Crooked teeth, or teeth that do not align properly are dental concerns that dentists see often. Although addressing crooked teeth is a cosmetic concern, it may also improve oral health.
Crooked teeth can affect the function, appearance, and health of your teeth. Patients with crooked teeth are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, TMJ, and bite disorders. For more information on TMJ disorders and our treatments, visit TMJ Treatment.
Dr. Justin Deckard offers solutions for patients with misaligned or crooked teeth in Washington, DC. Treating crooked teeth can help restore your oral health and enhance the appearance of your natural smile.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth in Washington, DC?
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.
Food debris can get stuck between teeth that are crooked or overlap. Harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches, their digestive acids irritating the gum tissue and breaking down natural tooth enamel. Realigning a crooked smile can improve a patient’s confidence and oral health. Patients can easily floss between each tooth and thoroughly clean their teeth and gums with a more balanced smile.
Invisalign for Crooked Teeth
Clear Invisalign aligners are one of the best treatment options for patients with crooked teeth. Invisalign gradually straightens crooked teeth with aligners that shift teeth into a more even position. There are many benefits to Invisalign treatment for teens and adults.
Because Invisalign aligners are clear, they offer more discreet options for patients who do not want braces that use colored elastic and metal wires and brackets. Invisalign aligners are also removable, so patients do not have dietary restrictions and do not need to try to clean their teeth and gums behind their orthodontic appliance.
We recommend Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. In addition to crooked teeth, Invisalign can address underbites, overbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth.
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 to improve crooked teeth appearance. Veneers are shell-like treatments that can cover a single or all teeth that show when you smile.
- Tooth Bonding: Tooth bonding is a quick, simple solution that can enhance the appearance of one or more slightly crooked teeth. Bonding uses a malleable composite resin that we match to your desired shade. We can sculpt this material to a slightly crooked tooth and harden it with a curing light. Dental bonding is a good option if your crooked tooth or teeth do not impact your bite.
- 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 for crooked teeth and other orthodontic dental problems. Invisalign is ideal for 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. If the pressure on the teeth is not distributed equally, crooked teeth may also lead to issues with your bite.
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 quickly 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. 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. Traditional braces may be necessary for patients. Treatment times can range between 1 and 3 years for traditional braces. It is essential 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 can give you a more accurate estimate of how long your case will take.
We create personalized treatment plans. Dr. Deckard takes time to examine your smile and understand your needs before making an appropriate treatment plan. To learn more about your treatment options for crooked teeth, visit DC Precision Dentistry in Washington, DC.
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office today at (202) 851-7554 or requesting a dental appointment online.