneers on the market, including Lumineers and da Vinci Veneers.

•Dentist’s time: The cost of the cosmetic dentist’s time can vary due to the area of the country in which he or she practices, and the amount of experience/training the cosmetic dentist has.

Porcelain dental veneers is generally not covered by dental insurance plans because it is considered a cosmetic treatment.

Retainers – If the extent of your misalignment is fairly limited, then choose this removable appliance to correct teeth. This technique usually works best on the top teeth due to the limitations on the lower teeth by the tongue. The most familiar and widely used removable appliance today is a retainer. This method will only work for someone who needs very minor corrections. If you have already worn braces, but have experienced some shifting in your teeth, then you may be a good candidate for this solution. Retainers typically cost between $250 and $350.

Straight teeth are something that all of us desire. The choice is not just aesthetic either. People who have straighter teeth also have fewer dental problems in general, due to the fact that straight teeth are easier to keep clean and cavity-free. And achieving straight teeth without the hassle and pain of braces is now a viable option for many. Whether you ’re looking for clear aligners, “instant orthodontics,” or just want more information on what your choices are, your dentist has options designed with you in mind.

Cosmetic Contouring – Opt for cosmetic contouring for a solution that is instant and inexpensive, when compared to other options. There are two types of contouring that are used in cosmetic dentistry: contouring of the teeth and contouring of the gums. Cosmetic contouring has been used for years to reshape and straighten teeth. It can be used for broken, chipped, long, crooked or irregularly shaped teeth. Tooth contouring gives the illusion of a good, natural alignment, while being minimally invasive. It is quick, relatively inexpensive and usually requires no anesthesia.

According to BeautySurg.com, factors that need to be considered before contouring the teeth include tooth thickness, exposed underlying dentin and overall tooth structure. Your dentist may take an X-ray before the procedure to make sure that your tooth is thick enough to allow for contouring with creating problems, which can include sensitive teeth, or even make the tooth susceptible to breakage.

Gum contouring can be as simple as removing some of the gum tissue to eliminate a “gummy” smile or more complicated, involving removal of both bone and gum tissue. If just a small amount of tissue needs to be removed, a diode laser can be used to remove tissue with anesthesia. This can usually be accomplished in 15 to 30 minutes.

If a larger amount of tissue needs to be removed, then gum and bone surgery is required in a procedure called crown lengthening. This involves one to two hours, with a required healing period of four to six weeks.

AboutCosmeticDentistry.com states that tooth and gum contouring can range in cost from $50 to $350 per tooth.