The question ‘how to fix crooked teeth?’ is one of the most common search phrases used across the world when it comes to dental health issues. Crooked or misaligned teeth is a very common dental problem seen across all age groups. It is more than just a cosmetic problem.
Crooked teeth make brushing and flossing difficult which can lead to plaque buildup. In the long term, you might face severe oral and overall health issues due to crooked teeth.
For instance, speech problems, jaw discomfort, excessive wear and tear of teeth, increased risk of tooth injury, difficulty in chewing, bad breath, headaches, digestion problems, etc.
This article helps you understand what causes crooked teeth, the benefits of fixing them and the available treatment options.
1. What Are The Causes Of Crooked Teeth?
- Early loss of baby teeth can lead to slanted or misaligned growth of the permanent teeth.
- Myofunctional habits such as thumb sucking, extensive use of a pacifier, etc. can gradually put pressure on teeth and cause them to shift positions.
- Genetic makeup can be responsible for passing on bad bites or misaligned teeth from one generation to the next.
- Facial injury in which the jaw is impacted may result in teeth misalignment.
- Poor dental hygiene can lead to loss of teeth in severe cases. This increases the possibility of adjacent teeth shifting positions which may lead to crooked teeth.
2. Why Fix Crooked Teeth?
The benefits of fixing crooked or misaligned teeth are as follows:
- Better oral hygiene reduces the risk of teeth and gum problems
- Proper chewing leads to better digestion
- Reduced risk of injury to teeth
- Enhanced self-esteem and confidence due to an improved smile
3. How To Fix Crooked Teeth?
The three treatment options described below are widely used for teeth straightening. Let’s take a look:
1. Orthodontic Treatments
Braces for crooked teeth is one of the most popular teeth straightening option. There are several options available today.
For instance, traditional or metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, invisible braces, etc. You can choose based on comfort, cost, and aesthetics. Invisalign aligners, for example, are widely preferred over traditional or metal braces.
These aligner trays are made from clear plastic. They are virtually invisible, offer more comfort and are highly convenient.
2. Porcelain Veneers
If you have only slightly crooked teeth and want a straight smile without undergoing the actual process of teeth straightening, porcelain veneers can be a good option for you.
These are wafer-thin shells that cover the entire front portion of your teeth. They are highly customized to match the shape and color of your teeth perfectly.
However, it should be kept in mind that these veneers don’t actually straighten your teeth but only conceal their poor alignment to give the appearance of a straight smile.
3. Dental Bonding
This treatment is similar to porcelain veneers and helps cover up the incorrect alignment of your teeth. It is a more affordable alternative to other orthodontic teeth straightening treatments.
It involves the use of a composite bonding material that is molded over your teeth to improve their appearance in terms of alignment.
Your dentist will first do a thorough dental checkup and then prescribe the best-suited treatment for you depending on the nature of your case.
Remember, a straight smile not only reflects good dental health but also good overall health. Teeth straightening can eradicate all the complications associated with crooked teeth.
If you too have been struggling with a crooked smile, it is time to set that smile straight. Get in touch with your dentist to know about the best suitable treatment to fix crooked teeth so that you can smile healthy.
Author Bio:
Sharon Williams’ day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers.
She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle.
In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.
