Crooked teeth, or teeth that do not align properly, is a dental concern that dentists seen often. Although addressing crooked teeth is a cosmetic concern, it may also improve your oral health. Crooked teeth can affect the function, appearance, and health of your teeth. Addressing crooked teeth can help improve your confidence and encourage a healthier, more functional smile.
Patients with crooked teeth are at an increased risk of developing:
- Gum disease
- Tooth Decay
- TMJ
- Bite Disorders
Washington, DC cosmetic dentist Dr. Justin Deckard offers solutions for patients with crooked or misaligned teeth. Treating crooked teeth can help restore your oral health and enhance the appearance of your natural smile.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Straightening crooked teeth is crucial at any age. Patients with crooked teeth are more inclined to develop serious oral health concerns. When the teeth are crooked, brushing and flossing become increasingly difficult. Patients are unable to clean all surfaces of the teeth, making their teeth more prone to developing tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. Realigning a crooked smile can improve a patients’ confidence and improve their overall oral health.
Straightening Crooked Teeth Without Braces
Dr. Deckard offers a range of cosmetic solutions that can encourage a straighter smile. We understand that most patients are seeking a solution to straighten crooked teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. Dr. Deckard can evaluate your oral health, discuss your cosmetic goals, and create a treatment plan based on your needs.
Treatment options for crooked teeth:
- Porcelain Veneers: Dr. Deckard can design and place beautifully crafted porcelain veneers that can improve the appearance of crooked teeth.
- Tooth Bonding: Tooth bonding is a quick, simple solution that can be used to enhance the appearance of a crooked tooth.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner that gradually repositions crooked teeth into proper alignment. Patients choose Invisalign because it offers a discreet, comfortable solution to address crooked teeth. Invisalign is ideal for both teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Is it necessary to fix crooked teeth?
While it isn’t necessary, we highly recommend that you fix crooked teeth. For starters, it’s a confidence boost and makes you more likely to show off your smile. But crooked teeth are also harder to clean, making you more susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease. Crooked teeth may also lead to issues with your bite if the pressure on the teeth does not distribute equally.
Why are my teeth becoming less aligned as I get older?
Even if you’ve had treatment for crooked teeth when you were younger, you may still have issues. As we get older, our lower jaw grows forward and gets a little bit narrower. This leads to teeth becoming more bunched, even if they were okay before.
What if I only have a single crooked tooth?
With the various available methods, single-tooth straightening is easier than you may think. If it doesn’t impact your smile’s health, we can easily bond or cover it with a porcelain veneer.
Do crooked teeth go back to normal?
In most cases, crooked teeth don’t return to normal on their own. To correct misaligned teeth misalignment, you will need orthodontic treatment. Braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign), or other dental appliances are some of the best solutions to crooked teeth. These treatments gradually shift your teeth into the proper position, resulting in a straighter smile. Consult your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best action for you.
What is the fastest way to fix crooked teeth?
The fastest way to fix crooked teeth depends on the severity of the misalignment. Clear aligners like Invisalign can be quicker than traditional braces for mild to moderate cases. Invisalign usually takes between 6 to 18 months. For complex cases, traditional braces may be necessary. Treatment times can range between 1-3 years for traditional braces. It’s important to consult with a dentist who can assess your specific situation.
How many years does it take for crooked teeth to straighten?
The time it takes to straighten crooked teeth will vary, depending on the severity of misalignment and the type of orthodontic treatment the orthodontist used. On average, traditional braces take about 18 to 24 months. On the other hand, clear aligners, like Invisalign, usually take 6 to 18 months. If your case is more complex, your treatment could take longer. Your orthodontist or dentist will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your case will take.
We create treatment plans on a personalized basis. Dr. Deckard takes time to examine your smile and understand your need before creating an appropriate treatment plan. To learn more about your treatment options for crooked teeth, visit DC Precision Dentistry in Washington, DC. To schedule an appointment, call (202) 851-7554 or request an appointment online.