Crooked Teeth: Causes, Concerns, and How to Straighten
Do not worry – crooked and misaligned teeth are a very common problem, which can be easily rectified.
If your teeth are crooked, you should feel no pressure to straighten them as they pose no huge oral health risk, however, if you are unhappy with your smile because of its looks and it makes eating and speaking difficult, you can have them realigned or concealed.
Here at the Gentle Dental, we offer a range of treatments that are designed to suit you and your unique condition.
Whether it’s cosmetic work or orthodontics, we are here to find the best solution that works for you.
Issues caused by crooked teeth
Crooked teeth are often caused by baby teeth moving into crooked positions when they are too small to fill the space in the gum, genetics, overcrowding in the mouth and habits like using a pacifier and tongue thrusting.
Health issues crooked teeth cause include:
- Periodontal disease
- Chewing/digestion problems
- Wear and tear to teeth, gums and jaw
- Can result in teeth cracking, jaw strain and temporomandibular joint disorder
- Problems with speech
- Lack of self-esteem
Should they be straightened?
This decision is completely up to you.
For many patients, the decision comes down to cost.
As experienced dentists, we would advise that it is best to make a decision that is beneficial to your oral health, which will save you money on your oral care in the future.
We have dental plans and finance options to suit a variety of households – talk to us today to explore your options.
If the appearance of your teeth makes you feel self-conscious, this might be affecting your self-esteem and might be the reason you want to pursue treatment.
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The risks of ignoring the problem
Whilst the majority of crooked teeth cases have no major underlying oral conditions, they can sometimes be a potential threat to your oral health.
In cases where teeth are severely crooked, gum disease can form.
Most of the gum diseases cases we come across arrive as a ramification of crooked teeth.
Gum disease is a serious issue that can cause teeth to become loose and gums to recede.
If gum disease is permitted to grow it can develop into the more serious periodontal disease and then periodontitis, which is a serious condition that damages the jaw bone and teeth.
Fixing crooked teeth with veneers
This procedure is the quickest way to correct imperfections and alignment issues.
Completed in just three appointments, veneers are a popular option because they are minimally invasive and conceal imperfections quickly.
Unlike crowns, wafer-thin veneers require no additional shaving, shaping or drilling. To be applied, enamel on the front of the tooth is roughened so that the veneer can be applied securely.
A permanent treatment, veneers can last a lifetime and the process cannot be reversed.
Other brands of veneers like composite veneers, use a resin material, which is not as durable but does not alter or affect the teeth in any way.
Fixing crooked teeth with braces
- Metal braces: The recommended choice for severe cases involves using traditional, fixed braces, which can take up to 24 months to align teeth.
- Ceramic braces: Similar to metal braces, they use tooth-coloured wire that does not stand out as much. The process is the same as metal braces, however, because of their colour cost more. More.
- Invisible braces: As the name suggests, Invisalign uses invisible, clear aligners to straighten teeth faster than conventional methods. Monthly payment options are available.
- Lingual braces: Another invisible method of aligning teeth, they are like traditional braces except they are attached to the back of the teeth rather than the front. More.
Get an interest-free loan in under 5 minutes
It only takes 2 minutes to apply and you’ll get an answer immediately – applying for a loan has never been easier.
0% finance is available for many treatments up to £30,000. Credit decisions will be subject to individual circumstances. You must be over 18 and earn an income to apply.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make your smile a few shades whiter.
Though many over-the-counter kits can whiten your teeth at home, it is better to undergo this treatment with a professional dentist from £300.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is a cosmetic treatment that is most commonly used to repair cracks, chips, or small gaps in between the teeth.
A resin is applied to the teeth, before being shaped by one of our highly skilled cosmetic dentists to match your teeth.
Gum Reshaping
If you are conscious that your smile is gummy and you have short teeth, or your gum line is uneven, then gum reshaping is a perfect option for you.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover can mean anything from a veneer right through to full mouth reconstructive treatment.
Cosmetic Contouring
If you are wary of long or uneven teeth, then cosmetic dental contouring is a perfect way of evening out your smile.
