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, we also treat the following orthodontic problems using 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 missing teeth. By choosing to align your teeth using clear aligners, you are potentially avoiding costly dental treatments.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
There are many things that cause crooked teeth. Sometimes things out of your control cause crooked teeth, such as genetics, a misaligned jaw, or a small jaw. They can also cause issues such as gum disease, tissue damage, injury, missing teeth, bad habits, and even headaches. 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 that you will have crooked teeth.
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 teeth shifting into bad positions. The good news is that crooked teeth are highly treatable with modern orthodontic treatments. Before beginning a treatment plan, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of the misalignment.
One of the most common causes of crooked teeth is genetic predisposition. If your parents or grandparents had misaligned teeth, chances are that you’ll inherit similar characteristics. Additionally, if teeth are lost or not replaced, crooked teeth can develop over time as the remaining teeth attempt to fill the empty space.
Bad habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and breathing through your mouth can also cause teeth to shift. Improperly watched pacifier and thumb-sucking habits can cause the teeth to overlap. Whenever possible, encourage your children to use pacifiers irregularly and to break the habit of thumb-sucking by age three or four.
Finally, incorrect orthodontic treatments can cause crooked teeth. This is why it’s so important to choose an orthodontist you trust in Silver Spring, MD. If braces or other treatments are not correctly applied or monitored, there is a risk for permanent misalignment.
If you or your children are experiencing crooked teeth, it’s important to visit an experienced orthodontist in Silver Spring, MD to discuss the ideal treatment plan. After a thorough examination and evaluation, we can help you determine the underlying cause of your crooked teeth and create a treatment plan to straighten them.
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 aligner systems, including:
- 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 consist of clear plastic that is virtually unnoticeable. 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, you must wear clear aligners for at least 22 hours a day to have successful results.
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! If you live in Silver Spring, MD and are seeing signs of crooked teeth, call Dechter & Moy Dentistry at (301) 508-9755 or request an appointment online anytime.