Our Fallston dentist office offers several solutions for crooked teeth, including treatment options for straightening teeth with or without braces. Straightening crooked teeth improves the aesthetics and functions of patients’ smiles. It also commonly increases patients’ self-confidence.
Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. They are also a functional concern. Crooked teeth have the potential to lead to serious health concerns. They also commonly make brushing and flossing more difficult, allowing food, debris, and plaque to build up between teeth. This can increase your risk of cavity formation and gum disease.
Misaligned teeth can also be the underlying cause of bite problems. They not only affect the comfort of your smile but can cause excessive tooth wear and damage over time. They may also cause digestive issues and make speaking difficult for patients.
Straightening Teeth With Invisible Braces
The most common way to fix crooked teeth is through orthodontic treatment, either metal or clear braces. Most adult patients prefer to use invisible braces to straighten teeth because they are a discrete form of treatment. Harford County Dentistry is a Fallston, MD, and Bel Air, MD, area Invisalign dentist office.
Invisible braces are perfect for patients who have mild to moderate alignment problems. However, they may not work as well for severe misalignment. Dentists use invisible braces to effectively treat various alignment problems, including crowding, spacing, overbite, and underbite. Invisible braces offer many benefits that traditional metal braces do not offer.
Benefits of invisible braces vs metal braces:
- Invisible braces are removable, so you can eat whatever you want
- Invisible braces lead to improved oral hygiene because you can brush and floss normally
- Smooth plastic instead of sharp metal makes treatment more comfortable
- The convenience of visiting our Fallston dentist office to monitor treatment instead of specialist
- Since the aligners are clear, it is a very discreet tooth-straightening treatment
- No need to worry about teeth that stain after the dentist removes the metal braces
- Oftentimes, they work faster than metal braces
Straightening Teeth Without Braces
There are also options for patients who want to straighten their teeth without braces. We will carefully evaluate your condition. Straightening teeth without braces is an option when there are no health considerations that would require braces.
Common treatment options for straightening teeth without orthodontic realignment include restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front and sides of teeth. Dentists can successfully use them to correct minor problems in tooth alignment. The dentist will use a precise shade of porcelain that matches your natural teeth. As a result, the veneers will blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth. They are extremely durable and provide an aesthetic and functional way to fix tooth misalignment. Typically, dental insurance does not cover veneers since they do not consider a cosmetic treatment.
Dental crowns cover the entire tooth. They are perfect for teeth with more significant alignment issues. A crown is thicker than a veneer; therefore, it is more durable and resistant to cracking. Crowns are also a color match to blend in with the patient’s natural teeth, providing an aesthetic restoration. Â That also means the dentist must trim the tooth away to accommodate the crown. Dental insurance is more likely to cover crowns because they fix more than just cosmetic issues.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Do you have further questions about crooked teeth and options to correct them? Continue reading to learn more and find answers to frequently asked questions in our office.
Is it bad to have crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are extremely common. They are not bad if they are not the cause of other dental issues. However, if you have perfectly aligned teeth, it has many bonuses. These include improved speech and function of one’s teeth and jaw and increased confidence in a patient’s smile and overall appearance. Aligned teeth are also easier to care for. They make patients less likely to develop oral health issues such as cavities and gum disease.
What happens if you have crooked teeth?
If you have crooked teeth, it can put extra pressure and tension on your jaw and facial muscles. When your jaw works harder to function, it may cause headaches and muscle tension. This increases the risk of tooth damage. Left untreated, crooked teeth can also cause speech and digestive problems.
What is the fastest way to straighten your teeth?
The two most common and fastest ways to straighten teeth are metal braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign. Invisalign is increasingly becoming a popular choice because, esthetically, it is difficult to see, while metal braces are very noticeable. This allows patients to straighten their teeth discretely without wires and brackets.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you are searching for a dentist that treats crooked teeth near Bel Air, MD, and Fallston, MD, contact Harford County Dentistry. Call 410-994-2627 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
Our dentist office is conveniently located at 1810 Bel Air Road in Fallston, Maryland. We serve patients in Fallston, MD, and Bel Air, MD, and gladly welcome new patients.