Crooked teeth are one of the fairly common dental concerns 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 crossbites, overbites, underbites, and tooth gaps with clear aligners.
Treating orthodontic problems is essential for your oral health. Patients with crooked teeth are more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ disorders. All these dental problems can lead to chronic pain and even missing teeth. You can avoid costly dental treatments by choosing to align your teeth with clear aligners.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Many things 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 causegum disease, tissue damage, injury, missing teeth, bad habits, and even headaches. If your parents or siblings suffer from orthodontic problems, then you might too. Also, 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 you begin a treatment plan, you should 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. Also, 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 you want 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 of 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.
Why Do I Need to Fix My Crooked Teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth can help your tooth appearance and health. From an aesthetic standpoint, having straight teeth will help you feel more confident and give you an attractive smile. These factors will significantly improve your self-esteem and social interactions. A well-aligned set of teeth can also impact how others perceive you. It may impact career opportunities and professional relationships.
From a health perspective, crooked teeth can lead to various dental issues. Misaligned teeth are often harder to clean, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. Over time, these issues can result in complex dental health issues that will require costly restorative care.
Improper alignment can cause uneven wear on teeth, jaw pain, and even difficulty when you chew and speak. When you treat these issues with clear aligners or other treatment options, you can enhance your oral health and overall quality of life.
Crooked Teeth Treatment in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer many treatments to fix crooked teeth. Clear aligners are 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:
Invisalign®
Invisalign can straighten teeth with clear, custom-made, removable aligners. It offers a less visible alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a popular choice among adults and teens seeking a discreet way to improve their smile. The aligners are precisely engineered to apply controlled pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position over time.
You will receive a series of aligners and wear them for about two weeks before you move on to the next set. Invisalign is a popular choice for straightening teeth because it works well for many dental issues and looks better than braces.
ClearCorrect®
ClearCorrect® is an innovative orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth using clear, custom-made, removable aligners. When you compare ClearCorrect® to traditional braces, they offer a more aesthetic and comfortable option for patients who want to improve their alignment and overall oral health.
ClearCorrect® aligners are virtually invisible, appealing to adults and teens who prefer a discreet orthodontic treatment method. Patients will wear a series of aligners, each slightly different from the last. These aligners will gently and gradually moves the teeth into the desired position. ClearCorrect® has become a favored option for patients because they are effective, convenient, and minimally invasive.
MTM®
MTM® clear aligners are a crooked teeth treatment that stands for minor tooth movement. This specialized orthodontic treatment is designed to address minor tooth misalignment. The treatment uses clear, removable aligners that gradually reposition the teeth into their desired alignment.
MTM® is perfect for patients with slight crowding or spacing issues. The treatment offers a discreet and efficient alternative to traditional braces. Treatment also takes less time, between three to six months. The clear aligners are convenient and comfortable. They’re an appealing option for adults seeking minimal disruption to their daily lives while achieving an improved smile.
Which crooked teeth treatment is best for me?
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.
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. You can remove them when needed.
eing 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.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
We are here to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about crooked teeth in Silver Spring, MD:
Can wisdom teeth make your teeth crooked?
Wisdom teeth can indeed make your teeth crooked. As they erupt, they can push against existing teeth to cause crowding and shifting. This pressure can lead to misalignment, especially if there isn’t enough space in your mouth for the wisdom teeth. If necessary, we might recommend removing wisdom teeth to maintain your teeth’s alignment.
Are crooked teeth hereditary?
Yes, crooked teeth can be hereditary. Genetics can play a strong role in the shape and size of your jaw and teeth. This can affect how your teeth align. If your parents had crowded or misaligned teeth, you could inherit similar dental issues. Other factors, like thumb sucking or mouth breathing during childhood, can also contribute to crooked teeth. Regular dental check-ups can help manage and correct these issues early.
Can crooked teeth cause speech problems?
Yes, crooked teeth can cause speech problems. Misaligned teeth can affect how your tongue moves and creates sounds. This leads to difficulties with pronunciation and articulation. Speech issues might include lisping or trouble pronouncing certain sounds. Treating crooked teeth can help improve speech clarity and overall oral function.
Do crooked teeth affect chewing and digestion?
Yes, crooked teeth can affect how you chew and digest food. Misaligned teeth can make chewing food properly difficult. This may cause discomfort while eating, longer chewing times, and the swallowing of larger food particles. Also, misalignment can result in problems like indigestion, bloating, and reduced nutrient absorption.
People with misaligned teeth might avoid certain foods, which can impact their overall nutrition. The strain on jaw muscles can lead to TMJ disorders and related pain.
Are there any non-orthodontic treatments for crooked teeth?
Yes! Dental veneers can cover and improve the appearance of mildly crooked teeth to give them a straighter look. We can also use crowns to strengthen the alignment and appearance of crooked teeth. These cosmetic options don’t move the teeth but can provide a straighter appearance. Our office can help you find the best treatment based on your needs.
Does a retainer fix crooked teeth?
A retainer can help maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. However, it won’t fix significantly crooked teeth on its own. Retainers are designed to keep teeth in place and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. If you have minor misalignment, a retainer might help maintain alignment. For more significant corrections, you may need clear aligners like Invisalign.
Treat Crooked Teeth
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 see signs of crooked teeth, call Dechter and Moy Dentistry at (301) 508-9755. You can also request an appointment online anytime.