Are your crooked teeth causing you social and confidence issues? Do you avoid smiling because of misaligned teeth?
Crooked teeth are a common dental complaint from patients in Jacksonville, FL. While most are concerned about the appearance of their smile, few consider the health problems caused by having crooked teeth. Crooked teeth cause some patients to have trouble eating, flossing, and even with speech. The most common dental concerns that arise from unaddressed crooked teeth include the following:
- Tooth cavities
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Bite disorders
Dr. Donald Alexander is a comprehensive general dentist in Jacksonville, FL. With advanced training and experience, he can straighten teeth so that they look beautiful, feel comfortable, and stay healthy. Our solutions for crooked teeth can include treatment options with or without braces.
Options for straightening crooked teeth in Jacksonville
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Dr. Alexander is an Invisalign dentist in Jacksonville. We offer discreet treatment for straightening teeth without traditional metal braces. Invisalign is available for adults and teens and is one of our most popular treatments.
Invisalign uses a series of virtually invisible, removable aligners to gently reposition teeth. Studies indicate that patients who use Invisalign versus those who wear metal braces may have improved oral health throughout their treatment.
The reason for this is that Invisalign patients can remove their aligners so that they can brush and floss normally. This helps avoid abnormal plaque build-up, something that is common in patients with traditional metal braces.
Porcelain Veneers
Sometimes patients visit us with only two or three crooked teeth. In mild cases of misalignment, Dr. Alexander can provide cosmetic treatments. This is dependent on the state of your overall dental health. If you have no other dental issues and maintain a healthy dental routine, you may qualify for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers cover the front and sides of teeth, thus hiding the appearance of a crooked tooth.
The benefits of this cosmetic procedure include the following:
- Correcting minor alignment issues
- Closing gaps between front teeth
- Gives teeth a more symmetrical and uniform appearance
- Covers deep stains that teeth whitening can’t fix
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are similar to veneers except that they cover the entire tooth like a cap. Dr. Alexander uses dental crowns in cases where there are also issues with the health and stability of your tooth. Crowns can be used to protect from tooth decay, fix a broken tooth, or fully restore function to a worn tooth.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an excellent option for improving the appearance of crooked teeth. This procedure is quick and cost-effective for treating crooked teeth. A safe resin material is applied directly to the tooth and molded into shape. It is cured and hardens almost instantaneously with a special UV light. Although, it is not permanent and may need to be touched up in the future.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Crooked teeth are a common patient complaint. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Can crooked teeth affect oral health?
Yes, crooked teeth can negatively impact oral health. They create hard-to-reach areas that make brushing and flossing more difficult, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Misaligned teeth can also lead to uneven wear on enamel, jaw strain, and even TMJ disorders due to improper bite alignment.
Do crooked teeth affect jaw alignment?
Yes, crooked teeth can affect jaw alignment and lead to an improper bite, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Misaligned teeth can cause the jaw to work unevenly, straining the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This can result in jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.
Can crooked teeth lead to tooth loss?
Crooked teeth can increase the risk of tooth loss by contributing to poor oral hygiene and gum disease. When teeth are crowded or overlapped, plaque and tartar accumulate more easily, leading to decay and periodontal disease. Over time, untreated gum disease can cause the gums and bone to recede, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Do crooked teeth get worse with age?
Yes, crooked teeth can worsen with age due to natural shifts in the teeth and jaw. Factors such as tooth loss, gum disease, and changes in bone density can contribute to increased misalignment over time. Regular dental care and, if necessary, orthodontic treatment can help prevent or correct worsening alignment.
Are there any risks to leaving crooked teeth untreated?
Leaving crooked teeth untreated can lead to several issues, including an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth wear due to an uneven bite. Over time, untreated misalignment can contribute to jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and even tooth loss. Early intervention can prevent these complications and improve both oral health and function.
Is it possible to fix crooked teeth without braces?
Minor crookedness can sometimes be corrected without traditional braces using clear aligners. Other cosmetic options, such as veneers or bonding, can improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. However, more severe misalignment typically requires orthodontic intervention with braces or aligners to achieve proper alignment.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t continue to suffer from health problems or embarrassment from crooked teeth. There are simple solutions, call Jacksonville, FL dentist Don Alexander to schedule a consultation. Call 904-901-4302 or request an appointment online.