how to fix crooked tooth

A number of factors may affect the size and position of your teeth and jaws. Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or that stick out (protruding teeth) can make you unhappy with the way you look. Teeth that do not line up the right way (misaligned teeth) affect your bite. This can make it hard to chew some foods and it may cause some teeth to wear down. It can also cause muscle tension and pain. Thankfully, whatever the cause of your crooked teeth, there is a solution. Braces are a very effective way to straighten wayward teeth. And, if you wear your retainers regularly, your teeth should stay straight for many, many years. You'll also be pleased to hear that braces now come in discreet forms such as Invisalign and lingual braces.

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Symptoms of crooked teeth

Crooked or crowded teeth can be mild or severe. It can be quite obvious to see from your smile, or not as noticeable if it affects teeth towards the back of your jaw. Malalignment can impact on the function of your teeth and mouth, so you can experience other symptoms too.

Why are teeth crooked?

Another treatment for crooked teeth is called "Invisalign." This is a series of plastic retainers or trays, which gradually move the teeth to the proper alignment. While they are not ideal for serious problems, that can help to adjust some crooked teeth.

Implant or surgery(h3)

For those that are missing teeth or have large gaps between teeth that are caused by muscles or excess gum tissue, an implant or a surgery to remove extra tissue may be helpful.

How to Prevent Crooked Teeth

While the factors that have the most effect on whether or not teeth are crooked fall into the genetic category, there are some measures that can be taken to prevent some crooked teeth. For example, if you have a child that is losing their baby teeth and growing in adult teeth, making sure that they are not sucking their thumbs can help to prevent some misalignments.

In that same vein, ensuring that talking and chewing are progressing properly can help to prevent the exacerbation of genetic crookedness. As early as is possible, have an x-ray of the teeth and see if the dentist or orthodontist can provide any predictions about problem areas that should be watched.

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The benefits of early orthodontic treatment

While the temptation may be to wait until your child is in their teen years to begin orthodontic treatment, early child orthodontic treatment can be beneficial in many cases. The use of spacers can help stop overcrowding by ensuring there is enough space in the mouth for new teeth, while a plate can help guide jaw growth during their formative years. This will mean that less extensive treatment is required at a later date to correct bite and jaw alignment.

How much does it cost to treat crooked teeth?

The cost of straightening crooked teeth will vary depending on your teeth and the treatment plan to align them. Contributing factors can include treatment goals, length of treatment and your current teeth structure. Your dentist or orthodontist will recommend a treatment option best suited to you and give you an estimate of the price and payment options during your consultation visit.

Do braces hurt?

It doesn't hurt to fit braces to your teeth. You may experience discomfort of pressure for the few days that follow each adjustment appointment. This is completely normal and is a sign that the braces are moving your teeth into their straighter position. Your mouth will soon adjust to the braces and the symptoms should improve. Your dentist or orthodontist specialist can advise you about ways to manage getting used to wearing braces.

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Can adults have braces?

Absolutely! They are definitely not just for young teenagers. There are several ways that you can straighten your crooked teeth, including traditional braces or even Invisalign which uses clear, comfortable and removable aligners to gradually move your teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist for the advice on ways to straighten your teeth.