New Patients (847) 447-6637

Current Patients (847) 587-5053

1394 South Route 12 Fox Lake, IL 60020

Crooked Teeth Fox Lake, IL

Dr. Prendergast offers treatment options for patients of all ages to address crooked teeth including clear braces and cosmetic treatments.

While the most obvious complaint about crooked teeth is appearance, a misaligned bite or crooked teeth can lead to a number of oral health concerns. Tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most prominent issues you can expect by leaving crooked teeth unaddressed.

Crooked teeth make it difficult to brush or floss effectively and can lead to plaque build-up. A misaligned bite could also lead to muscle tension in the jaw joints and be the underlying cause of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Fixing crooked teeth can vastly improve how you bite, chew, speak, and even clean your teeth.

Many adults do not wish to wear metal braces because they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

The treatment recommended for you will depend on the existence of any bite-related problems and your cosmetic goals. Dr. Prendergast will evaluate all aspects of your smile to determine if orthodontic treatment is the best way to achieve a straighter smile.

We offer comprehensive dental care for your needs and create personalized treatment plans to achieve your cosmetic goals. A straighter smile will not only boost your confidence when smiling but will support improved dental health.

crooked teeth treatment by dentist in fox lake Illinois

Treatment for Crooked Teeth

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are used to correct minor problems such as small gaps. Veneers can give your crooked tooth a more uniform appearance. The thin shell material can also be placed on short and worn-down teeth to make them appear larger.

Cosmetic Tooth Bonding

Cosmetic tooth bonding is a quick, economical, and easy way to fix minor imperfections in your teeth, including:

  • Fixing chipped or cracked teeth
  • Close the gaps between teeth
  • Cover discoloration

A biocompatible resin material is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted into the proper shape and form. Cosmetic bonding does not remove any of the natural tooth structure but is not as durable and long-lasting as other procedures. Touch-ups may be needed in the future. Tooth bonding is often the perfect solution for younger patients with minor concerns who can consider more permanent and invasive options later on.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the entire tooth and can close spaces between teeth, lengthen teeth, and achieve symmetry in your smile. A dental crown is used to fix crooked teeth that have also been compromised by decay or other damage.

Invisalign

Invisalign invisible braces are clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth. This clear aligner system is the original system developed to discretely align your teeth. Patients report little pain and visible results within a couple of weeks! You can expect the treatment to be completed within a year.

Crooked Teeth FAQs

Why do some people’s teeth grow crooked?

Many people’s teeth grow crooked and jagged. This is due to the size of one’s mouth and in some cases genetics. If a patient has a small mouth, then they may be prone to their teeth growing at angles and being crooked. If a patient has a large mouth their teeth may have gaps between them, which may result in some shifting as they come in.

Do crooked teeth get worse over time?

Depending on the severity of crookedness patients’ teeth may fix themselves, or worsen over time. If your teeth have gaps between them, you should be aware that they are more likely to shift due to the excess space.

Are crooked teeth passed down genetically?

Genetics may play a role in crooked teeth, but it is not the main reason a patient’s teeth are crooked. Plenty of children with crooked teeth have parents with natural perfectly straight teeth. Missized jaw development is the leading cause of crooked teeth.

Can I treat crooked teeth by myself?

It’s not possible to change your tooth position without professional treatment. Do not attempt “natural remedies” to fix crooked teeth. You can potentially damage your natural teeth.

Can crooked teeth contribute to gum disease?

Yes. It can be difficult to clean between crooked teeth. As a result, leftover food can get stuck between crooked teeth. Bacteria can feed on food particles and contribute to gum disease.

Why do crooked teeth contribute to TMJ disorders?

Crooked teeth can create a misaligned bite. Living with an uneven bite places pressure on certain teeth more than others when biting and chewing. In turn, this pressure affects the TMJ. Patients with crooked teeth may begin to notice TMD symptoms, including teeth grinding.

Schedule a Visit to Infinity Dental Fox Lake

If you have crooked teeth and want to explore options beyond metal braces, call Infinity Dental of Fox Lake for the most comprehensive treatment options. Dr. Prendergast and our compassionate dental care team can have you smiling quickly. Give us a call at (847) 447-6637 or schedule an appointment online today.