Are your crooked teeth causing bite issues? Even worse, are they causing confidence issues? Do you want a straighter and more balanced smile? You might be hesitant to do anything about it because you think traditional metal braces are the only way to straighten your crooked teeth, and you don’t want the discomfort or attention that metal braces may cause.
Fortunately, today’s modern dentistry has created less-intrusive solutions for crooked teeth!
Dr. Greg Reece at Dentistry of the Queen City offer treatment options to straighten crooked teeth in Charlotte, NC. Many people may find they want a straighter smile for aesthetic reasons, but straightening crooked teeth can also improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Crooked teeth can cause many problems. For example, it can be difficult to clean the space between teeth when they are crooked. Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to cavities, and damage from plaque and tartar. Crooked teeth can cause teeth to shift further into misalignment, due to their attempt to fill gaps. Without treatment, they can also cause chronic headaches, tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ.
Crooked teeth can also make it more difficult for patients to bite evenly. Those with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth are at a higher risk for teeth grinding issues, also known as bruxism. Patients who suffer from bruxism have worn-down teeth.
However, straightening teeth can be a preventative measure that looks and feels great. Whatever your reason is for correcting your malocclusion issues, Dentistry of the Queen City is here with affordable cosmetic and restorative solutions.
Treating Crooked Teeth in Charlotte, NC
Before choosing a treatment, Dr. Reece will assess your teeth and gums, and discuss your dental concerns and treatment options with you. He will ensure that a final treatment will be chosen that aligns with your budget and goals. There are several treatment options for crooked teeth that Dr. Reece offers, including:
Invisalign
This method utilizes clear aligners that gradually shift teeth. The aligners can be removed for eating and brushing teeth. Invisalign can tend to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces because they don’t irritate gums, are relatively unnoticeable, and more. Aligners also work faster than traditional options and offer a treatment time of 6 to 18 months.
Porcelain Veneers
Made of ultra-thin, high-quality porcelain ceramic, porcelain veneers are color-matched to natural teeth and can blend in perfectly with your smile. This can be a great aesthetic treatment for a couple of crooked teeth that are not causing any functional and health issues. Dental veneers are sometimes referred as instant orthodontics.
Tooth Bonding
A more economical alternative to porcelain veneers, tooth bonding uses composite resin material to change the size and shape of teeth. The bonding material also blends in with teeth for a natural look. Tooth bonding is less permanent than porcelain veneers and can be a great option for patients who may not want to commit to permanent veneers. Tooth bonding is not for crooked teeth that are causing functional and health issues.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Do I need braces if only one tooth is crooked?
You have a few more options for treatment if you only have one crooked tooth. Patients typically choose between clear aligners and braces. However if the tooth is not causing any functional or health issues, we can correct it using cosmetic options. For example, we can make it appear straight with tooth bonding or a dental veneer.
Will crooked teeth straighten out?
There is no one definitive answer to this question. Depending on the severity of the crooked teeth, they may or may not straighten out over time. In general, mild cases of crooked teeth may correct themselves as the child grows and their jawbone and tooth alignment changes. However, more severe cases will likely require some form of orthodontic treatment.
What is the best age to correct crooked teeth?
The best age to attempt to align crooked teeth is between the ages of 8 and 14. At this age your teeth respond to treatment best, however, anyone can undergo orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth.
What are the two phases to aligning crooked teeth?
There are two phases to aligning crooked teeth: the initial alignment phase and the retention phase. In the initial alignment phase, your orthodontist will use braces or Invisalign to correct the alignment of your teeth. This usually takes around 12-18 months. In the retention phase, you will need to wear a retainer to maintain the corrected alignment of your teeth. Most people need to wear a retainer for at least 2 years.
Are crooked teeth genetic?
Different factors can cause crooked teeth, such as genetics, accidents or tooth grinding. Genetics may play a factor in teeth alignment, but there are a variety of other factors that may impact alignment. Jaw size, diet, and oral care may also impact teeth alignment.
Straighten Crooked Teeth with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Prevent dental problems before they worsen. Call Dr. Reece in his Charlotte, NC office at 704-486-8911 or request an appointment online for comfortable, high-quality dental care. Dr. Reece and his staff will work with you to find a treatment option you can smile about.