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.
Traditional metal braces are not the only way to straighten your crooked teeth. You don’t want the discomfort or attention that metal braces may cause. Fortunately, today’s modern dentistry has 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 patients want a straighter smile for aesthetic reasons. However, 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 them. Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to cavities, and damage from plaque and tartar. Crooked teeth can cause teeth to shift further into misalignment because of their attempt to fill gaps.
Without treatment, they can also cause chronic headaches, tooth decay, gum disease, and TMJ pain. 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, or bruxism. Patients who are already suffering from bruxism have worn-down teeth as well.
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 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 make sure that your final treatment will align with your budget and goals. Dr. Reece offers several treatment options for crooked teeth, including:
Invisalign
This method utilizes clear aligners that gradually shift teeth. You can remove Invisalign clear aligners for eating and brushing teeth. Invisalign tends to be more comfortable than traditional metal braces because they don’t irritate your gums.
The clear aligners are also relatively unnoticeable. Aligners also work faster than traditional options and offer a treatment time of 6 to 18 months.
Porcelain Veneers
Our dental veneers consist of ultra-thin, high-quality porcelain ceramic. The dentist color-matches porcelain veneers to natural teeth and blends them in perfectly with your teeth. This can be a great aesthetic treatment for a couple of crooked teeth that are not causing any functional and health issues. You also may hear dentists refer to dental veneers as instant orthodontics.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is a more economical alternative to porcelain veneers. Tooth bonding uses composite resin material to change the size and shape of your teeth. The bonding material also blends in with teeth for a more natural look.
However, tooth bonding is less permanent than porcelain veneers. The treatment 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 oral health issues.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions about crooked teeth in Charlotte, NC:
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 fix crooked teeth.
What are the two phases to aligning crooked teeth?
The two phases to aligning crooked teeth include 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 patients need to wear a retainer for at least 2 years.
Can fixing crooked teeth help TMJ?
Yes, fixing crooked teeth can help with TMJ. When your teeth are not lined up right, it can put extra stress on your jaw joint. This can lead to pain, headaches, and trouble opening or closing your mouth. Straightening your teeth with braces or aligners can help your bite fit together better and reduce strain on your jaw. This may relieve TMJ symptoms and make your jaw feel more comfortable. If you have TMJ pain, a dentist can check your bite and suggest the best treatment for you.
Is fixing crooked teeth with Invisalign worth it?
Yes, fixing crooked teeth with Invisalign can be worth it for many people. Invisalign can improve your smile’s appearance and make it easier to keep your teeth clean, which can help prevent cavities and gum disease. It can also fix bite issues that might cause jaw pain or wear on your teeth.
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 a variety of other factors may impact alignment. Jaw size, diet, and oral care may also impact teeth alignment.
How much does it cost to treat crooked teeth?
The cost of treating crooked teeth can vary depending on the treatment you choose. Invisalign is a popular choice for people who want to straighten their teeth without using traditional braces. It uses clear plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. The cost of Invisalign costs more
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. While they are not a treatment for straightening teeth, veneers can make crooked teeth look more aligned. Veneers often cost less than Invisalign.
Dental bonding is another cosmetic treatment used to correct minor crookedness or gaps in teeth. Bonding is usually the least expensive option, with costs less per tooth compared to veneers. Bonding is quick and effective for minor adjustments, but it may not be suitable for more severe crookedness.
Straighten Crooked Teeth with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Prevent dental problems before they worsen. Call Dr. Reece in Charlotte, NC, at 704-486-8911 or request an appointment online for crooked teeth treatments. Dr. Reece and his staff will work with you to find a treatment option you can smile about.