Teeth Straightening Surgery: Process, Costs, and Benefits

 Asad A | February 21, 2024

A misaligned smile can affect more than just your aesthetics. It can impact your confidence, speech, and even oral health. While traditional braces have long been the go-to solution for straightening teeth, they aren't always the most appealing option. Teeth straightening, or orthognathic surgery, is a potentially transformative procedure that corrects jawbone misalignment for a permanent straighter smile.

Understanding Teeth Straightening Surgery

Teeth straightening surgery, an orthognathic surgery, addresses severe malocclusion by repositioning your jawbones for improved alignment. If your orthodontist diagnoses severely misaligned jaws as the cause of your bad bite, they may recommend this procedure. Beyond cosmetic benefits, this surgery can alleviate speech and chewing difficulties, positively impacting your overall health and quality of life.

Undergoing orthognathic surgery doesn't eliminate the need for traditional braces or aligner therapy to straighten your teeth. Typically, one of these treatments is still required to finalize the teeth straightening process and restore your smile.

How Much Does Teeth Straightening Surgery Cost?

Straightening your smile is an investment, but it can pay off in confidence, improved oral health, and a lifetime of beautiful smiles. This guide will help you navigate the costs associated with different teeth-straightening methods in the USA so you can make an informed decision.

Factors that Affect the Price

  • Treatment type: Traditional metal braces are usually the most affordable, while clear aligners and lingual braces are more expensive.
  • Treatment duration: Longer treatment times lead to higher costs.
  • Severity of your case: Complex misalignments require more specialized care, increasing the price.
  • Location: Costs can vary depending on your geographic area.

Comparing Your Options

Here's a quick overview of popular teeth-straightening methods and their estimated costs in the USA (keep in mind these are just estimates, and actual prices can vary):

Method Price Range Pros Cons
Metal Braces $3,000 - $7,000 Affordable, effective for all cases Visible, discomfort
Ceramic Braces $4,000 - $8,500 Less noticeable than metal More fragile, slightly higher cost
Lingual Braces $8,000 - $13,000 Completely hidden Expensive cleaning challenges
In-Office Clear Aligners $3,000 - $8,000 Removable, comfortable Requires more frequent office visits
At-Home Clear Aligners $1,800 - $3,000 Most affordable, convenient Limited case suitability, less supervision

Process of Teeth Straightening Surgery

The process typically involves:

  • Consultation and diagnosis: An orthodontist and oral surgeon assess your teeth, jaw, and medical history.
  • Pre-surgical orthodontics: Braces or aligners are often used to prepare the teeth for surgery.
  • Surgery: Performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth or sometimes externally to access the jawbone. The bone is then repositioned and secured with plates, screws, or wires.
  • Recovery: Expect swelling, discomfort, and dietary restrictions for several weeks. Physical therapy may be recommended to improve jaw function.
  • Post-surgical orthodontics: Additional braces or aligners refine the final tooth alignment.

What are the Benefits of Teeth Straightening Surgery

Teeth straightening is commonly associated with cosmetic enhancement, but its impact reaches beyond aesthetics alone. ALIGNERCO acknowledges that aligning teeth is a transformative journey that significantly enhances dental health and overall wellness. Let's delve into the extensive array of benefits it brings:

Health Benefits

Improved Oral Hygiene

Straight teeth facilitate easier cleaning. Misaligned teeth can harbor plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas, fostering tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening enables more effective brushing and flossing, lowering the risk of oral health issues.

Decreased Risk of Tooth Wear

Misaligned teeth often cause uneven wear, leading to tooth sensitivity and increased dental interventions over time. Proper alignment ensures even distribution of bite force, preserving tooth structure.

Reduced Jaw Pain and Headaches

Misalignment strains jaw joints and muscles, potentially resulting in temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and headaches. Correcting alignment can alleviate these symptoms and enhance overall jaw function.

Improved Digestion

Effective chewing is vital for digestion. Properly aligned teeth chew more efficiently, aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Speech Improvement

Certain speech impediments stem from dental misalignments. Straightening teeth can enhance speech clarity.

Aesthetic Benefits

Enhanced Smile and Appearance

The most apparent benefit is a more appealing smile. Straight teeth contribute to a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Youthful Look

Misaligned teeth may prematurely age the face. Straightening restores a more youthful appearance.

Improved Facial Structure

Teeth straightening can subtly alter the jawline and facial contours, enhancing overall facial symmetry.

Long-term Advantages

Lasting Oral Health

Straight teeth reduce the risk of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, promoting better oral health.

Economic Benefits

Investing in teeth straightening proves cost-effective in the long run by averting the need for complex dental treatments resulting from untreated misalignments.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Beyond physical benefits, straight teeth improve mental health by fostering increased confidence and reducing anxiety about appearance.

Conclusion

Traditional braces aren't your only option. Teeth straightening surgery, or orthognathic surgery, offers a permanent solution for severe jaw misalignment. Schedule a consultation with the dentists of Invisalign Toronto in Front Street, West Toronto!

Don't wait to invest in your smile and your well-being. Start your journey to a healthier, happier you!

FAQs

Which teeth are the hardest to straighten?

Typically, the lateral incisors or the teeth next to your front teeth are the most challenging to move with Invisalign aligners and traditional braces.

Can I straighten just my two front teeth?

There are multiple approaches that an orthodontist can take to straighten individual teeth. Just like any other alignment issues, braces can be used to move one or two crooked teeth.

Does Invisalign make your lips bigger?

Your lips aren't necessarily bigger, but they cannot get as close to the teeth as they used to, which is why the appearance changes. An Invisalign aligner does not have that much effect on the lips.

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