When talking of straightening teeth, most people tend to imagine an extensive procedure that involves the whole jaw. Such solutions may involve the use of retainers, Invisalign braces, dentures, or even surgery. After all, having crooked front teeth can make one self-conscious. Some people choose to ignore treatment because the procedure seems too intrusive when only a couple of teeth are out of place.
However, fixing only one or two front teeth is quite common and possible. Here’s what you should know about misalignment, braces, and whether or not you should contact an orthodontist today.
Causes for Misalignment
First, it is important to understand that a crooked tooth is a sign of a dental health complication. More often than not, crooked teeth arise from issues with overcrowding. When a patient has a narrow roof of the mouth or develops wisdom teeth, these complications can force teeth to misalign in order to make room.
Generally speaking, there are many reasons why the mouth may be overcrowded. But one misaligned tooth is most commonly caused by:
- Unusually big teeth
- Reflex by the tongue that pushes the front teeth
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Sucking thumb when teething
- Genetics
- Accident or trauma to the face
- Malocclusion/misaligned jaw
- Poor nutrition
Why Get Treatment for Only One Tooth?
It is advisable to visit a San Mateo orthodontist as soon as you notice that you have crooked or misaligned teeth. These issues can often lead to other dental complications, even if it is just one or two teeth that are misaligned. Here are some reasons to consider treatment:
Food Digestion: When there is a misalignment, it is harder to bite or chew food properly. Chewing is the first stage of digestion, and so misaligned teeth can cause digestion issues.
Worn-Out Teeth: Misalignment encourages the teeth to grind together when eating or talking, thereby accelerating tooth decay. It can also cause your jaw to strain as it seeks to properly align with other teeth.
Periodontal Disease: Misalignment makes cleaning your teeth much more difficult. As a result, plaque accumulates and tartar eventually forms. Over time, periodontal disease and tooth decay will accelerate.
Self Esteem and Speech Difficulty: Even when they can dismiss a single misaligned tooth as a minute problem, many patients still feel self-conscious. In addition to affecting your smile, crooked and misaligned teeth can affect speech. Booking an appointment with an orthodontist in San Mateo can boost your social life and make you more comfortable with you smile.
Cardiovascular Diseases: If the periodontal disease becomes chronic, it can cause further health complications, including heart disease and diabetes.
Possible Solutions
Invisalign braces are clear aligners that are to be worn for a prescribed number of hours, usually 22 hours per day. They are to be removed when taking non-clear fluids or eating, ensuring that it doesn’t impact your regular routine. Invisalign braces have a wide range of options that are suitable for people with a few crowded teeth:
- Invisalign Express 5: It is suitable for fixing dental misalignments that can be corrected with up to five sets of trays. Express 5 is also used to slowly push back teeth that were previously treated and are now out of place. It is typically the most affordable option for clear aligners.
- Invisalign Express 10: Express 10 can treat minor issues with spacing and crowding. It also takes a little longer to treat.
The average time it will take to complete an Invisalign braces treatment is usually between six and 12 months. However, the duration will depend on the severity of the problem. However, it is always advisable to consult your orthodontist in San Mateo. Visit Alborzi Orthodontics for a brighter, more confident smile.