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.
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 also support improved dental health.
The Impacts of Crooked Teeth
While crooked teeth are typically seen as a cosmetic issue, there are many functional impacts as well. Cosmetically, it can make you insecure about your smile. Instead of wanting to show it off, you hide it in public, not openly smiling or laughing. This can impact your relationships with people, both socially and professionally.
Crooked teeth are also harder to clean than straight ones. They come together at odd angles and can be cramped and crowded. In some instances, even dental floss or our specialized tools can’t properly clean them. You can be brushing and flossing just like you’re supposed to, but are still at a higher risk of issues like tooth decay and gum disease because you aren’t able to properly clean certain areas.
Crooked teeth also impact your bite. When your teeth come together, the pressure of your bite is evenly distributed throughout all of your teeth. When your teeth are crooked, some teeth take on more of this pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster and are more likely to experience tooth decay, cracks, or breaks. In severe cases, restorative dentistry needs to be used to repair teeth.
When your bite is uneven, it impacts the way your jaw moves. Because it’s not coming together properly, it can strain the muscles of your jaw joint, causing issues with TMJ. You may experience pain and tension throughout your face and head, popping and clicking when you move your jaw, and your jaw getting stuck in certain positions. The longer this is untreated, the more severe the impact is on your jaw.
Treatment for Crooked Teeth
Depending on the severity of the crookedness and your unique needs, there are several options we can explore for treatment.
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 it 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
Crooked teeth impact both the look and function of your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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 naturally perfectly straight teeth. 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.