Orthodontic Treatments: What to Do If Your Teeth Are Crooked

So, your teeth are crooked? If you’re unhappy with how your teeth look or if they’re causing issues, you may consider orthodontic treatment. Dr. Maria Yazji offers a variety of treatments to choose from, so there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you.

Let’s discuss the different types of orthodontic treatments available and what to expect from each one.

Why Are My Teeth Crooked?

There are a few reasons your teeth are or can become crooked. Maybe your teeth never grew in evenly, to begin with. It’s also possible that you had perfectly straight teeth once, but an injury or thumb-sucking habit caused them to shift.

With children, teeth may also crowd due to extra teeth or baby teeth that haven’t fallen out.

Whatever the reason your teeth are not straight, know that you’re not alone.

Fixing Crooked Teeth

If your teeth are crooked, fixing them is more than just a cosmetic issue. Crooked teeth can cause several problems, including:

• Difficulty chewing or biting properly
• Jaw pain
• Headaches
• More considerable risk of tooth decay and gum disease

Additionally, many people feel self-conscious about their crooked teeth and may avoid smiling as a result.

What Are My Treatment Options?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you likely have a lot of questions about your options. Here are the available treatment options and how each one works.

• Metal Braces: This is the most common type of orthodontic treatment. These braces include metal brackets glued to your teeth and a wire that runs through the brackets. An orthodontist will periodically tighten the wire to move your teeth into place gradually.
• Ceramic or clear braces: This option uses clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. They’re less visible than metal braces but require more care to avoid staining.
• Lingual braces: These braces are similar to metal braces but are on the back side of your teeth. This makes them invisible from the front.
• Invisalign®: This treatment uses sets of clear, removable aligners. Because the aligners are clear, they’re much less noticeable than traditional braces.

Benefits of Fixing Crooked Teeth

Besides the obvious cosmetic benefit of having straight teeth, there are a few other reasons to consider orthodontic treatment.

The benefits of fixing your teeth include:

• Improved oral health: Crooked teeth are challenging to brush and floss properly, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. By straightening your teeth, you can reduce your risk of these problems.
• Ease of eating: When your teeth are crooked, you may have difficulty chewing properly. This can lead to digestive problems or make it difficult to eat certain foods.
• Reduced risk of injury: Crooked teeth are more likely to chip or break during an injury.
• Improved speech: Straight teeth make it easier to speak clearly.
• Increased self-esteem: Many people feel more confident with straighter teeth.

Conclusion

If your teeth are crooked, there are a few different treatment options to choose from. Each option has its own benefits, so be sure to discuss your options with an orthodontist.

If your teeth are crooked or if you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we can help! At Dr. Yazji’s office, we offer various orthodontic treatment options to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Maria Yazji has been creating beautiful smiles since 1995. She treats patients of all ages in her three offices in Weston, Brickell, and West Miami. Your best smile is only a click away!