Teeth Straightening

Teeth Straightening services offered in MARTINEZ and Walnut Creek, CA

Crooked teeth aren’t merely an aesthetic concern; they also impact your oral health. At Harper Orthodontics in Walnut Creek and Martinez, California, board-certified orthodontist Stephen Harper, DDS, provides a variety of teeth straightening treatments to enhance your smile and oral health. To learn more, call and speak with the friendly team or schedule an appointment online today.

What is teeth straightening?

Teeth straightening is the process of shifting your teeth into a more aligned position. Straight teeth are attractive and functional. Crooked teeth trap food particles and other debris that make them hard to clean.

Teeth straightening appliances, like braces or clear aligners, pull your teeth into a more uniform position. After treatment, your teeth will appear straighter and be easier to clean for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Why is teeth straightening important?

Straight teeth are beneficial for many reasons, including:

Less tooth decay

Cavities are holes in the teeth. They develop when plaque — a sticky form of bacteria — clings to the teeth and erodes the enamel. Removing plaque is essential to prevent cavities. When your teeth are crooked, the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach the crevices, causing plaque to build in hard-to-reach spaces.

Lower risk of gum disease

Like cavities, gum disease is the result of plaque buildup. Plaque can penetrate beneath the gum line and form small pockets of bacteria. As gum disease progresses, it can deteriorate your tooth-supporting structures. Removing plaque before it reaches the gum line is the simplest solution to prevent gum disease.

Fewer fractured teeth

Straight teeth allow your bite to distribute pressure evenly. When your teeth don’t fit together, certain teeth endure more force than others. That pressure can lead to cracks, chips, and tooth loss.

Less jaw pain

The temporomandibular joints in your jaw allow you to open and close your mouth. If your bite is out of alignment, pressure can build on these joints and the muscles that support them. TMJ, a condition that often results from bite problems, can develop. Teeth straightening treatments reduce your risk of jaw pain, headaches, tooth pain, and other TMJ symptoms.

What are my teeth straightening options?

At your complimentary orthodontic consultation, Dr. Harper performs a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays to determine the appropriate treatment. He may recommend:

Traditional metal braces
Ceramic braces
Damon™ self-ligating braces
SPEED self-ligating braces
Invisalign® clear aligners

Harper Orthodontics is home to the most advanced orthodontic technology and teeth straightening treatments to improve your smile. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online.