Many people of all ages have crooked teeth. This condition can lead to self-esteem and confidence issues. It is one of the most common dental concerns and issues we deal with regularly. Additionally, it can lead to oral health problems. Getting straight teeth can help you smile with confidence again and prevent many health problems.
Thompson Advanced Dentistry, home to Dr. Joseph Thompson, provides patients with several options to straighten their crooked teeth.
Why Some People Have Crooked Teeth
Some people have crooked teeth because of genetics, habits, or how their mouth grows. If your parents had crooked teeth, you will likely have them toot. Genetics plays a role in crooked teeth because the size of your jaw and teeth can be inherited from your parents. Also, the way your teeth fit together is sometimes a hereditary trait.
Another reason is childhood habits like thumb sucking, using a pacifier for too long, or even pushing the tongue against the teeth. These habits can slowly move the teeth out of place. Losing baby teeth too early or too late can also cause adult teeth to come in at odd angles.
There are some cases when a person has a mouth that is too small for all their teeth. The teeth then crowd together. The upper and lower jaws may not line up in other cases, leading to an uneven bite.
Of course, if you have bad oral hygiene habits, this can also lead to crooked teeth. Bad oral hygiene can cause plaque and tartar to a build-up on the teeth. If you do not clean your teeth regularly, you will develop gum disease and tooth decay. These dental problems issues can lead to the gradual shifting of teeth out of alignment as the gums and bone supporting the teeth weaken.
Even though crooked teeth are common, you do not always need to fix them. But if they cause problems with chewing, speaking, or cleaning, orthodontic treatments can help. Your dentist will do an oral exam to see if you should correct your teeth.
Why Should I to Straighten My Crooked Teeth?
For some people, crooked teeth simply ruin their smile. But most dentists will suggest treatment because of the oral health complications it can lead to. Straight teeth are so much easier to care for. With crooked teeth, there are many spots that can be hard to reach and keep clean. This will increase your risk of developing gum disease and cavities.
Teeth that are out of alignment are also at a greater risk for wear and tear. This can lead to chips, cracks, and severe damage to teeth. It can also lead to enamel erosion. Once the enamel on your teeth is gone, it cannot be replaced. Treatment to fix these issues can often be expensive and painful.
Treatment for Crooked Teeth in Greeley, CO
Traditional metal braces are not the only way to get straight teeth. Dr. Thompson offers several clear aligner options to fix teeth that are out of alignment. ClearCorrect® and Invisalign® are both plastic aligner trays that are custom made to move patient’s teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign clear aligners are made from a comfortable plastic called SmartTrack®. This material is exclusively patented for them. This material is known to provide patients with a more secure and comfortable fit than other type of aligners. Invisalign will straighten teeth in about 6 to 12 months depending on the severity of the crooked teeth.
ClearCorrect® aligners are made of a thinner and lighter material. This seems to make them less noticeable. However, it also makes them less sturdy and not as durable as other aligners. This treatment can take 6, 12, or more months to complete.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners for Crooked Teeth
Clear aligners are a very popular way to treat crooked teeth. They are very discreet unlike traditional, metal braces. Not many people will even notice you are wearing them. They are made of flexible and comfortable plastic that do not require metal brackets and wires that may poke and prod the inside of your mouth. You will not have to deal with tooth enamel staining from having brackets attached to your teeth the entire length of your treatment.
With clear aligner treatment, you can remove the aligners when you need to. While you have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day, you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. You will not have to adhere to any eating restrictions.
Other Treatment Options to Achieve a Straight and Healthy Smile
Some people do not need orthodontic treatment to achieve a straight smile. We also offer other options for straightening crooked teeth. After Dr. Thompson examines your teeth, he will let you know if you qualify for one of these treatments:
- Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that Dr. Thompson will bond to the front of your teeth. We custom-make them to fit over the front surface of each tooth. By bonding dental veneers to the teeth, they can hide misalignments and create the appearance of straighter teeth.
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves putting a tooth-colored resin to the surface of your teeth. This cosmetic treatment will reshape and cover up imperfections on any tooth. Dr. Thompson can strategically place the bonding material to make crooked teeth appear smooth and straight. Teeth bonding is a less invasive and more cost-effective treatment for minor cases of crooked teeth.
- Dental Crowns: We can also use crowns to cover and reshape crooked teeth. A crown is a cap that encases the whole tooth. Essentially, Dr. Thompson will completely change the appearance of a tooth with a crown. This restoration can improve the appearance of a crooked tooth and make it straighter. Dental crowns can also improve the tooth’s function by providing extra support and stability.
Book Your Consultation for Crooked Teeth in Greeley, CO
Dr. Thompson offers both ClearCorrect® and Invisalign® clear aligners to patients with crooked teeth. If you are interested in learning more about these discreet and easy orthodontic treatment, call our office at 970.205.9614 or use our online appointment request form.