Cosmetic dentistry uses dental restorations such as veneers and orthodontic appliances like clear aligners to improve the alignment of your teeth. Poorly-aligned teeth can ruin the appearance of the brightest smiles. It also leaves teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease and infection because poorly-aligned teeth are generally more difficult to clean than properly aligned teeth.

The appearance of a person's teeth is one of the most noticeable things about them. That makes straightening teeth tricky because devices like braces are conspicuous. Cosmetic dentistry aims to fix poor teeth alignment while maximizing how the patient's teeth look.

Ready for a straighter smile? Here are orthodontic devices that a dentist might use to improve the alignment of a patient's teeth.

These have only been around for about two decades, but they are already one of the most popular ways to improve teeth alignment. Clear aligners are rigid, transparent plastic trays that fit tight on teeth. These trays apply force on the patient's teeth, pushing them to a better alignment. The transparent nature of these devices allows patients to show off their smile while the alignment of their teeth gradually improves.

Clear aligners are made using 3D models of the patient's teeth. These are made with digital images taken by the dentist. The models are displayed on a computer screen, where projections of what treatment would look like are made. Once the dentist and patient are both satisfied, the information is sent to a lab that makes aligner trays. The patient receives a series of trays in about two weeks.

Each set of aligner trays is only worn for a couple of weeks before being replaced with another that pushes the wearer's teeth closer to the target alignment. These restorations are removable, making it easier to clean teeth and eat during treatment. Patients should wear their clear aligners for about 20 hours for treatment to be effective. Treatment times with clear aligners can be anywhere between six months and two years.

These are the quickest way to create a straight smile, and it can be completed in as little as two weeks. The veneers go over the front part of teeth and can be strategically placed to make the patient's teeth appear straight. Veneers are typically recommended to straighten smiles when the patient does not have severely crooked teeth.

Clear braces are more discreet alternatives to traditional braces. Instead of visible metal wires and brackets, the patient gets tooth-colored brackets and transparent wires. These appliances are recommended when a patient has orthodontic issues that are caused by their jaw. Clear aligners cannot fix such issues.

Call or visit our Temecula clinic to learn more about how our dentist can improve the alignment of your teeth.

Request an appointment online or call Ready 2 Smile Dental Group at (951) 695-1870 for an appointment in our Temecula office.