3 Procedures that Straighten Teeth

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, there are a few dental procedures that can help straighten them. In this blog post, we will discuss three common dental procedures that can help straighten teeth. We will also provide information on how to prepare for each procedure and what to expect afterwards. So, if you are considering dental care to straighten your teeth, be sure to read this blog post!

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Misaligned teeth can have a variety of causes, including:

Genetics

Crooked teeth can be genetic. Crowding, jaw size, jaw shape, having too many teeth (hyperdontia), overbites, underbites, and poor tooth or palate development are some of the conditions that can be passed down in your family.

Poor Oral Hygiene

If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, you could get gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease). According to the Journal of Dental Research, nearly half of adults over 30 in the US have some form of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out.

Early baby tooth loss

If you lost a baby tooth early when you were a child, it could have allowed other teeth to shift into the area of loss, crowding the area where a permanent tooth would eventually come in.

Thumb sucking

If you were in the habit of sucking on your thumb (or toys, etc.) when you were a child, that could be a reason you have crooked teeth.

Tongue thrusting

When you swallow, your tongue is supposed to press against the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. If you press your tongue on your teeth instead, that’s called tongue thrusting. This habit, over time, can result in crooked teeth.

Malnutrition

Getting enough nutrients in your diet is important for the health and development of your body’s muscles, bones, and tissue. If your body doesn’t get what it needs, it could result in crooked teeth, amongst other potential health issues.

Mouth breathing

Mouth breathing in children may have an impact on tooth alignment.

Trauma

Injuries from sports and other accidents could cause your teeth to be misaligned.

Why Should You Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Straightening your teeth can improve the aesthetics of your smile, however, that’s not the only reason to consider straightening them. Misaligned teeth can cause various dental issues such as increased plaque buildup and hard-to-clean areas which could lead to cavities and periodontal disease. Straightening your teeth may also provide you with improved overall oral health, bite alignment, and jaw comfort.

3 Procedures that Straighten Teeth

Now that we’ve gone over the potential causes of misaligned teeth, let’s discuss 3 procedures that can help straighten them:

1.ClearCorrect Orthodontics

ClearCorrect Orthodontics is a type of clear aligner system offered at many dental offices. This procedure uses custom-made, plastic aligners that fit over your teeth and gently move them into proper alignment. ClearCorrect can be used to straighten teeth for both adults and teenagers.

Each aligner moves teeth a little bit until there is a straight, beautiful smile left that anyone can show with confidence.

ClearCorrect Orthodontics can correct several problems including:

• Misaligned teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)

2.Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front side of your teeth. This procedure can be used to correct a variety of dental concerns, including misaligned and crooked teeth. Veneers provide a solution for tooth gaps, chips, discoloration and more without having to go through any invasive procedures. Veneers are often referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’ because of  how quickly they can give you a beautiful, straight smile.

3.Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or misshapen teeth. Crowns can change the shape, size and color of a tooth to provide a more natural-looking appearance while also protecting it from further damage.

Dental crowns may be used in conjunction with other procedures to straighten crooked teeth since they can help cover up and protect a misaligned tooth while also helping it blend in with the rest of your teeth.

No matter which procedure you choose, it’s important to discuss your options with your dentist first. They will be able to help you determine the best course of action for achieving a beautiful, straight smile! 

Make an Appointment with Young Family Dental

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth and would like to find out more about your options for straightening them, make an appointment with Young Family Dental today. With locations in Orem, American Fork, Saratoga Springs, Riverton, and West Jordan, we have many experienced teams ready to help you!  We’ll work with you to find the best solution that fits your budget and timeline. Contact us today to learn more!