Do you avoid smiling because you have crooked teeth? Crooked teeth can be a source of embarrassment for most people. Crooked teeth are also a common reason for not being able to chew food properly and may cause speech problems.
Dr. Glen Wainwright treats crooked teeth in Austin, Texas. Treating crooked teeth may seem like solely an aesthetic dental concern, but there are an array of dental problems that may arise if you do not address severely crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can make it more difficult for patients to bite evenly.
Those with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth are at a higher risk for bruxism, or teeth grinding, which can wear teeth down. However, straightening teeth can be a preventative measure that looks and feels great. Dr. Wainwright and the team at Austin Dental Care are experts at creating balanced and straight smiles for patients. Learn about your options for correcting misaligned teeth below.
Crooked Teeth Treatments in Austin, TX
There are different treatments available to correct crooked teeth, such as braces or surgery. However, a study found that patients who had their crooked teeth corrected by braces were more satisfied than those who had surgery. Austin Dental Care offers these solutions for patients with or severely crooked teeth.
The most common treatment is orthodontics, which is done by installing braces to straighten the teeth. Other treatments include Invisalign, tooth extraction and orthognathic surgery. Our dentist will recommend the best treatment for your condition based on your age, severity of your crooked teeth and other factors such as how you bite down or chew food.
Invisalign
Invisalign straightens crooked teeth using clear aligners. Patients will receive a series of aligners that they will wear daily over a span of about one year. You will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks. They will gradually and comfortably shift teeth into alignment. Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional metal braces and does not have any dietary restrictions.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are made of a material that is color-matched to natural teeth to blend in perfectly with a patient’s smile. They can be a great aesthetic treatment for those with crooked or misaligned teeth. Patients who want a permanent dental solution with an added benefit of a brighter and whiter smile enjoy receiving dental veneers.
Dental Bonding
This semi-permanent economical alternative to porcelain veneers uses composite resin material to change the size and shape of teeth. Like dental veneers, the bonding material will blend in with teeth for a natural look. Tooth bonding can be a great option for patients who may not want to commit to veneers but want an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Many people think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue. While crooked teeth do have cosmetic impacts, they can also impact your oral health as well.
We want you to be able to have a smile that you’re proud to show off. You shouldn’t be trying to hide your smile when you’re laughing or smiling out in public. Straightening crooked teeth can help your self-confidence and make you more willing to smile big.
But crooked teeth can really impact your oral health. Cramped and jumbled crooked teeth can make them harder to clean. If you aren’t able to clean the teeth properly, they’re more likely to suffer from plaque and tartar buildup, and these things make you more likely to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease.
When you have crooked teeth and your bite comes together, uneven pressure distributes across your teeth. Certain teeth may be more likely to chip or break because they’re taking on more pressure than normal. Uneven bites can also contribute to problems with TMJ disorders. TMJ disorders cause pain and can impact the function of your jaw joint.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Do I need braces if only one tooth is crooked?
You have a few more options for treatment if you only have one crooked tooth. Patients typically choose between clear aligners and braces. However if the tooth is not causing any functional or health issues, we can correct it using cosmetic options. For example, we can make it appear straight with tooth bonding or a dental veneer.
Will crooked teeth straighten out?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Depending on the severity of the crooked teeth, they may or may not straighten out over time. In general, mild cases of crooked teeth may correct themselves as the child grows and their jawbone and tooth alignment changes. However, more severe cases will likely require some form of orthodontic treatment.
What is the best age to correct crooked teeth?
The best age to attempt to align crooked teeth is between the ages of 8 and 14. At this age your teeth respond to treatment best, however, anyone can undergo orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth.
What are the two phases to aligning crooked teeth?
There are two phases to aligning crooked teeth: the initial alignment phase and the retention phase. In the initial alignment phase, your orthodontist will use braces or Invisalign to correct the alignment of your teeth. This usually takes around 12-18 months. In the retention phase, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the corrected alignment of your teeth. Most people need to wear a retainer for at least 2 years.
Do crooked teeth cause problems?
Crooked teeth can cause teeth to shift further into misalignment, due to their attempt to fill gaps created. If left untreated, they can also cause chronic headaches, tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ.
Are crooked teeth genetic?
Different factors can cause crooked teeth, such as genetics, accidents or tooth grinding. Genetics may play a factor in teeth alignment, but there are a variety of other factors that may impact alignment. Jaw size, diet, and oral care may also impact teeth alignment.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist
Do you want to straighten crooked teeth? Contact Austin Dental Care for crooked teeth treatment in Austin, TX at 512-518-6392. You can also request an appointment online, and we will get back to you shortly. Let Dr. Glen Wainwright address your malocclusion today.