Crooked or misaligned smiles can affect your oral health, as well as your self-confidence and self-esteem. Thankfully, various cosmetic dentistry options are available to revitalize your smile and fix crooked teeth. 

In this article, we explore the various treatment options for guests looking to fix crooked teeth, from minor cosmetic fixes to full orthodontic solutions, so you can find the best option for your needs. 

Understanding Crooked Teeth and Their Causes

Crooked teeth can be caused by a variety of issues, such as genetics, early development problems, or poor dental health. 

Crowded jaws, extra or missing teeth, and inherited jaw shapes are some of the most common reasons for crooked teeth. Early development as a child also plays a role in the shape of your teeth and jaw. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, poor childhood habits, such as excessive thumb-sucking or pacifier use beyond the age of three can also contribute to longer-term issues with crooked teeth. 

 Other factors that can increase the risk of crooked teeth include bad lifestyle habits (such as mouth breathing and tongue thrusting), poor dental hygiene leading to tooth decay, and trauma or accidents that cause teeth to move or tilt. 

Cosmetic vs. Orthodontic Approaches

When remaking your smile, you can opt for either small cosmetic dentistry procedures or a full orthodontic update. 

Minor misalignment or small gaps may be correctable with cosmetic updates such as veneers or dental bondings. These can be good options if you’re seeking quick aesthetic improvements and don’t have major issues that need reconstruction, such as severely misaligned, decayed, or discolored teeth. 

Orthodontics, such as braces, aligners, or in the most severe cases, full orthodontic surgery, is used to treat major cases of tooth crookedness. Orthodontic treatments address the root cause of misalignment, promoting both improved function and a better-looking smile. However, orthodontic treatment can be costly and invasive and requires months of consistent treatment. 

Cosmetic Options for Crooked Teeth

If you opt for a smaller cosmetic procedure to fix crooked teeth, your dentist will discuss several potential options, such as porcelain veneers, composite bonding, or contouring and reshaping. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth. They are effective at masking minor crookedness, chips, and discoloration, and present a more uniform appearance for your teeth. 

Porcelain veneers for teeth also are long-lasting, oftentimes staying in place for over a decade with proper care. However, they can be less cost-effective than other cosmetic options, and they are not reversible. 

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is used to create a better alignment of teeth and is an easy, budget-friendly way to fix your smile. Bonding is typically used for subtle corrections and is a smart option for those looking for a quick fix.

However, composite bonding may not be effective for those who have severely crooked teeth, as they may require porcelain veneers, crowns, or orthodontic treatments.  

Contouring and Reshaping

Another cosmetic option for fixing crooked teeth is to have your dentist gently adjust tooth enamel to smooth uneven edges. This procedure works best for minor crowding or overlapping and even more subtle changes than those fixed with composite bonding. 

Contouring and reshaping can also be combined with composite bonding to more completely reposition and reshape your teeth. 

Orthodontic Solutions for Crooked Teeth

More serious issues with crooked teeth will require orthodontic care for a full reconstruction. Among the most common orthodontic solutions are braces and aligners that require consistent care over the course of several months or more. However, short-term care can sometimes also be an option for moderate issues. 

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires worn by a guest over the course of anywhere from 8 to 24 months, depending on the severity of the case. Braces work to gradually strengthen teeth over time and are used to treat both moderate and severe crookedness.

Braces are also highly effective at treating other issues with misalignment such as over and underbite, gapped teeth, overcrowded teeth, and teeth that need to be rotated. 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays, typically worn for between 12 and 18 months for 20 to 22 hours a day. These aligners are often discreet and comfortable, and much less noticeable than braces. Aligners are also easier to brush with and can be removed when needed.  While aligners are highly effective, they may not be suitable for severe cases of misalignment.

Short-Term Orthodontics

Accelerated braces or aligners may be suitable for mild to moderate misalignments and smile adjustments. These accelerated braces or aligners typically focus on the aesthetics of front teeth, which can improve self-confidence and change the look of your smile. 

However, these short-term solutions don’t address the full cause of crooked teeth, and should only be seen as a temporary fix for those with severe alignment concerns.

Combining Cosmetic and Orthodontic Treatments for a Smile Makeover

Another option you have when fixing crooked teeth is to combine cosmetic and orthodontic treatments for a full smile makeover. This hybrid approach involves first aligning teeth with braces and aligners, and then refining small imperfections with veneers or bondings. 

A hybrid treatment ensures the most optimal function and will deliver a polished, natural look. However, it can be more of a financial burden and will require extra treatment, which may be difficult for some guests.

Dentists will sometimes wait until orthodontic care is complete to place permanent veneers or crowns. This can prevent the need for adjustments if the bite changes or the teeth shift mid-treatment. Talk to your dentist about combined treatment to see if it’s the best option for you.

Factors to Consider When Deciding if a Smile Makeover is Right For You

Before deciding if a full smile makeover is right for you, there are a variety of factors you should consider, including: 

• Severity of Misalignment: Mild crookedness may be treatable with veneers or bonding, while more severe cases will likely need braces or aligners. 
• Budget and Timeframe:  Orthodontic solutions typically take several months to years; cosmetic fixes can be done in weeks. Procedures like braces or veneers will be a bigger budgetary commitment, but they may yield more permanent results that will save you time and money in the long term.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Bondings may need occasional touch-ups or maintenance, and typically will not last as long as veneers. Veneers can last well over a decade with proper care. Orthodontic treatments may require retainer use after completion to ensure long-lasting results. 
• Consulting a Professional: Before making a decision on your smile makeover technique, consult with a dentist or orthodontist to evaluate your situation and develop a personalized care plan. Dental professionals may take X-rays or impressions to get a complete picture of your dental health and make a recommendation about the next steps. 

Fix Your Crooked Teeth With a Smile Makeover at Ideal Dental

A smile makeover can fix crooked teeth, but the right approach depends on the severity of your misalignment, your budget, and your timeline. Cosmetic procedures can camouflage crooked teeth and are an excellent short-term option. However, full orthodontic treatment is needed for severe cases. 

If you’re ready to take the first steps to transform your smile, contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule an appointment.