Crooked teeth are a common dental concern. Most patients will develop problems like tooth gaps, overbites, and underbites as they grow. At Perfect Smiles of Bensalem, we help fix crooked teeth in our Bensalem, PA, dental office. Invisalign, dental veneers, and teeth bonding can create straight teeth and even bites. These cosmetic treatments address misaligned teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Why Should I Fix Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are not only a cosmetic problem. You may find it hard to clean between crooked teeth. Harmful bacteria can feed on leftover debris if you do not properly clean between your teeth. As unhealthy bacteria build, they irritate the gum tissue and break down the outer tooth layer. In most cases, it’s easier to clean your teeth and gums after you straighten your teeth.
Crooked teeth can also place pressure on some teeth more than others. You can chip or crack a tooth when biting and chewing. Uneven pressure on your teeth can also wear some teeth more than others. It’s also possible to develop a TMJ disorder if there is uneven pressure on your bite and jaw. Over time, these problems can damage your teeth and make eating painful.
Common types of crooked teeth can include:
- Overbite: This occurs when the upper teeth slightly cover the lower teeth.
- Underbite: The reverse of an overbite, an underbite occurs when the lower teeth slightly cover the upper teeth.
- Crossbite: This happens when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth.
- Open bite: The upper and lower teeth do not come together when the mouth is closed.
Orthodontic Treatment for Crooked Teeth in Bensalem, PA
Invisalign offers a modern way to straighten your smile. This orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to shift teeth into a straighter position. Invisalign is best for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems. This treatment can help fix
There are many benefits to Invisalign treatment:
- No dietary restrictions
- Removable aligners for easy cleaning
- Shorter treatment times than braces
- Clear and discreet aligners
Invisalign is an excellent option for teenagers and adults interested in effective yet discreet orthodontics. Clear aligners offer simple cleaning and care with less noticeable appliances than metal braces. However, Invisalign isn’t for everyone. If you have complex orthodontic problems, we will refer you to another orthodontist for braces. While braces require a longer treatment time, this time is needed to straighten teeth properly.
Cosmetic Treatment for Crooked Teeth
We may recommend cosmetic treatment if you have a crooked tooth or multiple crooked teeth that do not impact your oral health. Cosmetic treatments cover slightly crooked teeth to create a more even-looking smile.
Dental Bonding
Teeth bonding uses tooth-colored material to cover chipped and stained teeth. Bonding is an excellent option for patients who have single crooked teeth. Dental bonding can also cover tooth wear and add on to damaged teeth. We also color-match the bonding material to match your desired color and tooth shape.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are best if you have slightly crooked front teeth. We can use one or more veneers to create a uniform look. While veneers cost more than dental bonding, this treatment is permanent. We prepare teeth before we apply the veneers to ensure the veneers look and feel natural.
Our veneers are also custom-made to match your desired tooth shape and shade. Veneers benefit patients who want to cover their teeth permanently.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about crooked teeth with answers to these frequently asked questions:
Are crooked teeth genetic?
Genetics is one of the factors that impact tooth development. Childhood habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can affect how your palate develops. Tooth shape, size, and placement also determine how your teeth develop.
What is the cheapest way to straighten teeth?
Aligners like Invisalign are less costly than metal braces. This is because they require a shorter treatment time. Invisalign can take twelve or more months to complete. Metal braces often take over one year to two years, depending on the extent of your orthodontic problems.
Do crooked teeth worsen with age?
Crooked teeth can worsen if you do not receive orthodontic care. However, if you complete treatment and continue to wear retainers, you should keep your teeth straight. It’s also a good idea to visit our dental office regularly. At regular visits, we can clean your teeth and gums. We can also find changes in your TMJ, bite, and teeth. If needed, we will recommend treatment to fix your crooked teeth.
Can you straighten your teeth at home?
No, without a professional dentist, there is no safe way to straighten teeth at home. Any at-home DIYs can lead to tooth damage or even loss. With Invisalign and braces, you can straighten teeth with the help of a dentist. A dentist will create aligners from molds of your teeth or attach braces to your teeth in their office. Then, you can wear your aligners or braces at home.
How can you cover small tooth gaps?
We may recommend bonding or veneers if you have small gaps between your teeth but don’t need orthodontic treatment. These treatments can cover the front of your teeth. They change the size and shape of teeth. During dental bonding treatment, we mold a tooth-colored material to the teeth.
Alternatively, we can cover small tooth gaps with shell-like veneers. We can bond veneers larger than your natural teeth to hide small gaps between teeth.
At what age can you fix crooked teeth?
Patients can begin orthodontic treatment as early as age six. There is no age limit to fix crooked teeth. However, some options, like Invisalign, are best for patients with a fully developed jaw.
Straighten Your Teeth Today
Improve your dental health and the look of your smile. Call Perfect Smiles of Bensalem at 215-770-1081 to treat crooked teeth in Bensalem, PA. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with our dentists online.
Let us know if you have any questions about straightening your crooked teeth. We’re happy to help you find the best treatment for your dental problems.