7 Steps Adults Can Take to Fix Crooked Teeth
Everybody wants the perfect smile with pearly white, properly aligned teeth. However, crooked teeth are one of the most common dental problems adults have to deal with. They affect both your appearance and your ability to maintain proper oral health.
There are many different causes of crooked teeth, ranging from genetics to accidents. Even if you had perfectly aligned teeth as a child, they can begin to shift as you age. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address this concern. Here are seven recommendations for managing misaligned teeth in adulthood.
1. Get Braces
Braces are perhaps the most effective treatment for crooked teeth in adults. They exert pressure on the teeth forcing them to realign in several months or years. You will need to visit a specialist every few months to have them tightened and adjusted as needed.
Braces often consist of brackets, which bond to the teeth, and wires, which hold the brackets in position and exert pressure to move the teeth into their proper position. There are different types of braces including traditional metal braces which are also the most common. These are crafted from stainless steel and fastened to the wire using elastic ligatures. While they excel in effectively correcting misaligned teeth, they also stand out the most in terms of visibility.
2. Invisalign
Invisible braces or clear aligners are removable plastic trays fit over your teeth. They work like braces by putting pressure on your teeth to align them. A healthcare provider will customize them to perfectly fit your teeth and shift them gradually until the problem is gone. You will need to get a replacement every few weeks as your teeth move into position.
They work well when dealing with mild cases of crooked teeth. They are more discrete making them perfect for people with aesthetic concerns about braces while fixing the same problems braces would. An additional advantage of opting for Invisalign is the ease of removal for cleaning purposes. Your healthcare provider will provide precise guidelines regarding the duration of wear and the proper cleaning routine.
3. Jaw Surgery
Severe cases of malocclusion will require surgical intervention to get rid of the problem. A dentist may also recommend orthognathic surgery combined with braces to treat severe bite problems. Surgery may not be necessary for children with misaligned jaws. You can use a combination of orthodontic appliances and braces. However, adults have fully developed jaws which can only be realigned through surgery.
4. Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Most cosmetic dentistry options either cover or partially replace crooked teeth to correct misalignments. They can make them straighter and improve their shape. Make sure you consult with a specialist in cosmetic dentistry in Wayzata, MN to find out if you qualify for these treatments. They will take a look at overall health and the possibility of developing complications before they can recommend the ideal treatments.
Veneers are one aesthetic treatment for crooked teeth. A dentist will fit porcelain or composite shells over the front surface of your teeth to make them appear straighter. They may also fill in gaps in your teeth with composite resin through a process called dental bonding.
5. Dental Implants
If your teeth are damaged to the root, you may need to totally get rid of them and replace them with an artificial tooth root fitted in your jawbone. They bond with the bone over time so you can install replacement teeth known as dental crowns. Dental implants are similar to your teeth in feel, look, and function.
Dental implants serve as stable anchors for orthodontic devices like braces and clear aligners. These implants provide a secure foundation for the repositioning of teeth, ensuring that the alignment process is both effective and lasting. They aid in the preservation of adjacent teeth by eliminating the need for invasive procedures like tooth reduction or filing, which are often necessary with traditional orthodontic treatments.
6. Treat Underlying Conditions
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems and one that can lead to crooked teeth. Most cases of gum disease result from plaque buildup so you can best deal with it by improving your dental care routine at home. In more severe cases, those capable of causing crooked teeth, may need to engage with a healthcare professional.
7. Take Better Care of Your Teeth
Crooked teeth are hard to clean and affect how you perceive yourself. They also elevate the potential for certain oral health issues like dental caries, temporomandibular joint disorders, sleep apnea, periodontal disease, and speech impediments. It’s crucial to remember to brush your teeth twice daily using toothpaste containing fluoride to fortify the enamel. Floss after meals to clean tough to reach areas to lower the risk of tooth decay.
Endnote
Crooked teeth are a common concern for many people, and the ideal treatment varies depending on the severity of the problem. Keep the above tips in mind to help you feel pride in your smile.
