Crooked teeth are a fairly common dental issue many of our patients have to deal with. Dr. Alan Dechter and Dr. Matthew Moy offer treatment for crooked teeth in Silver Spring, MD. In addition to misaligned teeth, they also treat the following orthodontic problems utilizing clear aligners:
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crowding of teeth, spacing issues
- Gaps between teeth
Treating orthodontic problems is important for your oral health. Patients with crooked teeth have a higher chance of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders. All of these dental problems can lead to chronic pain and even tooth loss. By choosing to align your teeth with clear braces, you are potentially avoiding costly dental treatments.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
There are many things that cause crooked teeth. Sometimes it is simply caused by things out of your control such as genetics, a misaligned jaw, or a small jaw. If your parents or siblings suffer from orthodontic problems, then you might too. Additionally, if you have a small or crooked jaw then there is a good chance your teeth will come in crooked.
Other reasons for crooked teeth include injury, missing teeth, or bad habits. Trauma to the face can easily lead to damage that may cause the teeth to come in crooked or knock them out. Gaps in your smile may lead to shifting. Lastly, bad habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and breathing through your mouth can also cause teeth to shift.
Crooked Teeth Treatment in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer many treatments to fix your orthodontic problem. Clear aligners are becoming more and more popular because they will straighten your teeth just as well as metal braces but more discreetly. Our Silver Spring dentist office offers several types of clear braces systems:
- Invisalign®
- ClearCorrect®
- MTM®
These invisible aligner systems are very different than traditional metal braces. They involve wearing durable plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth. You will need to switch the aligners out at regular intervals, typically about every one to two weeks. Each set will gently push your teeth closer and closer to proper alignment. Treatment time is unique for each patient because it is based on their needs. Most patients can expect it to take about 9 to 15 months.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners for Crooked Teeth
Aligners that are invisible are very discreet. They are made of clear plastic and cannot be easily seen. This eliminates many embarrassing situations for adults and teens. Additionally, you can remove them when needed. Being able to remove your aligners will allow you to brush and floss your teeth without obstacles. This also allows you to eat any food you want with no restrictions! However, clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day.
Restore your smile with a dental exam and consult in Silver Spring, MD. We’ll discuss your dental treatment options to fix your crooked teeth and give you the smile you want for years to come! Call Dechter & Moy Dentistry at (301) 508-9755 or request an appointment online anytime.