If you are not completely happy with your smile, you may be pleased to hear that you are not alone. A study from Orthodontics Australia found that more than half of all Australians feel self-conscious about their teeth. It should come as no surprise then that demand for orthodontic treatment has been steadily increasing as people look to solve their crooked smiles and regain self-confidence. Whether your smile has changed due to genetic factors, personal habits, trauma or something else – Glowing Smiles Dentist provide a range of orthodontic treatments to address your concerns and restore a picture-perfect smile.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can occur in both children and adults due to a variety of factors including:
- Genetics – every human has a different genetic makeup, and this can influence jaw development and sizing of teeth as well as issues such as underbite, overbite and crooked teeth.
- Personal Habits/Behaviours – people who form a habit of breathing through their mouth are at higher risk of developing crooked teeth and facial deformities.
- Trauma – injuries sustained during sport can dislodge teeth, which is why it is important to always wear a mouthguard.
- Thumb and finger sucking – whilst thumb sucking is a common habit amongst babies, it is important that this stops by the age of 6 or 7 when adult teeth start to come through. Thumb sucking and the use of dummies can adversely affect teeth development.
Malocclusion is common and easy to diagnose during a routine oral examination. Your dentist will firstly classify your specific alignment issue as a class 1, class 2 or class 3 malocclusion. You will then be advised on appropriate orthodontic treatment options. Orthodontic treatment not only addresses cosmetic concerns, it can also help to minimise the risk of further health complications arising due to misalignment and difficulty cleaning such as excessive plaque, gingivitis, cavities, jaw problems and more.
Orthodontic Treatment for Crooked Teeth
There are a range of orthodontic treatments available for correcting misaligned teeth and restoring the appearance of your smile. Traditional metal braces have long been the favoured option for orthodontic treatment, but advances in technology have made discrete alternatives such as clear plastic aligners a popular alternative. Following an oral examination, your dentist may recommend the following:
- Aligners – this treatment can last anywhere from 10-24 months. You will need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day and ensure that you clean them regularly with a toothbrush and water. Clear braces are more expensive than metal braces, but they are also removable (such as when brushing teeth), more hygienic and comfortable.
- Braces – metal braces are a traditional and favoured approach for straightening teeth and correcting underbite, overbite and crossbite. Braces are attached to your teeth using metal wires. This treatment is mostly used for children, but adults can also benefit. The total treatment time is usually around 16-18 months, but this can vary for each individual.
- Veneers – whilst porcelain veneers are common in cosmetic dentistry, they can also be used to correct minor aesthetic issues if you wish to avoid more extensive treatment options such as braces. Veneers are simple and straightforward to install, will last a lifetime and will help to improve the appearance of your smile. However, they will not correct any orthodontic problems.
- Retainers – if only a single crooked tooth requires correction, retainers may be an option offered to you.
- Tooth extraction – this treatment is only advisable in serious cases of overcrowding. If present, wisdom teeth will be removed to alleviate overcrowding.
Restore Your Smile and Correct Crooked Teeth – Visit Glowing Smiles Dentist Today!
Glowing Smiles Dentist have a wealth of experience in cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. If you are looking to restore confidence in your smile and have your crooked teeth corrected, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We look forward to seeing you at either our Narre Warren or Doncaster East dental clinic soon.
