Did you know that misaligned teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health and quality of life?
Not only can they affect the appearance of your smile, but they can also make it harder to keep your teeth clean and increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Crowded teeth can even make it difficult to chew or speak properly. Misalignment of the upper and lower jaws can also cause problems with biting and chewing, which can lead to further dental problems.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to address them with a dental professional.
At our practice, we offer a range of treatments to help correct misaligned teeth and improve your oral health and confidence.
Continue reading to learn more about misaligned teeth and how we can treat it at Smile Creative.
What causes misaligned teeth?
Teeth crowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth. This can cause teeth to twist, overlap or become crooked. Usually misaligned teeth are caused by 4 main factors: genetics, poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, or excessive thumb sucking as an infant.
- Genetics. If a person has an overcrowded mouth, it could be inherited from their parents. Genetics can also cause a jawbone to develop smaller than normal, which can lead to crowding as the teeth become too close together.
- Poor oral hygiene habits. When plaque accumulates on the teeth, it creates an environment for bacteria that can damage enamel and gums over time. This can result in crooked or misaligned teeth due to the pressure being put on them by surrounding areas of plaque buildup.
- Dental trauma. A significant injury to your teeth or jaw area can cause misalignment issues.
- Excessive thumb sucking. During childhood thumb sucking may have caused crowding of the front teeth if left untreated. Prolonged retention of baby teeth or delayed eruption of permanent ones may also contribute to this condition as well as early loss of primary molars before their replacements are ready for use in bite formation and alignment.
Can misaligned teeth cause health problems besides dental issues?
Yes, misaligned teeth can cause health problems beyond dental issues. For instance, misaligned teeth may cause headaches, jaw pain, and problems with chewing and speaking.
Dr Karishma will discuss your condition with you to diagnose the exact cause of the issue and determine the best treatment option depending on your individual characteristics.
Can misaligned teeth be fixed at any age?
Yes, misaligned teeth can be fixed at any age. However, the best time to fix misaligned teeth is during childhood or adolescence when the teeth and jaw are still developing. However, with advanced technology, adults can also correct their misaligned teeth.
How to correct misaligned teeth?
Invisalign is a popular option, which involves custom-made aligners that fit snugly over your teeth, gradually moving them into their desired positions. Clear retainers can also be used to help adjust the alignment of your teeth over time and provide more stability after braces have been removed.
Is it possible to correct misaligned teeth without braces or aligners?
Yes, there are non-invasive treatments available for correcting minor discrepancies in the size or shape of teeth. Cosmetic contouring or composite bonding can help improve the appearance of teeth without using braces or aligners.
How long does Invisalign treatment take?
The length of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the severity of the misalignment. On average, treatment can take 12 to 18 months, but it may be shorter or longer depending on individual circumstances.
Treatments for Misaligned Teeth in Ballarat
If you have misaligned teeth, it’s important to seek treatment from a dental professional to improve your oral health and overall well-being. At our dental practice in Ballarat, we offer personalized treatment plans to correct misaligned teeth and enhance the appearance and function of your smile.