Difference Between Alignment and Straightening of the Teeth

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Woman holding clear aligner for teeth straightening

Understanding teeth alignment and straightening is essential for achieving a picture-perfect smile. Understanding the difference helps you choose the best solution for your dental needs as they refer to different dental goals and orthodontic treatments.

In this guide, we explore the differences, treatment options, and how ALIGNERCO offers customers a modern affordable solution for achieving their dream smile.

What is Teeth Alignment?

The goal of teeth alignment is to straighten up teeth that are crowded, misaligned, or have small gaps. This treatment is typically less invasive and can be achieved with clear aligners.

Common Issues Requiring Teeth Alignment

  • Mild crowding
  • Small gaps between teeth
  • Slightly tilted or rotated teeth

Key Features of Teeth Alignment

  • Improves the overall position of the teeth.
  • Deal with minor spacing and crowding problems.
  • Improve oral function and aesthetics.

What is Teeth Straightening?

Teeth straightening, on the other hand, involves correcting more significant dental issues, such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, or other structural problems. These treatments usually require braces, clear aligners, or more invasive orthodontics.

Common Issues Requiring Teeth Straightening

  • Overbites and underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Severe crookedness or overlapping teeth
  • Jaw alignment problems

Key Features of Teeth Straightening

  • Correct complex orthodontic issues.
  • Treat bite problems involving overbites and underbites.
  • Improves both function and long-term dental health.

Teeth Alignment vs. Straightening: Key Differences

Features Teeth Alignment Teeth Straightening
Goal Correcting the position of teeth to dental arch Enhance your cosmetic appearance by teeth straightening.
Focus Alignment within jawline (horizontal and vertical positioning) Improving the overall appearance of teeth by straightening them
Duration 12-24 months 6-18 months
Complexity May involve bite adjustment, more complex cases Less complex, focused on appearance
Impact Affects speech, chewing, and overall oral health Primarily cosmetic, improves smile, and aesthetics
Orthodontist visit More frequent visits for bite correction Fewer visits, especially with clear aligners

Methods of Achieving Teeth Alignment

Several methods for teeth alignment are available in modern dentistry. Here are the most common ones:

Clear Aligners for Alignment

Clear aligners are designed to address mild to moderate cases. They are removable and easier to maintain proper oral hygiene. If you are looking for non-invasive options, ALIGNERCO’s affordable clear aligners are a great option.

Retainers

Retainers maintain teeth alignment after treatment. The two main types are fixed retainers, bonded to the back of the teeth, and removable retainers, which can be taken out for cleaning.

A girl is holding a retainer for maintaining teeth alignment
A girl is holding a retainer for maintaining teeth alignment

Methods of Achieving Teeth Straightening

Traditional Braces

Conventional metal braces are a successful treatment for serious dental problems. These braces use metal brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a wire. Periodically, the wire is altered to exert pressure and gradually move the teeth into an aligned position.

Clear Aligners for Straightening

Clear aligners are a modern, discreet alternative to traditional braces. These translucent plastic trays are custom-fitted to fit tightly over your teeth. They are meant to slowly move your teeth into place, without metal brackets and wires. Adults and teenagers who desire a more aesthetically pleasing treatment option are especially fond of aligners. These are easy to clean and can be removed for ease of eating.

Are you eligible for a clear aligner treatment?

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Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery may be necessary for individuals with severe misalignment involving the jaws. This type of surgery realigns the upper and lower jaws to treat both functional and aesthetic issues. This method is often used when braces or aligners are insufficient to solve problems.

Key Benefits of Clear Aligners for Teeth Alignment

1. Discreet and Invisible

They’re virtually invisible, clear aligners are popular for adults and teens.

2. Removability

Aligners are removable, unlike braces, you can take them out to eat and brush and floss.

3. Comfort

Aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, without the discomfort of wires or brackets.

4. Cost-Effective

ALIGNERCO’s clear aligners are an affordable alternative to traditional braces.

5. Shorter Treatment Duration

Correcting mild alignment issues usually takes six to eight months.

How Does Clear Aligner Work?

Clear aligners work in a series of steps to provide effective results. Here is a clear aligner treatment works.

1. Initial Consultation

The journey begins with an initial consultation with your orthodontist. They will assess whether you are eligible for a clear aligner treatment since aligners are best recommended for mild to moderate cases. After carefully assessing your case, your orthodontist will recommend the appropriate treatment.

2. Impression Taking

Once the case is assessed and the treatment plan is finalized, individuals are required to create their impressions. The impression-taking process is crucial to getting your custom-fit aligners. A dental putty is placed in the impression trays to create perfect molds.

3. Aligner Fabrication

Your aligners are fabricated according to your dental structure. Custom-fit gadget helps to exert pressure properly on the specified teeth.

4. Monitoring Progress

Once you begin your clear aligner treatment, follow the prescribed wear time for your aligners. Following the timeline for aligners is essential to achieving your desired results within the given time frame. Consult with your orthodontist in case of any issues with your aligners fitting, or if you experience any discomfort.

Cost And Duration Differences of Clear Aligners

When deciding between alignment and straightening, it is critical to understand the time and money commitments:

Teeth Alignment

Cost: Typically ranges between $2,000 to $4,000.

Time: The average treatment duration is 12-24 months.

Teeth Straightening

Cost: Typically starting from $1,120.

Time: The average treatment duration is 6-18 months.

ALIGNERCO Teeth Straightening

ALIGNERCO’s Clear Aligners
ALIGNERCO’s Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO clear aligners are a modern, affordable, and convenient solution for straightening or mildly aligning teeth. They are made with high-quality materials for a comfortable experience. ALIGNERCO provides various clear aligner plans that suit individual needs. You can choose a plan that best suits your lifestyle and case severity.

Choose Your Plan and Start Your Teeth Alignment Journey Today!

ALIGNERCO offers the most affordable and effective invisible aligners.

Your Smile Transformation Starts Now!

ALIGNERCO: Your Partner in Achieving Perfect Alignment

Do not settle for less, discover the ALIGNERCO difference and make an effective decision for your smile makeover.

Smile Assessment-Driven Care

We start treatment by thoroughly examining your present smile and how we could mold it into the smile of your dreams.

Expert Reviewed Plans

A team of expert technicians thoroughly reviews all of our treatment plans. It means you can enjoy optimal results within the given time.

Affordable Excellence

Teeth straightening doesn’t always have to be expensive. With ALIGNERCO enjoy affordable treatment plans, 40% less than other aligner brands.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Our cutting-edge 3D technology speeds up your path to a straighter smile. Most people receive their perfect smile in just 4 to 6 months.

Recap

Recognizing the difference between the two procedures ensures you select the most suitable option for maintaining your dental well-being. ALIGNERCO clear aligners offer a discreet and effective teeth alignment solution, providing customers with affordable treatment options. Get started on your path to a better smile through ALIGNERCO today.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between alignment and teeth straightening?

Teeth alignment addresses minimal spacing and crowding problems while straightening addresses more complex orthodontic problems.

2. Are aligners suitable for both alignment and straightening?

Yes, ALIGNERCO clear aligners are suitable for both alignment and mild to moderate straightening cases.

3. Is straightening more expensive than alignment?

Yes, straightening treatments are generally more expensive due to their complexity and longer duration.

References

Zimmerman B, Shumway KR, Jenzer AC. Physiology, Tooth (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538475/). 2022 Apr 14. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Accessed 10/12/2022.

Merck Manual (Consumer Version). Biology of the Teeth (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/mouth-and-dental-disorders/biology-of-the-mouth-and-teeth/biology-of-the-teeth#:~:text=There%20are%2032%20permanent%20teeth,not%20get%20any%20wisdom%20teeth). Accessed 1/26/2023.

Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35168256/). Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. Accessed 1/13/2023.

  • Dr. Anas Athar

    Dr. Anas Athar

    Content Contributor

    Dr. Anas Athar is a highly sought-after orthodontist with nearly two decades of experience in dentistry. He is the only dual-trained Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist and Orthodontist in Texas, with specialties in clear aligners, interceptive orthodontics, advanced dental imaging, dental sleep medicine, and more. Dr. Athar continually hones his skills... Read More

  • Jonathan Windsor

    Jonathan Windsor

    Content Contributor

    Jonathan Windsor, DMD, MPhil, is a pioneering figure in the dental profession, recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to research, clinical practice, and literature. With a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and a Master's in Philosophy (MPhil), Windsor's career is highlighted by his profound impact on contemporary approaches to oral... Read More

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