Are you ready to fix your crooked teeth? Do you find yourself covering your smile because of your crooked teeth? Treating crooked teeth not only improves teeth aesthetically but also benefits oral health. Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental concerns among patients of all ages.
Straightening and realigning crooked teeth can help prevent problems that may impact the form and function of teeth. After an extensive dental exam and bite analysis, Dr. Shulman can provide custom treatment options for long-term results.
Problems with Crooked Teeth
Straight teeth allow better access to areas between teeth like gums. Plaque can build up in places that crooked teeth make it difficult to clean. However, with the right treatment, you can prevent problems like tooth decay. Crooked teeth can lead to other dental issues, whether you notice them or not.
If left untreated, crooked teeth may lead to several problems including:
- Tooth wear, or worn teeth
- Increased risk of tooth decay
- Dental cavities
- Improper chewing, or unbalanced bite
- Strain on teeth, jaw, and muscles
Gum Disease: Developing periodontal, or gum disease is a common ramification of crooked teeth. Gum disease develops when bacteria in our mouth forms into plaque.
More Difficult To Clean Teeth: Toothbrush bristles and floss have a difficult time reaching the nooks and crannies between crooked teeth. This can lead to bacteria growth, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.
Cause Unnecessary Tooth Wear: Crowded bottom teeth often cause one or more teeth to protrude, which can rub against your upper teeth. Over time, this can lead to unnecessary tooth wear and the grinding down of tooth enamel.
Bad Breath: As bad as crooked teeth look, they can smell even worse. Lingering mouth bacteria is generally the cause of bad breath. It can be difficult to clean from in between crooked teeth.
Risk Of Additional Injuries: Protruding upper teeth are more likely to chip or crack in an accident. Such events can include playing contact sports, or simply an accident around the house. A crooked or protruding tooth can do unnecessary damage to other areas of your mouth, like your lips or cheeks.
Treatment for Crooked Teeth in Philadelphia, PA
Our Philadelphia dental office provides many options for patients with varying levels of treatment. Before treatment, Dr. Drew Shulman will thoroughly examine your teeth. We will take your budget and goals into consideration when planning treatment. The following is a list of treatment options we can provide.
Invisalign®
Dr. Shulman can use Invisalign® clear plastic aligners to realign your teeth. Invisalign aligners provide more comfort and are removable in comparison to traditional metal braces. Our team tailors each Invisalign treatment to each patient.
Your teeth will gradually straighten over time without the discomfort and embarrassment of metal braces. To learn more about how we can help you straighten your teeth using Invisalign, visit Invisalign.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is great for hiding one or two crooked teeth if they are not causing dental issues. It utilizes bio-composite material that your dentist sculpts and shapes into place, directly on a tooth.
Then, he “bonds” it in place using a special light. Best of all this treatment is not only for crooked teeth, but also for damaged and chipped teeth repair as well! To learn more about hiding a crooked tooth with bonding, visit Tooth bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Similar to tooth bonding, a porcelain veneers treatment is best for cosmetic issues. If you have a single crooked tooth that is affecting the look of your smile, you can hide it using a porcelain veneer. Consisting of high-quality porcelain, a dental veneer covers the front and sides of your tooth.
Your dentist may suggest this option to correct minor alignment issues and hide crooked teeth in your smile zone. To learn more about balancing out your smile and make it appear straighter using a veneer, visit Porcelain veneers.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that cover entire teeth and can treat a variety of dental issues, including crooked teeth! Like porcelain veneers, dental crowns improve teeth aesthetically. However, they are much stronger and can protect teeth from wear, damage, decay, and other oral health problems.
Furthermore, your dentist can color-match your crown to the color of your real teeth so it is not noticeable. They can last for many years with proper care. To learn more about how dental crowns can help you, visit Dental crowns.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Crooked teeth are a common problem that many people experience. It can be difficult to know what to do when you have crooked teeth because there are many treatments available. Read answers to some of the most frequent questions we get about crooked teeth.
Are crooked teeth a genetic issue?
Yes crooked teeth can be because of your genetics. For example, parents with small jaws are likely to have children with crooked teeth. Oftentimes their children’s jaws are also small and there is not enough room for their teeth to come in. However, genetics are not the only thing that can cause crooked teeth.
Other causes of crooked teeth can include:
- A birth defect
- A fractured jawbone during infancy or childhood
- Allergic reaction to pain medications
- The effects of natural aging
- Trauma to the face in an accident
Will teeth shift back to being crooked after having orthodontic treatment?
Teeth can shift post-treatment, but it takes a long time for them to shift. In most cases, they will not shift entirely back to the way they were before treatment. Dentists and orthodontists can attempt to prevent this by placing a fixed bonded retainer. The retainer is a bar behind your teeth that holds them in place and won’t allow them to shift back.
However, your best bet is to wear your retainer for at least twice as long as you had to wear braces or orthodontics. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the potential for your teeth to shift and what they suggest would be the best preventive methods.
What issues do having crooked teeth cause on a day-to-day basis?
Crooked teeth cause many issues for patients. Having crooked teeth makes it more difficult to chew. Crooked teeth can distract you from your daily activities, such as eating, speaking, and smiling. Trapped food between crooked teeth can also distract people on a daily basis.
Crooked teeth can sometimes cause gum disease, so it is definitely something to look into because of the issues they can pose. Those with a history of gum disease should address their gum disease before treating crooked teeth. The process could cause more harm than good.
On average, how long does it take to treat crooked teeth?
Treatment times vary because of the severity of the misaligned teeth, and the treatment options available to each patient. For example, some patients wear braces for six-to-eight months to correct their malocclusion issues. But it can take two years or longer for others.
The best way to determine how long it will take you is to schedule a dental visit for an exam and consultation. The length of your treatment will also depend on how well you follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation
Improve your oral health and the aesthetics of your teeth. To straighten your crooked teeth in Philadelphia, call us today at (215) 372-1142. You can also schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Shulman online.