Do you ever find yourself covering your mouth when you smile? Are you worried about how your teeth look?
You’re not alone. More than 50 percent of Americans are also self-conscious about their smiles.
The good news is that there are lots of steps you can take to improve the appearance of your teeth, including undergoing teeth straightening surgery.
Read on to learn more about this surgery. Use this information to decide whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
What Is Teeth Straightening Surgery?
Teeth straightening surgery is a minor procedure that orthodontists sometimes perform to help people with severe misalignments in their teeth and/or jaw. This surgery requires an orthodontist to reposition the bones and gums that hold the teeth in place.
It’s often the first step in a series of orthodontic procedures designed to straighten your teeth. In other words, you may still have to wear braces afterward.
What Are the Benefits?
There are plenty of reasons to consider surgery. Some specific benefits it has to offer include the following:
Shorter Time Wearing Braces
It’s true that patients often have to wear braces after they’ve had surgery to straighten their teeth. It’s definitely not a quick fix. However, you usually don’t have to wear them for as long as other patients who don’t have the surgery.
This also saves you from the discomfort that comes with wearing braces long-term, such as having trouble brushing or having to avoid eating certain foods.
Address Other Problems
Having surgery will do more than just straighten your teeth. For example, it may correct other issues you’ve been experiencing, such as tension headaches, jaw pain, or difficulty chewing.
Even if you’re not concerned about the appearance of your teeth, this surgery could end up fixing a lot of other problems for you.
Get Help with Financing
You might think that surgery is way out of your budget. That might not be the case, though. In many cases, your insurance provider will cover at least a portion of the surgery, making it much more affordable.
Who Should Get it Done?
Teeth straightening surgery isn’t for everyone. People who fall into one or more of these categories are usually the best candidates:
- Those who have a severe overbite or underbite
- Those who suffer from jaw misalignment
- Those with functional issues that impair their speech or chewing abilities
- Those who struggle with chronic headaches
If any of these issues apply to you, you may want to talk to your orthodontist about scheduling a surgery consultation.
Is Teeth Straightening Surgery Right for You?
Now that you know more about teeth straightening surgery, as well as the benefits it has to offer, do you think you’re a good candidate? If so, contact an orthodontist near you to schedule an appointment.
If surgery doesn’t seem like the right approach for you or if you just want to learn about other options, we’ve got some other helpful resources. Check out some of our other dental-related articles today for more information.
