Misaligned, overcrowded, or crooked teeth are common in many children and some adults. When teeth erupt and don’t grow straight, they become overlapped, rotated, twisted, and angled. If left untreated, crowded teeth can worsen as you age, causing oral health issues. If this sounds like your smile, you may be wondering how to fix crooked teeth with the help of orthodontic treatment?
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Genetics. If one or both of your parents had crooked teeth, likely, you will too.
Injury. A forceful blow to the mouth can knock out one or more teeth causing your teeth to shift into the gap and becoming crooked.
Malocclusion. When your jaws do not fit together correctly when closed, it results in an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
Repetitive habits. Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing can push your teeth out of position.
What Issues are Caused by Crooked Teeth?
Health problems. Biting and chewing food can become challenging, leading to digestive issues and a less nutritious diet.
Self-esteem. Misaligned teeth can affect your self-confidence, and you may avoid speaking and laughing in professional or social situations.
Speech. In some cases, crooked teeth can affect how you articulate sounds when speaking.
Tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth are challenging to brush and floss because plaque and food debris can get trapped in hard to reach areas.
Wear and tear. Crooked teeth can place additional pressure on your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles resulting in excessive wear and tear to your teeth.
How to Fix Crooked Teeth
At Glebe Dental Group, your smile and oral health are important to us, and that is why we offer several teeth straightening options.
Braces
Dental braces are the most effective and affordable orthodontic treatment for severely crooked teeth and complex bite issues.
This teeth straightening solution is commonly prescribed for children and teenagers because braces also guide facial bone development.
Braces use a system of brackets, archwires, and elastic bands to slowly position the teeth correctly. The wires are changed every 4-8 weeks, and your progress is monitored at the adjustment appointment. On average, treatment takes about 24 months.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a removable, transparent series of BPA-free plastic mouth trays created using a 3D iTero digital scanner. Our Invisalign-certified team uses the scanner to take images of your mouth so your custom aligners can be fabricated.
The aligners are designed to move your teeth incrementally over 18-24 months. You simply switch to the next set in the series every two weeks until the desired position is achieved.
For the best teeth straightening results, you must wear the aligners for 22 hours each day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush and floss. Your dentist monitors your progress every 6-8 weeks.
Invisalign orthodontic treatment is popular with older teens and adults because the mouth trays are barely visible and can be removed.
Rapid Orthodontics
If you seek quick orthodontic treatment for straightening your social six front teeth, then six-month braces are a treatment option. These bracket and wire braces come in a ceramic option or can be placed behind the teeth for a more discrete tooth straightening solution.
Regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose to straighten your smile, your dentist will recommend a retainer afterwards. The retainer can be fixed or removable and keeps your new smile straight.
Contact Glebe Dental Group for an Orthodontic Consultation
If you want to learn how to fix crooked teeth, call us on (02) 9159 6816 to book your consultation to discuss your treatment options. Everyone’s smile is unique, and so is your journey to a straighter, beautiful, and confident smile.
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