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You may notice the uneven appearance of your teeth, gaps, or misalignment when you look in the mirror or in pictures, and eventually, these issues can extend beyond aesthetics. Misaligned teeth may make cleaning more challenging, lead to uneven wear, and even affect your bite.
Cosmetic dentistry has developed effective and comfortable approaches to improve your healthy mouth and teeth. At Suave Clinic, we believe that every smile has potential; it simply requires the right care and attention to unlock it.
What does it mean to have crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth have a dental term, “Misalignment,” which refers to the fact that teeth are not aligned well or are not in their proper position, they are too close together, or too far apart, or overlapped, twisted, tilted, or in the wrong place, which affects both oral health and the appearance of a natural smile.
What causes crooked teeth in children and adults?
Crowding is a frequent malocclusion; However, more severe cases may result in complications if not addressed.
Various factors play a role in the formation of wonky or crooked teeth, many of which originate in early childhood.
- Genetics
Certain individuals may inherit a small jaw with prominent teeth, leading to crooked teeth, whereas others may experience spacing problems due to a larger jaw and smaller teeth. - Childhood habits
Like thumb sucking, mouth breathing, and using a bottle or binky beyond the age of three, also cause pacifier teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry study discovered that extended thumb sucking may elevate the likelihood of developing malocclusions, such as an anterior open bite (a condition where the front teeth do not align normally with the lower ones). - Inadequate nutrition
particularly among children, may result in tooth decay and suboptimal dental development, which can be potential precursors to misaligned teeth. - Tooth loss
Neglecting your oral health increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and multiple tooth loss, which can subsequently lead to tooth misalignment and shifting to the empty spaces in your jaw. That’s why replacing missing teeth is an urgent need.
When should you fix your crooked teeth?
In addition to aesthetic issues, crooked teeth can also result in significant oral health concerns, including the following:
- Plaque accumulation and calculus formation
Crooked teeth make it difficult to brush or floss, which can lead to the accumulation of food debris and the formation of calculus (tartar). - Gum diseases
Gingivitis & periodontitis are serious consequences of crooked teeth. The plaque and calculus impaction on the gingiva induce gingival inflammation, pocket formation, pain, swelling of the gums over the tooth surface, and gingival bleeding with brushing and flossing.
See all the reasons why your gums bleed when you brush your teeth.
- Tooth decay
Bacteria trapped in the lateral tooth surfaces cause hidden decays in between teeth and may proceed till reach the pulp. - Poor Bite and Malocclusion
Teeth not aligned when biting can result in additional complications such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, difficulties in chewing and speaking, as well as headaches due to muscle tensions. - Teeth Wear
When teeth are misaligned, they may come into contact with one another in an abnormal position, leading to erosion of enamel, the protective layer of our teeth. - Speech Challenges
Severely crooked teeth can affect your speech due to changing the airflow in your mouth, which may lead to speech issues like lisps or trouble with specific sounds. - Self confidence
Experiencing low self-worth due to not having a natural smile affects your overall satisfaction with daily life.
How to fix crooked teeth?
If you decide to fix crooked teeth, braces are an excellent choice for individuals of all ages. The duration of treatment may range from two to three years, according to the type of braces selected and the specific procedures required.
There are different types of fixed braces, which include the following:
- Metal Braces
Brackets, bands, and flexible wire are components of dental braces. These types of braces might be more suitable for individuals who have more intricate dental alignment problems. - Ceramic Braces
The treatment process is the same as metal braces, but brackets are tooth-colored instead of gray or metallic silver brackets and wires.
Ceramic braces remain visible, but they are less conspicuous. A disadvantage of ceramic braces is their increased fragility compared to metal braces, making them more prone to breakage. - Removable appliances (Headgear)
An orthodontic device called orthodontic headgear is intended to treat severe bite problems in adolescents, usually those between the ages of 7 and 14, who then require orthodontic treatment.
How to fix crooked teeth without braces?
At Suave Clinic, we offer advanced options to correct the misalignment of your teeth without the use of traditional braces, which include the following:
- Clear aligners
Can Invisalign fix crooked teeth? It is a common question. Clear aligners like Invisalign are transparent, removable trays crafted from BPA-free plastic, specifically designed to fit the shape of your teeth. They progressively move your teeth into improved alignment by exerting gentle pressure; they provide excellent results in mild to moderate teeth crowding or spacing. - Dental crowns
They are caps that fit over the natural crooked teeth; the teeth are prepared to create spaces to align teeth properly. Zirconia crowns, in such cases, improve the alignment and aesthetics. - Dental Veneers
If your teeth are slightly crooked and there is no need for repositioning, dental veneers can be Emax porcelain and zirconia veneers, which are meticulously matched to the color of your natural teeth. - Teeth Extraction
Extractions of specific teeth to free up space in your jaw and reduce crowding, and it is used alongside braces treatment, or to regain the perfect alignment with dental bridge restorations. - Surgery procedure
Your orthodontist may recommend a surgical procedure aimed at realigning the bones and gums that support your teeth. There are surgeries aimed at placing impacted teeth beneath the jawbone. This type of surgery is often followed by braces and wire treatment.
At Suave Clinic, we believe small changes can improve your confidence. Our team focuses on a personalized treatment plan, aiming to align your teeth comfortably and naturally.
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Crooked Teeth FAQs
Is it normal for teeth to be slightly crooked?
Yes, it is regarded as quite common for teeth to exhibit slight crookedness, rotation, or crowding. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 90% of individuals experience some level of minor misalignment. A person can live with crooked teeth if they do not negatively impact gingival health, teeth function, chewing, eating food, and their self-confidence.
Are crooked teeth a red flag?
Crooked or misaligned teeth are common and frequently hereditary. By themselves, they do not indicate inadequate hygiene or carelessness. Many individuals with crooked teeth maintain excellent oral hygiene and look happy with their smile.
Are straight teeth healthier?
Yes, straight teeth are typically healthier, and this is not only for aesthetic purposes, but when teeth are straight and properly aligned, they’re easier to clean.
At what age should I fix uneven teeth?
There is no specific age to fix your teeth, and the best time is when it affects your health and confidence. Early orthodontic assessments, typically around age 7, can identify alignment concerns while the jaw is still in its developmental phase. Interventions at this point are generally more efficient and may prevent future issues.
References
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