9 Ways to Get Crooked Teeth Fixed With Braces or Cosmetic Dentistry

Written by Fernanda Elizalde

December 27, 2022

Medically Reviewed

By Dr. Greg Grillo, DDS

Crooked and misaligned teeth are relatively prevalent. They are common in both children and adults. You should not feel obligated to correct your teeth if they are crooked.

Crooked teeth that aren't precisely aligned are distinctive and can add character and charm to your smile. 

However, if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your crooked teeth or if they are creating health or speech problems, you can have them corrected.

Continue reading to learn why teeth become crooked, the health issues they can occasionally cause, and the treatments used to straighten them.

 Crooked Teeth Fixed


WHY SHOULD YOU STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH?

Generally, crooked teeth can be a health issue as well as a cosmetic one.

Brushing and flossing crooked teeth is more complex, increasing the risk of bacteria and plaque buildup. This leads to gum disease and tooth decay or periodontal disease (the leading causes of adult tooth damage and loss, according to statistics).

Straight teeth make it easier to keep up a healthy and beautiful smile, which often saves you money in the long run and prevents gum disease and tooth decay.

In addition, correcting your crooked teeth also can save you from having to deal with the consequences of crooked teeth later, such as chipped, worn, flattened, or broken teeth.

Crooked teeth or other misalignments can lead to bite and jaw issues such as TMJ. If you have frequent jaw, neck, or chronic headaches, we recommend checking your smile to see if it's the source of the problem.

Finally, crooked teeth can reduce your self-esteem. Crooked teeth can make you self-conscious, causing you to hide your smile, avoid social situations, and live your life to the fullest.

You can change this by using cosmetic dentistry to correct crooked teeth and feel better about yourself and your overall dental health.

 

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE CROOKED TEETH?

Crooked teeth are common, but they can cause you to feel self-conscious.

Crooked teeth can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Predisposition due to genetics.
  • Baby teeth are lost too soon.
  • Thumb sucking and pacifier use with baby teeth are examples of childhood habits.
  • Injuries to the face or mouth.
  • Inadequate dental hygiene.

    Crooked teeth can arise at any age. When these dental issues are detected early, they can be easily resolved with treatments such as braces, headgear, clear aligners, or other cosmetic dentistry options.

    crooked teeth fixed with braces


    WHAT ARE MY ALTERNATIVES TO FIX CROOKED TEETH?

    You may have determined that straightening your teeth is your best option. In that case, you can explore your options with a dentist or orthodontist.

    Braces are an excellent choice for people of any age as long as their teeth and gums are strong enough to support them. Braces may be an especially suitable option for youngsters whose gums and bone structures are still elastic and flexible.

    A treatment plan might take two to three years, depending on the type of braces you pick and what you need to have done. Another option to explore is teeth-straightening surgery, which often takes less time to obtain the desired results.

    Below are some of the many types of braces available and surgical treatments.

    TRADITIONAL BRACES

    Brackets, bands, and flexible wire are used to secure fixed metal braces to the teeth. These braces may be a better option for people with more complex tooth alignment difficulties to straighten teeth.

    In addition to fixed braces, headgear is sometimes necessary. Typically, headgear is only worn at night.

    Since their inception, traditional metal braces to fix crooked teeth have come a long way. They are now using smaller brackets with less metal. They're also comfier than before. They even come with various colorful rubber bands to fit your smile and personality.

    Traditional metal braces typically cost between $2,000 and $7,500, depending on the amount of treatment required, where you reside, and whether you have an insurance plan to assist pay costs.

    CERAMIC BRACES

    Ceramic braces and the arch wires that link them are transparent or tooth-colored, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.

    The straightening technique to fix crooked teeth is the same as metal brackets, except that ceramic brackets discolor and break quickly. They are also more expensive, ranging between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on your location, the work required, and insurance coverage.

    CLEAR ALIGNERS

    Invisalign and other clear braces and clear aligners are practically unnoticeable. Teenagers and adults should only wear them to fix crooked teeth.

    The Invisalign plastic, clear aligners are created to suit your mouth perfectly. They are removed, changed twice a month, and fit over each tooth like a mouth guard. This method is not advised for severe teeth alignment adjustment.

    Invisalign invisible braces may also take longer than standard braces to straighten teeth. They range in price from $3,500 to $8,500, depending on the work required, location, and insurance coverage.

    Many providers of this service accept monthly payment plans. Invisalign can also be purchased with tax-free cash from a health savings account.

    LINGUAL BRACES

    The lingual surface of your teeth is the side that faces your tongue. Lingual braces are a type of invisible brace. They function similarly to regular metal braces. However, they are attached to the back surfaces of your teeth to fix crooked teeth.

    Lingual braces are not suitable for everyone. They're pricey, ranging between $5,000 and $13,000, and challenging to clean. They're also not usually indicated for extreme teeth misalignment. These braces may take longer to work and be more challenging to adjust.

    SURGICAL TEETH STRAIGHTENING

    Another alternative to fix crooked teeth is surgical operations. They might help you reduce the time you need to wear braces.

    Your orthodontist may recommend a minor surgical treatment to modify the bones and gums that support your teeth.

    They may also suggest a more invasive operation to fix crooked teeth. This is known as orthognathic surgery. If your teeth interfere with your ability to speak or chew due to the alignment of your jaws, this type of surgery may be recommended.

    The surgery type, location, and health insurance will determine the cost of these procedures.

    crooked teeth fixed cosmetic dentistry


    COSMETIC DENTISTRY OPTIONS

    For somewhat crooked teeth, three cosmetic dentistry alternatives are veneers, dental bonding, and crowns.

    While these alternatives may not truly straighten crooked teeth, they can make them appear straighter.

    TRADITIONAL VENEERS

    Traditional veneers are a straightforward cosmetic remedy for misaligned teeth. These composite or porcelain shells cover the front surface of your new teeth, making them seem straighter.

    The majority of veneers are costly and relatively permanent, but they may need replacement in 10-15 years.

    SNAP-ON VENEERS

    Clip-on veneers are inexpensive, custom-made detachable veneers for straightening teeth. Two of the most popular brands are Snap-on Smile and Alpha Veneers.

    The Snap-On Smile procedure is performed in a cosmetic dentist clinic and typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000 per arch. Some dental professionals may charge as little as $500 for each arch.

    'Occasional Wear Alpha Veneers' are $300 for a single arch and $500 for both, while 'Regular Wear Alpha Veneers' are $549 for a single arch and $749 for both.

    The first step is to place an online purchase for an imprint kit. You will return the imprints to the firm after taking them home.

    Your imprint is sent to a dental facility, where professionals will just craft a set of veneers for you. Within a few weeks, these veneers will be shipped back to you.

    Veneers cover the complete front teeth, whereas bonds cover only a piece of a tooth.

    BONDING

    Dental bonding needs only one clinic visit and is less expensive than veneers, which require two or more sessions. You can also reverse bonding.

    TOOTH CROWNS

    This technique comprises tooth remodeling, followed by placing a porcelain or metal crown on top of the tooth. Dental crowns are typically used primarily for restorative purposes (rarely for cosmetic dental treatments).

    LED Electric Toothbrush


    WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A VISIT TO THE DENTIST OR ORTHODONTIST?

    Your dentist may refer you to a specialist known as an orthodontist. Your mouth, teeth, and jaw will be examined, as well as your bite.

    Your orthodontist will want to know about your symptoms, such as any popping sounds you hear when opening or closing your mouth and any physical discomfort you experience while chewing or otherwise.

    X-rays of your mouth will be taken, as well as a mold of your teeth.

    If you require braces, they will be custom-made for you and applied later.

    SUMMARY

    Severely crooked teeth affect many natural teeth in people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. They do not need to be treated unless they are causing problems with one's health or the cosmetic benefits affect one's sense of self-worth.

    FAQS

    WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

    While it may be tempting to wait until your child is older to start orthodontic treatment, early child orthodontic therapy can be advantageous in many circumstances. Spacers can help prevent a crooked smile and crowded teeth by providing enough room for growing teeth. An appliance or other treatment can help regulate jaw growth throughout their formative years. This means that less intensive treatment will be necessary to address the jaw alignment.

    HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET CROOKED TEETH CORRECTED?

    The costs of straightening crooked teeth varies depending on dental factors and your treatment options. Therapy objectives, treatment time, and present tooth structure can all be variables. During your consultation session, your orthodontist will propose the best treatment option for you and provide a proper estimate of the cost and payment plans.

    DO BRACES CAUSE PAIN?

    It's not a bad idea to put braces on your teeth. You might feel pressure pain for a few days after each adjustment visit. This is normal and indicates that your teeth are shifting into a straighter correct position due to the braces. Your mouth will adjust to the braces quickly, and your pain should improve. Your orthodontic professional can advise you on how to adjust to wearing braces.

    CAN ADULTS WEAR BRACES?

    Yes, they are for others besides just teens. You may correct your crooked teeth with traditional metal braces or Invisalign, which utilizes transparent, more comfortable, and removable Invisalign aligners to reposition your teeth progressively. Consult your orthodontist for tips on how to straighten your teeth.

    CAN YOU FIX CROOKED TEETH WITHOUT BRACES?

    In some instances, dentists can fix minor cases of crooked teeth with modern cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, dental bonding, crowns, palate expanders, and veneers. These procedures may straighten your teeth in a shorter amount of time.

     

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