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Overlapping or misaligned teeth (crooked teeth) are common and occur for various reasons. It’s typically harmless and doesn’t always need correction.
However, treatments are available if an unaligned smile affects your self-esteem or puts you at risk for health issues. This article explains the causes of crooked teeth, its potential health risks, and treatment options to help you achieve a straight smile.
Dentistry has advanced so much in the past few decades. Nowadays, there are many treatment options for correcting misaligned teeth besides traditional braces.
These also vary depending on your needs and budget. These treatment options include:
Invisalign is a popular treatment option to correct mild to moderate malocclusion cases. It can even correct some severe issues of crooked teeth thanks to its high-end technology.
One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign treatment is direct supervision by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Because of this, you can be sure that each tray will be custom-fit for you.
These nearly invisible and removable aligners are an excellent option for people looking for a discreet orthodontic option. They’re also removable, making them convenient for eating and cleaning.
Braces are a reliable option to correct crooked teeth. They come in traditional metal and tooth-colored ceramic brackets.
Braces help correct mild, moderate, and severe cases of crooked teeth to deliver a perfect smile and bite. The average treatment length for braces is 24 months. But this varies from person to person.
For minor or mild cases of crooked teeth, at-home aligners can be a convenient direct-to-consumer option.
They’re typically less expensive than braces and Invisalign. They also provide the convenience of completing treatment from your home.
At-home aligners are supervised by a licensed dentist. They provide at-home impressions and deliver all aligner trays at once. Many people opt for at-home aligners to correct crowded teeth because they offer an affordable and discreet way to straighten teeth.
If traditional orthodontics or at-home aligners are not for you, consider other treatment options that may correct a crooked smile.
These include:
Orthodontic work is a significant investment in your oral health and overall well-being. Fees will depend on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose, the dentist, and the location.
For example, you can expect to spend $5,000 to $9,000 for metal braces. The average cost for braces is around $6,000.
Invisalign typically ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. Meanwhile, at-home aligners cost between $1,100 and $2,300.
Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.
Oftentimes crooked teeth are inherited, if your parents have crooked teeth, chances are you’ll have them too. Even if you take proper care of your teeth.
However, there are other factors that contribute to the misalignment of teeth. These include:
Crooked teeth are typically a cosmetic concern, not an oral health problem. However, there are cases where they can affect your quality of life and self-esteem.
In some cases, people may have problems pronouncing certain words or chewing properly. Crooked teeth can also put you at risk for specific health issues.
For example, crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean hard-to-reach areas, resulting in gingivitis and potentially leading to tooth decay or advanced gum disease (periodontal disease).
It can also cause damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles. This can often result in chipped or cracked teeth, jaw strain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
If you feel comfortable with the size and shape of your natural teeth, it’s perfectly fine to leave them as they are. Crooked teeth should be fixed if they negatively affect your self-esteem or threaten your dental health.
A straighter smile can do more than improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence. Teeth straightening may be necessary if periodontitis is a concern.
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