One of the attributes of a perfect smile is straight teeth. Beyond a prettier smile, though, there are oral health reasons for straight teeth. Misaligned teeth are responsible for a variety of oral health issues. Orthodontic treatment from Engineered Smiles straightens teeth, eliminating those problems and giving you a nicer smile.
For decades, traditional braces with metal brackets and wires have been the standard for moving teeth into the best position. More recently, less invasive options have proven to be successful for anterior misalignment and cosmetic purposes. Mildly irregular alignment can be corrected with aligners, which provide an easier and more discreet way to straighten teeth.
Traditional braces are still used to treat severe cases of misalignment and problems with posterior teeth. After assessing the bite and position of your teeth, your dentist can make a determination regarding the appropriateness of aligners or traditional braces to correct your misalignment
Causes and Cures for Misaligned Teeth
Not everyone is born with teeth that will automatically erupt perfectly straight. Some individuals will be fortunate in that way, and others will have misalignment for one or many reasons. Physical issues including such variables as bone growth and tooth size can be a factor.
Crowding occurs when the jawbone is too small to accommodate larger sized teeth. Conversely, smaller teeth in a larger jawbone create small gaps between teeth. In both situations, food traps are created between the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and gingivitis.
Your individual habits also contribute to repositioning of your teeth. Children who suck their thumbs at an early age can cause the growing bone to be shaped differently. If your baby is allowed to suck a bottle for a prolonged period of time, they are prone to the same thing. This can lead to the misalignment of anterior teeth.
The method used for straightening teeth depends on the severity of the misalignment. When the teeth are slightly out of alignment, it may be sufficient to use aligners to straighten them. This is often the case for cosmetic orthodontics. However, some issues such as severe crowding may need a more traditional approach.
If you or one of your children have misaligned teeth and would like to know more about options for straightening them, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Wang. He will examine your teeth and make an assessment regarding the most effective treatment for getting your teeth back into alignment and getting a straight smile.
