Answers From Your Dentist: How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Fix Crooked Teeth

Many people consider traditional metal braces and brackets as the only way to straighten out crooked teeth. But if you don’t want traditional braces or only have a couple of crooked teeth you want to be fixed, then cosmetic dentistry may be the solution you are looking for to fix the appearance of your teeth.

Why Correct Your Crooked Teeth

If you are on the fence about whether or not you should fix your crooked teeth, then you may want to consider the benefits of having corrected and straightened teeth. Some of the most important benefits are:

• Having a straight and even smile can help boost your self-confidence significantly.
• Once your teeth are straightened, you will have less food trapped in awkward places that are hard to reach without floss.
• Less of a chance of having a cavity develop in areas where you may not be able to brush easily due to the position of your teeth.
• Crooked teeth can wear down unevenly, as pressure isn’t evenly distributed. With straight teeth, you can have the pressure of your jaw dispersed evenly.
• By having your teeth straightened, you can alleviate conditions that are related to crooked teeth, such as bruxism (teeth grinding) temporomandibular disorder (TMJ), and other issues.

With so many things in favor of straightening your teeth, it just makes sense to determine what you can do to fix your crooked teeth.

Different Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Fix Crooked Teeth

Our dentists at Riverside Dental Care are highly experienced and can offer a variety of different cosmetic dentistry procedures that can fix crooked teeth. Which cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for you will depend on how many teeth are crooked and how much of a visible change you want to see.

Invisalign

If you have a significant amount of misaligned teeth but don’t want traditional braces, Invisalign may be the right option for you. As the name implies, the aligners are clear and basically invisible as you wear them. These aligners will slowly shift your teeth into the correct position, and you will have them replaced over time as your teeth become straighter.

The whole process can take between 1-2 years, depending on the severity of your misalignment. Invisalign takes more active attention than other teeth-straightening options as you need to take them out before you eat, clean carefully before putting them back on, and leave them in nearly constantly, which can be uncomfortable for some people. It also can be an expensive option, though it is fairly cost-effective if you have many crooked teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

For those who have damaged teeth that are also crooked, porcelain veneers can be an excellent option to revitalize your smile. Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are overlaid your natural tooth. The tooth is generally shaped before the veneer is placed so that your crooked teeth are corrected and your smile is even.

An added bonus of choosing porcelain veneers is that you can also enjoy whiter teeth as well as straighter teeth. You can work with our dentists to choose the color that you prefer, so you really will end up with your ideal smile.

Depending on how many veneers you want to be placed, the cost can add up quickly. Also, veneers are not generally placed on the molars, as they are not meant for heavy chewing.

Dental Contouring

A simpler and more affordable option than the other cosmetic dentistry options is dental contouring. With dental contouring, our dentists can reshape your teeth to even out your smile. Dental bonding—which uses tooth-colored material to add to teeth—is also used when doing dental contouring to help fill in gaps, correct chips, and lengthen out teeth for a more even appearance.

The effects of dental contouring are subtle, so if you have significant misalignment, this option may not be the best one for you. However, if you only need slight changes to your smile, this option can provide that at a budget-friendly price point.

Work With Our Dentists To Unveil Your Perfect Smile

As you can see, there are several options when it comes to fixing crooked teeth with cosmetic dentistry. There are also other techniques which can be utilized, such as using crowns and dental implants when applicable.

If you would like to consult with our dentists to determine what cosmetic dentistry options are best for fixing your crooked teeth, feel free to contact us for an appointment. We are happy to help you achieve your perfect smile!