What Are Your Options for Crooked Teeth?

Do you have crooked teeth? Are you wondering what you can do about them?

It’s not uncommon to have crooked teeth as a child. This can be caused by genetics, tooth accidents, or a number of other factors. However, it’s not uncommon for those crooked teeth to stay that way into adulthood, too.

If this sounds like you, you may be wondering what you can do about it. You may wonder how to fix crooked teeth, and what your options are.

Here’s what you need to know about crooked teeth and how to deal with them.

Braces

Orthodontic braces are devices used to bring teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Brackets are cemented to each tooth and connected with metal wires. The metal wires will need to adjust a few times over the course of the treatment to move the teeth into place.

The brackets are usually made of stainless steel or a combination of stainless steel and ceramic. It help reduce overcrowding and correct the bite, and may even be used to treat certain jaw problems.

Retainers

Retainers are from plastic or metal and they are custom-made for each patient. They may be either removable or fixed. Retainers can be worn for up to six months and night-time wear may be needed for a longer period of time.

Once the retainer is complete, regular checkups with your orthodontist are a must to make sure teeth are staying in their correct position and the retainer is still functioning. Keeping your retainers clean is also important, since any bacteria or plaque on the retainers can cause tooth decay or other dental issues.

Dental Veneers

A thin layer of material is customized to fit one’s teeth and cemented onto them. Veneers are generally made of porcelain, yet there are composite resin and metal options. Porcelain has a translucency that is very natural-looking and can match one’s tooth color.

Veneers can fix crowded, worn, or misaligned teeth, and can hide chips, cracks, and stains. Veneers are permanent but can be replaced if necessary. They usually last between 10 and 15 years and can boost confidence and give a bright smile.

Invisalign

It is an invisible alternative to traditional braces, making it more pleasing and discreet. Invisalign looks natural and can even be noticeable while still correcting the patient’s alignment.

A cosmetic dentist is the perfect qualified professional to explain the different options available and assess whether Invisalign is the right option for the patient. 

Crowns

They are placed on top of the tooth and custom-made to cover the entire visible part of the tooth. These crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, metal, and composite resin.

Crowns are great for treating teeth that are chipped, cracked, badly decayed, or misaligned. They can also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth or to correct the bite. 

Dental Procedures to Fix Crooked Teeth

Your options for crooked teeth are widely available – from dental braces to aligners to retainers. Regardless of your chosen treatment plan, it’s essential to have a dentist’s opinion and to take the appropriate steps to ensure you achieve the desired results for a healthy smile. Don’t hesitate to contact your local dentist today to learn more about your options.

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