Do you have crooked teeth that are affecting your smile? Does misalignment take away from your confidence in your smile?
Teeth that are misaligned or crooked can affect not only your sense of confidence but also your dental health. When your teeth are not making proper contact with each other, pressure from chewing distributes unevenly. Thus leading to damaged teeth and compromised gum tissue over time.
An “uneven” bite” can greatly affect your long-term dental health. It can even be the underlying cause of a TMJ disorder. Our dentist and orthodontist in Silver Spring, Dr. David Rever, has extensive experience correcting crooked teeth. He offers young and seasoned patients the benefit of over 30 years of treating crooked teeth using modern techniques.
Advanced Total Dental Care in Silver Spring, MD, has various treatment options to suit your individual needs or cosmetic goals. Straightening your smile will improve your dental health and enhance the appearance of your natural smile. Crooked teeth are one of the dental concerns Dr. Rever treats at his dental office in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Straightening Teeth: Orthodontics Care in Silver Spring
Dr. Rever offers orthodontics treatment options for children and adults in our Silver Spring dentist office. Your care will be both consistent and convenient. Dr. Rever is an Invisalign® provider and can offer the benefits of treatment for crooked teeth using easy, comfortable clear aligners.
Invisalign clear aligners are a great option for teens and adults who need to correct mild to moderate concerns. Some patients complete Invisalign treatment in as little as eight months.
Invisalign can also address the following:
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Misaligned teeth
- Diastemas, or gaps between the teeth
Dr. Rever will meet with you to thoroughly evaluate your smile before recommending the most suitable orthodontic treatment option. You will gain the best possible results with a well-trusted patient-dentist relationship. We believe that when you have all the knowledge about your treatment and follow recommendations from your dentist, you are ready for success.
Straightening Teeth Without Braces
Cosmetic treatment options are for patients with crooked or misaligned teeth with no bite dysfunction. They can give you a straighter smile in a shorter amount of time. Although, our main goal is still to support improved long-term dental health. Dr. Rever is an experienced cosmetic dentist that works with you to create a custom treatment plan to enhance your smile.
Depending on your specific needs and goals, treatment options can include:
- Tooth bonding: To smooth uneven edges, cosmetic tooth bonding can provide a straighter-looking smile quickly and easily. This option is best for addressing one or two crooked teeth.
- Dental crowns: Our dentist can address a misshapen or crooked tooth with a custom dental crown. Learn more about dental crowns.
- Dental veneers: We can place porcelain or no-prep dental veneers to realign the surface structure of your teeth for a straighter look.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Read answers to common questions about crooked teeth in Silver Spring, MD:
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can happen for many reasons. Some causes are natural, while others come from habits or health issues.
- Genetics: If your parents or other family members have crooked teeth, you might too.
- Jaw Size: Modern diets of soft foods mean less chewing, which may lead to smaller jaws and crowded teeth.
- Thumb-Sucking or Pacifiers: Sucking on thumbs or pacifiers for too long can push teeth out of place.
- Losing Baby Teeth Too Early or Late: If baby teeth fall out too soon or stay too long, adult teeth may grow in the wrong spot.
- Mouth Breathing: Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose can affect how your teeth and jaw develop.
- Injuries: A hit to the face or jaw can move teeth out of place.
- Poor Dental Care: Not caring for your teeth can cause gum problems, which may lead to crooked teeth over time.
Can adults straighten crooked teeth?
Yes, adults can straighten their crooked teeth. It’s never too late to improve your smile! Invisalign is a great option because it offers more discreet treatment.
Can Invisalign fix tooth gaps?
Yes, Invisalign can fix tooth gaps. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into better positions. If you have gaps between your teeth, Invisalign can help close them by gently shifting your teeth together over time.
Is fixing crooked teeth worth it?
Yes! Not only can straightening your teeth make your smile look better, but it can also improve your overall oral health. Crooked teeth can be harder to clean, which can lead to problems like cavities and gum disease. When your teeth are straight, it’s easier to brush and floss, keeping your mouth healthier.
Having straight teeth can also boost your confidence. Many people feel more comfortable and happy with their appearance when their teeth are aligned.
How much does it cost to treat crooked teeth?
The cost of correcting crooked teeth depends on the type of treatment needed and the severity of the problem.
Invisalign is the most costly option because it physically moves crooked teeth into a straighter position. Other cosmetic options can cover slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are less expensive than Invisalign but more expensive than bonding. Dental bonding is a more affordable option than veneers because it requires less time and different materials.
Can crooked teeth lead to TMJ?
Yes, crooked teeth can sometimes lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. When your teeth don’t align properly, it can cause your jaw to work harder than it should to chew and speak. This extra strain on the jaw muscles can lead to pain, clicking, or even difficulty opening your mouth. If you have crooked teeth and are experiencing jaw pain or discomfort, talk to Dr. Rever.
What do I do if I have an orthodontic relapse?
If you have an orthodontic relapse, it means your teeth have shifted back to their old position after braces or aligners. We can assess how much your teeth have moved and discuss options for fixing them. If your teeth have shifted a lot, we might suggest clear aligners to straighten them. Treatments like Invisalign take less time so you can get a straighter smile quickly.
What happens if you don’t fix crooked teeth?
If you don’t fix crooked teeth, you may have:
- Difficulty cleaning your teeth: Crooked teeth are harder to brush and floss properly, which can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues: When teeth don’t line up right, it can put extra strain on your jaw, causing pain, clicking, or other jaw problems.
- Trouble with chewing or speaking: Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew food properly or speak clearly.
- Worn-down teeth: Misaligned teeth can cause uneven wear, which might lead to tooth damage over time.
- Lessening Self-confidence: Some people feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth, which can affect their smile and overall confidence.
Schedule A Dental Exam and Orthodontics Consultation
To learn more about the treatment options most suitable for your unique smile concerns, schedule a dental exam and consultation with our Silver Spring, MD dentist. We welcome new patients and provide experienced, personalized care for your smile using advanced technology and the latest techniques for lasting results.
Contact us at (301) 637-0960 or request an appointment online today.