Having crooked teeth is a cosmetic dental concern and can be embarrassing. But did you know that they can lead to serious health concerns? Crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing a challenge. They can allow food, debris, and plaque to build up between teeth. Plaque build-up can contribute to cavity formation and gum disease. Crooked teeth are one of the dental concerns that we treat at the Metropolitan Center For Complete Dentistry.
Thanks to modern dentistry, Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry can offer comfortable and convenient options for straightening teeth that are natural-looking and effective. Our dentists offer a number of conservative options to fix crooked teeth, including treatments with or without braces.
Straightening Teeth With Braces
Orthodontic treatment is the most common way to fix crooked teeth. Your options are either metal braces or clear aligners. Dr. Raj Upadya is a Preferred Provider for Invisalign in East Hanover, NJ. Clear aligners are best for patients who need mild to moderate orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® is a comfortable, convenient way to straighten teeth and has high patient satisfaction.
Metal braces are used for patients who need more significant orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth. Oftentimes, orthodontic treatment with metal braces can be combined with Invisalign® therapy to achieve optimal results without prolonged use of metal braces.
Benefits of Choosing Invisalign
Invisalign offers so many more benefits than metal braces. People prefer them because they are removable and clear. You can take out the aligners to continue brushing and flossing daily as you normally would. The removable aligners also allow you to eat normally, without restrictions, and not have to deal with getting food trapped between the braces and your teeth.
Not many people will notice you are wearing them since they are clear and difficult even to notice. Additional benefits include:
- Shorter treatment times
- No dietary restrictions
- More comfortable and removable
- Use discreet, clear aligners
- No tooth enamel staining from permanently attached brackets
Straightening Teeth Without Braces
There are also options for straightening teeth without braces. Dr. Upadya will carefully evaluate your condition to determine if you are a candidate. Straightening teeth without braces is used when there are no health considerations that would require braces. Common treatment options for straightening teeth without braces include porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells bonded to teeth’ front and sides. They are not considered permanent dental restoration since they will eventually need to be replaced. However, they are not irreversible since a small tooth layer must be removed to accommodate them.
Teeth veneers can disguise almost any cosmetic imperfection on your teeth, including minor problems with tooth alignment.
Dental crowns cover the entire tooth and are well-suited for teeth with more significant alignment issues. They fit over a tooth like a cap and are permanently bonded into place. The crown provides strength, aesthetics, and lasting, durable function.
A tooth crown is stain and decay-resistant and can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile for beautiful results. A dental crown is well suited for people with significantly crooked teeth and teeth compromised by decay or broken teeth.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Read answers to popular questions about crooked teeth in East Hanover, NJ:
Can teeth be straightened at any age?
Teeth can be straightened at almost any age, whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult. However, correcting misaligned teeth when you’re younger is easier because your teeth and gums are still developing. At a younger age, the bones in your mouth are more flexible, which helps the treatment work more quickly and effectively.
That being said, you can straighten teeth as an adult, though it might take a little longer and may require different techniques. No matter your age, if you have crooked or misaligned teeth, we can help.
Is it bad to have crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are perfectly okay. Many people live with them without any major problems. However, in some cases, crooked teeth can lead to issues with bite function, which is how your teeth come together when you bite or chew.
When this happens, it can cause discomfort or problems in eating, speaking, or even cleaning your teeth properly. In these cases, many patients choose to fix their teeth for better tooth function and comfort.
Do crooked teeth get worse as you age?
As we get older, our bone density decreases, which can lead to changes in the structure of our jawbones. This weakening of the bones can cause them to shift, and as a result, our teeth can start to crowd together or become more misaligned. If your teeth are already crooked or crowded, you may notice that they get worse over time.
Do crooked teeth cause problems?
Yes, crooked teeth can cause several health problems. When teeth are misaligned, they can make it harder to clean all areas of your teeth properly. This can lead to problems like tooth decay and gum disease, as food particles and plaque get trapped in hard-to-reach places. Misaligned teeth can also contribute to bad breath if bacteria build up.
In some cases, crooked teeth can even affect your bite, leading to jaw issues like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), which can cause pain, headaches, or clicking sounds when you open and close your mouth. Also, if your teeth are crooked or crowded, they may shift over time and get worse.
Are crooked teeth genetic?
You can inherit crooked teeth from your ancestors, but genetics isn’t the only factor that affects tooth alignment. Maintaining a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help avoid tooth shifting and crookedness.
Can crooked teeth fix themselves?
Crooked teeth usually do not fix themselves. While some minor adjustments can happen naturally, teeth typically don’t move into the correct position on their own. If your teeth are misaligned or crooked, schedule an appointment with us. We can assess your situation and recommend treatments to align your teeth properly.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
If you have crooked teeth and want teeth straightening options, contact the Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raj Upadya. Dr. Upadya is an expert dentist in the Summit, NJ, and East Hanover, NJ areas. Call us at 973-241-5169 or request a consultation online today.