Are you concerned about your crooked or misaligned teeth? Are you afraid of socializing or making new friends because of your poorly aligned teeth? If the answer to the above questions is a yes, then there is no need to worry. Thanks to modern orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, straightening crooked or misaligned teeth at any stage in life is now possible. So, whether you’re sixteen or sixty, you can get your teeth straightened to enjoy a healthy and lasting smile.
This blog discusses various adult orthodontic treatment options to realign crooked teeth and restore one’s smile and facial aesthetics. So, continue reading to learn how adult orthodontics works and how you can benefit from it.
Does It Matter That I Have Crooked Teeth?
Our teeth are not just important for helping us chew and speak, but they also play an equally important role in making us look attractive and beautiful. According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, people with straight teeth are often perceived as being more attractive, friendly, and approachable than those with blemished or flawed smiles. Hence, having crooked teeth can immensely affect your appearance and personality. That is why it is important to get one’s orthodontic problems as soon as possible.
Do Crooked Teeth Cause Cavities?
Poorly aligned or crooked teeth promote food impaction and plaque deposition. This is because ensuring optimal cleaning around misaligned teeth is more challenging than straight ones. As a result, crooked teeth are at a higher risk of developing dental complications like gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and dental cavities. The toxins released from the harmful bacteria residing in dental plaque and calculus gradually weakens the tooth structure, ultimately resulting in the formation of tooth cavities, or dental caries.
How To Whiten My Teeth When They Are Crooked?
It is not advisable to whiten crooked teeth without having them straightened. Ideally, crooked teeth must be straightened with fixed braces or clear aligner before considering professional teeth whitening. However, if one cannot afford orthodontic treatment, the next best option is to have the teeth cosmetically straightened with porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Since both these options are tooth-coloured, they can also be used for whitening the teeth as well.
How Common Is It To Have Straight Teeth Naturally?
In the developed world countries, about 20% of the population has naturally straight teeth. Unfortunately, the incidence of tooth misalignment is increasing worldwide. It has been estimated that over 30-35% of the population have such severe tooth alignment problems that they need to undergo orthodontic treatment so that they chew and speak properly – besides enjoying a beautiful smile. Interestingly, the incidence of tooth alignment problems is much lower in tribal communities and underdeveloped countries.
Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?
Crooked teeth need to be straightened for various reasons. First, crooked teeth make it harder for you to clean them properly. Therefore, misaligned teeth increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Secondly, eating and speech can become difficult with crooked teeth. Although not with everyone, we often see people with misaligned teeth having a distinct “lisp” when they speak. Finally, poorly aligned teeth negatively affect one’s smile and appearance. So, if you want to live a healthy and active life, and enjoy a beautiful smile, you should consider getting your misaligned teeth straightened with braces or Invisalign aligners.
Do Some People Find Crooked Teeth Cute Or Attractive?
In many western countries, crooked teeth are considered imperfections that affect one’s smile and attractiveness. On the other hand, certain countries do find tooth alignment imperfections healthy and attractive. For example, men in Japan find “yaeba” or snaggletooth women attractive due to their childlike appearance. Similarly, in some African countries, having space between your front teeth is considered a sign of good luck and fortune. However, if you live in a western country, having misaligned teeth is not regarded as cute or attractive. Therefore, it is best to get them straightened without delay.
How Should I Brush My Very Crooked Teeth?
Using a conventional toothbrush and flossing may not be sufficient to ensure optimal cleaning around crooked teeth. Therefore, dentists and orthodontists recommend adding an interdental brush to your daily oral hygiene routine. The soft and tiny bristles of an interdental brush can easily penetrate the tight spaces between improperly aligned teeth and effectively remove food debris. You can also use a Waterpik for additional protection and cleaning around crooked teeth.
How Can You Fix Crooked Teeth?
There are various ways available to fix crooked teeth. Ideally, crooked teeth should be straightened by treating the underlying issue. This is done through orthodontic treatment with braces or removable clear aligners. However, if someone cannot afford orthodontic treatment or does not want to wait for many months to get their teeth straightened, they can get their teeth straightened cosmetically. For example, mild to moderate cases of tooth crowding, spacing, or misalignment can be fixed cosmetically with porcelain veneers or crowns. After a clinical examination, your dentist can suggest whether it would be possible to treat your misaligned teeth with veneers or porcelain crowns cosmetically.
When it comes to adult orthodontics, the most important thing is to find a reputable and experienced orthodontic specialist. If you are living in Watford, you should head over to Senova Dental for the treatment of your orthodontic problems. We offer all general dental and speciality services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us today and let us give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
A graduate of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Dental school, Dr Padayachy has been a dentist at the award winning Senova Dental Studios in Watford since 1998 focusing on comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Jay has previously been the president of The London Dental Fellowship.
He has been a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry since its inception and serves on the Credentialing committee. Jay has lectured widely on all aspects of cosmetic dentistry, dental photography and comprehensive care.
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