Last updated on September 9th, 2023
Crooked teeth are usually regarded as an aesthetic problem, however, they may cause various functional oral problems, as well. Therefore, treating crooked teeth and getting rid of the crowded, misalignments, or twisted teeth can help you prevent further problems in addition to smiling better.
Fortunately, today’s cosmetic dentistry offers a lot of effective treatments to overcome crooked teeth. In this post, you will learn many things about crooked teeth as well as the treatment options you can consider.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can be caused by various factors. According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), there are four potential factors that might lead to crooked teeth:
Genetics
Crooked teeth are usually attributed to heredity. That is, a child normally takes the teeth and jaw structure from his/her parents. Even if the mother and father have good-looking teeth and jaw structures, it is still possible that the child may have problems such as an overbite or underbite due to crowded and crooked teeth. This may be because the child might inherit large teeth from one parent and a small jaw structure from the other, which results in crooked teeth.
Childhood Habits
It’s common for infants and young children to suck on pacifiers, thumbs, or fingers. However, if this behavior continues past the age of three, it can lead to a higher likelihood of developing misaligned teeth and jaws.
Baby Teeth Loss
Children may not be able to conduct adequate dental care by themselves and this can lead them to have cavities in a short time. Thus, they lose their baby teeth earlier than expected. The early loss of the baby teeth causes the back teeth to come forward, which leaves less space for the incoming adult teeth. When the adult teeth can’t find enough space to fit they get crowded and the teeth become crooked.
Poor Oral Hygiene
As with many other problems, poor oral hygiene plays a crucial role in crooked teeth. Poor oral hygiene eventually leads to tooth loss, and once you lose a tooth, further problems such as gaps or partial crowding can appear. Moreover, crowding or spacing can make your remaining teeth vulnerable to further damage, and gradually, further tooth loss. So, you might find yourself trapped in a vicious cycle.
What Problems Are Related To Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth may be a factor in some oral problems. The following issues are some of the most common ones:
Gum Disease
Crooked or crowded teeth can eventually lead to various forms of gum disease. At first, irritation and gingivitis are observed. In more severe cases, gums start to bleed, and periodontitis might follow.
Wear And Tear
Crooked teeth are usually misaligned, and the teeth are prone to wear and tear as a result of opening and closing the mouth.
Chewing Difficulty
Crooked teeth can make chewing a real challenge for patients. In most cases, chewing with crooked teeth is not thorough, and this might lead to problems in digestion.
Speech Difficulty
Problems with the pronunciation of some sounds and words is another common issue for patients with crooked teeth.
Lower Self-Confidence
Though some are happy with their crooked teeth, the majority of people don’t like them aesthetically. They feel uncomfortable with the way they smile and avoid exposing their grin. Also, since crooked teeth are harder to clean, the problem of discoloration is quite common, which is another factor undermining people’s self-esteem.
What Are Treatment Options For Crooked Teeth?
There are various treatment options available for correcting crooked teeth, depending on the severity of the misalignment, the age of the patient, and other individual factors. Here are some common treatments:
Braces
Braces are, arguably, the most common treatment given to patients suffering from crooked teeth. They correct the position of the teeth into the desired alignment over time. Even relatively serious cases of misalignment or crowding can be taken care of with braces. You should also note that patients are required to follow the dentist’s advice very strictly as brace treatment requires the patient’s cooperation.
You can find traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, or clear braces on the market. Your dentist can give you the best advice regarding the types of braces that can help you the most.
Invisible Dental Aligners
Invisible dental aligners, also called by the brand name Invisalign®, are similar to clear braces. They are both difficult to notice when placed over the teeth. The biggest difference is that braces need to be adjusted by an orthodontist while aligners have to be replaced every 1-2 weeks. Aligners are an effective way to correct crooked teeth and smile without surgery.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, putting composite bonding on crooked teeth, is used to restore minimal imperfections on the teeth. They apply a resin material of the same color on the problematic tooth. If the patient has only a few crooked or gappy teeth, the aesthetic problem can be taken care of with dental bonding.
Surgery
For some patients, braces, aligners, or bonding treatments may not help correct severely crooked teeth. An orthognathic surgery, though a more invasive way to get rid of crooked teeth, can fix the jaw position and misalignment problems effectively.
In this video, crooked teeth treatment of a patient is meticulously demonstrated, showcasing the transformative journey from misalignment to a harmonious smile.
For more detailed information on cosmetic dentistry procedures related to crooked teeth and other dental concerns, you can refer to this comprehensive guide on cosmetic dentistry types and procedures.
How To Fix Crooked Teeth Instantly With No Drilling?
Dental bonding, braces, dental aligners, and Non-prep veneers are no-drill treatments for crooked teeth. So, depending on the exact problem with your teeth, you can discuss your options with a dentist.
How To Fix Crooked Teeth Without Braces Or Invisalign?
If you think braces and Invisalign take too long , and surgery sounds too invasive to you, you should consider dental bonding. However, dental bonding is only applicable for minor problems with crooked teeth.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Crooked Tooth?
The cost of crooked teeth treatment can vary depending on the type of procedure that the patients are getting. For example, braces and aligners are among the most expensive treatments, and they might cost as much as $8,000. Jaw surgery costs are a little bit unclear since the operational costs vary depending on the surgical process and many other factors.
What Is The Cost Effective Way Of Fixing Crooked Teeth
Dental bonding is usually the least expensive treatment for crooked teeth. You can typically do this treatment for about $250. However, you should take into consideration that dental bonding can only help with minor problems.
FAQs
You can find some popular questions about crooked teeth here:
Are Crooked Teeth Permanent?
The problem can correct itself for the children in time, but if the teeth are still crooked when the teeth are fully grown, then you should see a dentist.
Do Crooked Teeth Get Worse With Age?
Owing to the changing lip and bone structure, even slightly crooked teeth have a tendency to get worse over time.
Can Crooked Teeth Be Fixed At Any Age?
Yes, crooked or overlapping teeth can be treated at any age.
How Can I Straighten My Crooked Teeth At Home?
There are numerous ways promoted on the internet for those with crooked teeth to deal with the problem at home. However, such techniques are not safe to do before consulting a dental professional.
How Long Does It Take To Fix Crooked Teeth?
In most cases, 1-2 years are needed to resolve problems with teeth. The severity of the problem is the key factor in the duration of the treatment.
How Should I Brush My Very Crooked Teeth?
You should use a small-headed brush and make sure it reaches everywhere in the mouth. Also, you should support your brushing with floss and Waterpik. Regular brushing techniques and toothbrushes can fail to clean crooked or overcrowded teeth properly.
How Much Crooked Teeth Affects The Attractiveness Of A Person?
Though some people consider crooked teeth lucky or charming, there are still many others trying to get rid of their uneven teeth. Crooked front teeth are especially a cause for concern for some.
Are There Celebrities With Crooked Teeth?
Many people are seeking ways to fix crooked teeth, and celebrities are no exception. For example, Madonna, Zac Efron, and Tom Cruise had crooked teeth before, but now thanks to the dental work they had, they have Hollywood smiles now.
