Help Me With
Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth can sometimes make it hard to chew or flash your pearly whites in a photo. Let’s get you a smile you dream of.
Crooked and crowded teeth are known by dentists as malalignment. You may have lived with it since childhood, or it may have developed over the years. Treatment for malalignment is available and depends on your individual situation. Orthodontics, Invisalign, crowns or veneers are some of the treatments available.
Symptoms
Crooked or crowded teeth can be mild or severe. It can be quite obvious to see from your smile, or not as noticeable if it affects teeth towards the back of your jaw. Malalignment can impact on the function of your teeth and mouth, so you can experience other symptoms too.
Crooked teeth can affect the health of your teeth, how your jaw works and can even affect your posture and balance. Some symptoms that may be present include:
- Plaque build up
- Tooth decay and gum disease
- An overbite or underbite
- Jaw pain and headaches
Causes
Most often, the alignment of your teeth is primarily genetics. Other causes include:
- Injuries and accidents
- Thumb sucking
- Poor oral health and dental disease.
Treatment plan
Crooked and crowded teeth or an abnormal bite can be treated in a number of ways. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Teeth can be straightened using a variety of techniques. Which one you decide on will depend on the condition of your teeth, the severity of your problem and your budget. Some of the available treatments include:
- Traditional orthodontics (fixed braces)
- Invisalign®
- Crowns
- Veneers
FAQ
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How much does it cost to treat crooked teeth?
The price of treating crooked teeth varies, depending on the condition of your teeth. We recommend that you see a dentist to check it out. Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and give you an estimate for the cost of treatment.
How much do braces cost?
It varies. Orthodontics are an investment in your smile and in your overall oral health. Treatment cost varies depending on the type of treatment used and the condition of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment for your teeth and talk you through the options available.
Do braces hurt?
It doesn’t hurt to fit braces to your teeth. You may notice some discomfort in the first few days after having your braces fitted. This is most likely your jaw and teeth adjusting to the braces. Sometimes, the braces can rub on the insides of your mouth and cause ulcers. Your mouth will soon get used to the braces and the pain should reduce. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you about ways to manage getting used to wearing braces.
Can adults have braces?
When most people think about braces, they picture young teenagers wearing them. The truth is, adults can have their teeth straightened with braces too. It might be that your family couldn’t afford orthodontic treatment when you were younger, your condition has worsened, or that it’s just something that is more important to you now. There are a number of ways crooked teeth can be straightened including Invisalign®, which uses clear, comfortable and removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into a desired position. Aligners are a little bit like a very thin mouthguard, or tray. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist for advice.
Do you need to treat crooked teeth?
One reason to straighten crooked teeth is to enhance your smile. But there are other reasons too. Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and keep healthy. A crowded mouth can contribute to conditions that cause tooth decay, gum disease and the potential loss of teeth.
Can crooked teeth be prevented?
This depends. Sometimes, genetics plays a big role in the type of teeth you get. Taking good care of your oral health and having regular appointments at your dentist means you can keep an eye on how your teeth are developing over the years. Prevention is always better than waiting until you’re in pain or in need of emergency treatment. Practice good at-home dental care and build a great relationship with your dentist.
We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For optimum oral health:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
- Book hygiene visits with your dental hygienist at least twice each year
- Book routine exam and x-rays visits with your dentist once each year