We have all seen people with crooked teeth, both adults and children; perhaps you have them yourself so you know that it can not only lower self esteem but can also cause serious complications and some long-term health problems if not taken care of right away. So rest assured that there are solutions available for you and your teeth can be straightened which will give you a more attractive smile and help to bring back your self esteem.
Some problems associated with crooked teeth are the inability to provide the proper support which can lead to jaw and muscle strain which then leaves your mouth vulnerable to injury. Not only that, you can also suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity and be at an increased risk for tooth decay and gingivitis. Teeth that are crooked can also make it very difficult to chew some foods and can wear your teeth down very quickly.
Other problems brought on by crooked teeth are cavities and gum disease as they are harder to keep clean so, to correct this problem, you will need orthodontic treatment that focuses on straightening them. Your dentist or orthodontist can also do a screening that will detect any problems that might be developing and then quickly treat them. After all, who doesn’t want that beautiful, bright smile that is so attractive to everyone.
And most important is the fact that, if you notice any problems at all with your children having crooked teeth, you should take them to see an orthodontist by age seven or earlier as some treatments can be started before all the permanent teeth are in. There are minimum risks and few side effects and, if you have any at all, it is usually due to not following the plan of treatment. The treatment itself will depend on your age, the problem and how serious it is and what is required and you will normally have a visit every four to seven weeks and this can range from six months to three years.
Some causes of crooked teeth are:
- Teeth usually become crooked as baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent, adult teeth. The adult teeth grow in one by one and often are crooked from the start.
- Tooth loss which is commonly a result of tooth decay. When you lose a tooth, the other teeth shift in order to fill the gap and that is when your teeth end up being crooked.
- Less common are medical conditions such as cleft palate or TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
There is more than one option to straighten crooked teeth in children and adults and they are listed below with a brief explanation of each:
Braces:
Braces are the more traditional option and are constructed from stainless steel, sometimes mixed with nickel titanium. Braces include ones which require ties to hold the archwire in place and newer ones that are self-tying. You can now also get braces in a color of your choice and this is especially attractive for teens.
Clear Braces:
These consist of clear plastic trays that can be removed when you need to which makes eating and dental hygiene much easier.
Porcelain Veneers:
Veneers can be used if your treatment is purely for cosmetics as they cover crooked teeth and provide a smooth and properly aligned appearance.
Space Maintainers:
These are commonly used in children when they lose a baby tooth early. The gap must be held open so the permanent tooth can push through in the right position.
If you are concerned about crooked teeth call us at 1-877-283-0497 to arrange a free private consultation with no obligation.