Enhancing the smile by correcting any extent of teeth misalignment provides more than a confidence boost. A straight, aligned smile also helps preserve and maintain your dental health.
Choosing the most suitable treatment option will depend on the severity of misalignment, expected results, and your dental concerns.
Understanding Teeth Misalignment
Difficulty cleaning between hard-to-reach crevices is one of the most significant ways crooked teeth can affect our oral health. When teeth are misaligned, food debris, bacteria, and plaque buildup can quickly accumulate in these crevices, leading to dental problems.
Correcting this misalignment makes it easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease.
Correcting alignment reduces concerns like bite issues, jaw pain, and wear and tear on tooth enamel. When teeth are correctly aligned, chewing force is evenly distributed, reducing the risk of excessive grinding and enamel wear.
Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth
Some may wonder if teeth can naturally correct misalignment. This is a misconception. Teeth do not self-correct; rather, they often become more misaligned over time.
Orthodontic intervention is necessary to safely and effectively correct and maintain proper alignment. Natural remedies are usually unsafe and ineffective, highlighting the importance of professional treatment.
Our team at Kensington Dental can discuss the most suitable alignment option tailored to your lifestyle and dental needs.
Aligners
Aligners are a popular and effective treatment for correcting teeth misalignment.
These clear, plastic trays are custom-made to fit your teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position. One of the main benefits of aligners is that they are virtually invisible, making them an ideal choice for those concerned about the look of traditional braces. They are also removable, allowing for easy cleaning and eating without restrictions.
The treatment process for aligners involves wearing a series of trays for a specified period, typically around 22 hours daily. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next set. This process continues until the teeth are correctly aligned.
While aligners suit many people, they may not be the best option for those with severe misalignment or complex dental issues.
Braces
Braces are one of the most common treatments for misaligned teeth.
They consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth to move them into place gradually. Braces are great for treating various alignment issues, from minor crookedness to severe bite problems.
The treatment process for braces typically involves regular visits to the orthodontist to adjust the wires and confirm the teeth are moving correctly.
Braces are worn 24/7 and can take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years to achieve the desired results.
Crowns
A crown is a cap placed over the tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can improve the appearance of crooked teeth and protect those that have been weakened by decay or injury, making them a suitable option for those with damaged or weakened teeth.
Correcting crooked teeth with a crown involves reshaping the tooth to fit the crown and taking an impression to create a custom-made cap. Then, the crown is cemented in place.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that can correct minor alignment issues.
It involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the teeth, shaping them to improve their appearance, and using a specialized light to hold the structure in place. This can provide a relatively quick and affordable option for those with mild misalignment.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the teeth’s front surface to improve their appearance. They can correct various issues, including crooked teeth, gaps, and discoloration.
Veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin and are designed to look like natural teeth.
During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel and taking an impression. The veneers are custom-made and bonded to the teeth during the second visit.
Schedule a Consultation
Correcting misaligned teeth is not just about achieving a healthy, beautiful smile; it is about improving your overall dental health and quality of life. With a variety of treatment options to choose from, connect with our team at Kensington Dental Care to schedule a consultation about your smile transformation.
