Crooked teeth, also known as misaligned teeth or malocclusion, occur when teeth are not properly aligned. According to the Cleveland Clinic research, malocclusion affects 53% of the population globally. Leaving malocclusion untreated can lead to serious oral health problems and several gum diseases. It is important to address dental problems promptly. Dentistry has evolved and introduced many at-home treatments to fix your crooked teeth. One of the popular and effective treatments is affordable clear aligners.
For complex cases, it is recommended to visit an experienced orthodontist.
Common Causes of Crooked Teeth
The following are some of the common causes for crooked teeth.
- It can be hereditary.
- May be due to the early loss of baby teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene can also cause malocclusion.
- Habits like using pacifiers and prolonged thumb sucking.
What Is the Best Treatment Option for Crooked Teeth?
Mildly crooked teeth don’t always require extensive orthodontic procedures. Depending on the case, there are several effective and minimally invasive options to help straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Below are some of the best treatment choices to fix your crooked teeth:
Orthodontic Exercises
Orthodontic exercises involve applying gentle pressure through repeated movements to potentially help reposition slightly misaligned teeth. While not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, some believe exercises like tongue positioning, finger pressure, or chewing sugar-free gum may support minor alignment over time. However, these should only be done under the guidance of a dental professional, as incorrect methods can cause more harm than good.
Clear Aligners
Overview: Clear Aligners are removable dental appliances that help you align your teeth properly. It helps you in fixing crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, tooth spacing, and tooth crowding. Clear aligners can help you maintain good oral hygiene. You can remove clear aligners whenever you eat or brush your teeth.
Cost: $2000 to $10,000
Treatment Durations: 6-18 months
(Note: Treatment Duration can vary depending on the severity of the case.)
Types of Clear Aligners
- In-Office Clear Aligners
These are prescribed and monitored directly by a dental professional. You’ll visit a clinic for scans, receive custom-fitted aligners, and have regular in-person checkups to track progress. - At-Home Clear Aligners
These are managed entirely from home. You start with an at-home impression kit or digital scan, and your treatment is monitored remotely. At-home clear aligners are best for mild to moderate alignment issues.
At-Home Care Tips During Treatment
It is important to maintain your oral hygiene while undergoing braces or clear aligner treatment to fix your crooked teeth.
If you wear braces:
- Avoid eating hard/sticky foods
- Regular dental check-ups are necessary to achieve desirable results
- Use orthodontic wax for discomfort
- Follow your orthodontist’s instructions
If you wear clear aligners:
- Always remove your aligner before eating or drinking anything other than water
- Brush your teeth before putting on your aligners
- Wash your aligners in lukewarm water and a soft-bristle brush
Post-Treatment Retention and Care
It’s essential to maintain the results you achieve with braces or clear aligners. Many people assume that once their teeth are aligned, the results will last forever. However, this isn’t the case. To keep your teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment, you need to wear retainers. Retainers are custom-made dental devices designed to lock in the results from braces or aligners. If you skip wearing your retainers, there’s a risk of your teeth shifting back to their original positions. To ensure long-lasting results, it’s recommended to wear your retainers for at least a year, though the wear time may vary depending on the severity of your case.
When to Consult an Orthodontist
It is suggested to visit an orthodontist if you
- Find your retainers not fit you perfectly.
- Lose or break your retailers.
- Feel your teeth are still shifting even when using retainers
Wrap up
Mildly crooked teeth can be fixed easily at home using remote treatments like at-home teeth aligners. Aligners come in different variations. You can choose the aligner type according to your comfort level and ease. Daytime aligners need to be worn 22-20 hours per day to achieve desired results, while night aligners are designed to be worn at night time consistently 8 to 10 hours. In case of severe crooked teeth, visit an experienced orthodontist for the best treatment that suits your needs. It is important to note that after any orthodontic treatment, using retainers is compulsory to retain the results.
FAQs
- What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, early loss of baby teeth, and poor oral hygiene habits. - Can slightly crooked teeth be fixed at home?
Yes, mild cases of crooked teeth can be corrected using remote dental treatments like clear aligners, under professional guidance. - Are clear aligners better than braces?
Clear aligners are effective for mild to moderate misalignment. They are removable, nearly invisible, and more comfortable than traditional braces, but not suitable for severe cases. - Do I need to wear a retainer after using aligners?
Yes, wearing a retainer is essential after aligner or braces treatment to maintain the results and prevent your teeth from shifting back.
Can adults fix crooked teeth?
Absolutely. Adults can use aligners or braces to fix crooked teeth. Age is not a barrier to orthodontic treatment.