A healthy smile is a reflection of good oral and overall health. If your teeth are crooked, it can be a source of embarrassment and adversely impact your self-confidence.
However, crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic concern. Misaligned teeth can affect your bite, increasing wear and tear on your tooth enamel and cause jaw strain. Crooked teeth are challenging to clean, potentially contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Straightening your teeth can improve your dental health and self-esteem.
At Dental Spot, we offer two treatment options for crooked teeth: orthodontic braces and clear aligners. Both are effective options, but one may be better for you depending on your personal needs.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
Many things can cause crooked teeth, including genetic predisposition, premature loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking as a child, excessive use of a dummy, and facial trauma.
Your jaw size can also result in crooked teeth. If your jaw is too small, there may not be enough space for your teeth to come in. Once your mouth is full, later erupting teeth will push older teeth to the side, resulting in a mouthful of crooked teeth.
If you or your child has crooked teeth, there are several teeth straightening techniques available, including an orthodontic treatment that use metal braces or clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth. If your jaw is small, you may also require several tooth extractions to make room.
How To Fix Crooked Teeth?
To determine the best teeth straightening process for you or your child, you will need to arrange an initial consultation with a dentist at the Dental Spot.
At your initial visit, we will take digital X-rays and conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth to identify the type of misalignment you have. We will discuss our recommendations and create a plan for how to move forward with your orthodontic treatment.
In some cases, you may need to schedule a tooth extraction to create enough space in the mouth. You will need to wait for your mouth and jaw to heal completely after your surgery before proceeding with your orthodontic treatment.
We explain each step, so you understand the process before beginning your teeth straightening treatment. We will ensure you fully understand the pros and cons of your treatment options and can help you determine the best choice for you.
Both clear aligners and traditional braces work by putting slow, steady pressure on your teeth to shift them into position.
If you choose clear aligners, we can use digital technology to show you what your smile will look like after completing your treatment.
Braces
The more traditional answer to how to fix crooked teeth is braces. Unlike the clear aligners, braces are clearly visible and affixed directly to your teeth. You’ll need to visit your dentist during your treatment for adjustments regularly.
Although braces are effective, they can also sometimes cause tender gums and affect confidence. However, if you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, conventional braces may be the best option for you.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
A newer answer to how to fix crooked teeth is Invisalign clear aligners. The clear trays allow you to straighten your teeth discreetly, making them ideal for adults and adolescents who want to avoid visible metal braces.
The aligners are made from a thin, transparent thermoplastic that is BPA and latex-free.
Your dentist uses CAD/CAM technology to customise the clear aligners, so they fit snugly over your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, you’ll receive multiple sets of trays, switching them out at home every two weeks. This switch ensures that the aligners continue to move each tooth into alignment gently, and means fewer trips to the dentist.
You’ll need to remove your aligners to eat, and brush and floss your teeth. For the best results, we recommend you wear your aligners for 20-22 hours daily.
The treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case and how often you wear your aligners. For most patients, their treatment will take one to two years. Throughout your treatment, we will schedule regular appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your treatment is successful.
If you are concerned about the cost of Invisalign clear aligners, talk with the team at Dental Spot about our financial assistance and payment programs for orthodontic treatment.
Contact Us
If you or your child has misaligned or crooked teeth, contact the team at Dental Spot today on (02) 9158 6115 to book an initial appointment and learn more about our teeth straightening methods.
