Do you have crooked teeth? Dr. Karim Naguib and his team offer treatments for crooked teeth and other dental concerns in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA. Having crooked teeth is actually more than an aesthetic concern. Correcting your teeth can actually benefit your oral health as well as boost your self-esteem.
Crooked teeth can cause complications in the function of your bite. This can easily transition into a TMJ disorder and chronic pain in the jaw. Unaligned teeth are difficult to keep properly clean. This will increase your risk of tooth decay and tooth loss. Patients with crooked teeth are also at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
Many things can cause crooked teeth. Understanding the causes of your crooked teeth is essential for your dentist to decide on the appropriate treatment option for you.
Genetics is one thing that can play a significant role in tooth alignment. For example, if parents or close family members have crooked teeth, there is a higher chance of you inheriting this trait. Additionally, certain genetic conditions like cleft lip and palate can contribute to crooked teeth.
Poor oral habits is another common issue that can lead to crooked teeth. Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and prolonged pacifier use can apply pressure on the developing teeth and jaw, causing them to shift out of alignment.
Early loss of primary (baby) teeth or delayed eruption of permanent teeth can disrupt the natural sequence of tooth development and create space issues that result in crookedness.
Other factors such as mouth breathing, overcrowding due to insufficient space in the jaw, or trauma to the face or mouth can also contribute to misaligned teeth. If you’ve had a lot of dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease, this impacts the stability of your teeth in their position.
Finally, missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift around, trying to fill the gap of the lost tooth. Whatever the cause may be, it’s essential to treat your crooked teeth as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth
There are various treatment options available at Premier Dental Care for correcting your crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatments such as aligners are the most common treatment at our dental office. However, our dentist office can fix crooked teeth without braces!
Invisalign
Invisalign is a subtle alternative to traditional metal braces. We can use a system of clear aligners to slowly move your teeth into the correct position. They’re hard to notice on your smile and usually can provide faster results than other orthodontic methods.
You’re able to take them out to eat and brush and floss your teeth, but they should be worn at least 22 hours each day. This is often the preferred method for adults who want to avoid the look of braces on their teeth.
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is an affordable treatment that uses composite resin to change the size and shape of teeth. The resin will blend in with the surrounding teeth for a more natural look. Tooth bonding treatment is less permanent and more economical than porcelain veneers.
This treatment can be a great option for patients who may not want to commit to the more permanent option of porcelain veneers. We often use tooth bonding on younger patients whose teeth may change as they age.
Porcelain Veneers
Made of ultra-thin, high-quality porcelain ceramic, porcelain veneers can be a great aesthetic treatment for crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers are color-matched to natural teeth so that they can blend in perfectly. This treatment bonds porcelain ceramic to teeth for a straighter and brighter appearance.
A tooth veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the front and sides of teeth. They are custom-made from impressions of your teeth for a seamless fit.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Do I need to fix crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are much more than just a cosmetic issue. Crooked teeth lead to an increase in tooth decay and gum disease because they’re harder to clean. They can also make your teeth more likely to chip or crack or cause you to encounter issues with TMJ. An uneven bite causes this issue, as it doesn’t distribute pressure properly throughout your teeth. Ultimately, deciding to fix crooked teeth will depend on your preferences and priorities.
Can crooked teeth get worse?
Yes, and they’re likely to get worse without treatment. Without help, the teeth won’t shift to give you the straight smile you’re looking for. The impacts crooked teeth have on your life will get worse as well with time. Natural growth patterns, changes in jaw alignment, and habitual habits like teeth grinding or clenching all contribute to crooked teeth getting worse.
Why do I have crooked teeth?
A variety of things can cause crooked teeth. If your jaw size and shape are too small, they can cause your teeth to become crooked and crowded. You can also have more teeth than normal. Poor tooth or palate development can impact this as well. Lastly, crooked teeth can be genetic, so you may get them through no fault of your own.
Are there any home remedies or DIY methods to straighten crooked teeth?
We do not recommend trying to straighten your crooked teeth at home. You can do more harm than good trying to do this. Home remedies may not provide the same long-term and safe results as professional orthodontic treatment. It’s best to consult with a dentist or orthodontist for a proper evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
Do crooked teeth get worse with age?
Yes, crooked teeth get worse with age if you don’t see a dentist and take action to correct them. As we grow older, our teeth start to shift. This sometimes leads to increased crowding or misalignment. Furthermore, factors like jawbone changes and natural wear can contribute to this movement. It is a gradual process.
Can Invisalign fix crooked teeth?
Yes, Invisalign can be an excellent choice for straightening crooked teeth. Invisalign’s custom aligner trays gradually shift teeth into the proper position slowly over several months. Additionally, Invisalign uses the same orthodontic forces as braces but in a more aesthetic package. However, Invisalign may not work as well for severe crowding or complex bite issues.
Request an Appointment Today
If you are ready to correct your crooked teeth, contact one of our two convenient locations to schedule a consultation. Call our Lancaster, CA, dentist office at (661) 948-6700 or schedule a dental visit to our Lancaster dentist office online. Call our Palmdale, CA, dentist office at (661) 273-6565 or schedule a visit to our Palmdale dentist office online.