Many people think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue. However, they are one of the most common dental concerns today. And while they are a cosmetic problem, crooked teeth have an impact on your overall oral health as well. Like with many cosmetic issues, they have connections to underlying problems with your oral health. Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe treat crooked teeth in Media, PA.
Treating crooked teeth can lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Fixing misaligned teeth can also create a more even and comfortable bite. Whether you want to improve the look of your teeth or stop further dental problems, we can help.
The Problems With Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are often harder to clean properly. They’re jumbled, and brushing or flossing in between them can be difficult.
This puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, as it’s easier for plaque and tartar to build up. Because of this bacteria buildup, crooked teeth can also contribute to problems with bad breath. While breath-freshening tools like mouthwash can help, it’ll continue until the underlying cause is fixed.
They can also contribute to an imbalanced bite, which is often the underlying cause of TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. When teeth are misaligned, it can lead to a buildup of stress on the teeth, jaw, and surrounding joints. This increases your risk of chipped, fractured, or broken teeth. Your teeth wear faster when they’re crooked, as they rub unnaturally.
Depending on the cause of your crooked teeth, it can be hard to chew — particularly harder items like apples. This can impact your nutrition and the ability to eat a varied, healthy diet.
The mental health aspect of crooked teeth can’t be ignored either. Crooked teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile, leading to anxiety about your appearance. We want you to have a smile you’re proud to show off.
Straightening your teeth will enhance your natural smile and support long-term oral health.
Treating Crooked Teeth in Media, PA
Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe provide multiple treatment options to straighten crooked teeth:
Dental Veneers
Porcelain and composite veneers cover the front of teeth. They can correct minor alignment issues, gaps between teeth, and tooth symmetry concerns. Both types of dental veneers offer solutions to improve the aesthetics of crooked teeth. In addition, veneers are made to blend in with natural teeth.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is an excellent option for improving the appearance of crooked teeth. Applied directly to the tooth, this procedure is quick and cost-effective for treating teeth. However, dental bonding is not permanent. It may need to be touched up in the future.
Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns cover the entire tooth like a cap. Our dentists use dental crowns when they are concerned about the health or stability of the tooth, such as cavities, tooth wear, or broken teeth. Crowns protect natural teeth from stress with their durability and are also stain-resistant.
Clear Braces
ClearCorrect and Invisalign are both comfortable and discreet alternatives to traditional metal braces. These treatments use a series of removable clear aligners to reposition teeth over time gently. The clear braces are virtually invisible and don’t interfere with daily habits because they are removable.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Learn more about crooked teeth with answers to these common questions:
What is the cause of crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth have many contributing factors:
- Jaw size and shape
- Palate and tooth development
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Too many teeth
- Overcrowding
You may be more likely to develop crooked teeth due to genetics and how your teeth grow.
How do you fix crooked teeth?
There are multiple treatment options for straightening crooked teeth, including traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners. If you have cosmetically crooked teeth that do not affect your bite, we recommend veneers, dental bonding treatment, and dental crowns.
Do crooked teeth get better over time?
Crooked teeth can develop as the teeth continue to shift and move as you age. Crooked teeth can worsen over time. If you have crooked teeth and do not get corrective orthodontic treatment, you are at a higher risk of developing problems like TMJ and gum disease.
Address crooked teeth early to prevent future dental problems. Crooked teeth will not correct themselves over time.
Will crooked teeth affect your face shape?
Some orthodontic issues, including overbites, open bites, and underbites, can affect the shape of your face. Your jaw or lips may protrude if you have an under or open bite. An overbite can make the jaw appear more soft.
Orthodontic treatments can improve the symmetry of your smile and facial features. Patients with crooked teeth can receive more symmetrical facial features after completing orthodontic care.
Can I treat crooked teeth as an adult?
Yes, adults can treat their crooked teeth. We often recommend orthodontic treatments like ClearCorrect and Invisalign for adults with crooked teeth.
These treatments work effectively for patients with all of their permanent teeth. Clear aligners are also great options for patients who want more discreet treatment. Adults don’t need to wear braces with colorful elastics to straighten their teeth. These aligners also benefit teens and adults who do not want metal braces.
How many years does it take to treat crooked teeth?
Treatment time varies from person to person. Some patients may only require six months to treat one or several crooked teeth. Other patients may need 18 or more months to fix their crooked teeth.
Patients with cosmetically crooked teeth will require less treatment as they cover their teeth with veneers, crowns, or bonding treatment. Once we examine your smile and determine the best treatment, we will give you an estimate of the length of your treatment time.
Straighten Your Teeth
Treat crooked teeth in our Media, PA office. You can call 610.756.0649 or schedule an appointment in our Media, PA, dental office for treatment today. During your consultation, we can assess the condition of your smile. Then, we can determine the best solution for you.