What if I have just one or two crooked teeth? Do I need braces?

Perhaps you’ve been staring at a few crooked teeth in the mirror for years.  Or maybe you’re seeing a little more crowding each year in one area.  You may wonder if your tooth alignment should be treated through traditional orthodontic methods, especially if you only need one or two crooked teeth corrected.  This summer might be the perfect time to consider orthodontic treatment. And you could be surprised that it could be fixed in less time than you think.

Why are my teeth crooked?

There are many reasons teeth get crooked. Most of it has to do with the size of the jaws compared to the size of your teeth. This is usually a product of genetics. Jaw alignment can affect the position of teeth, as can missing teeth.  Grinding teeth will also lead to tooth wear and crowding. Common habits, like thumb sucking or chewing pens, if allowed to go on too long, can lead to dental and orthodontic issues later in life, including crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Poor dental hygiene, such as poor brushing or flossing, can also cause uneven teeth, as a build-up of plaque can lead to weak gums, which allows teeth to shift. Accidents such as getting hit in the mouth with a ball or elbow while playing contact sports is another less frequent cause of crooked teeth.

Why should I care about my crooked teeth?

While it might not seem like a big deal to everyone, crooked teeth can cause a variety of issues. An obvious problem is lower self-esteem. If you aren’t confident with your smile, this can cause you to feel bad about yourself, leading to you hiding your smile as much as possible. Misaligned teeth can also lead to tooth decay, as the spaces in between the crooked teeth can be hard to properly clean. This decay can lead to cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss. Crookedness can also cause uneven wear or cracking because some of your teeth are placed under more stress than if they were straight and aligned.

Can an orthodontist fix one or two crooked teeth?

You might have just one or two crooked teeth that you’d like corrected—and the good news is an orthodontist can and will fix this! Most orthodontists will have you wear either braces or Invisalign to fix the misalignment. While this might seem like overkill for just one or two teeth, the only way to straighten teeth is to provide the proper space for them. To create this space, other teeth will need to move as well, and to make this movement occur, you need to have something putting pressure on your teeth. Braces and Invisalign work the same way—they create pressure on your teeth, which slowly loosens the gums around them. This allows the teeth to move to a new position, creating a straighter smile over time. This movement usually occurs over 6 to 16 months, so you will need to wear your braces or Invisalign for that amount of time.

While silver or ceramic braces and Invisalign work the same way, many people, especially adults, prefer Invisalign, because it is more discreet. Since the aligners are clear, it is almost impossible to see them. The trays are also removable, so you can take them out while eating and drinking or if you have an important event to attend.

If you feel ready to fix one or two crooked teeth, contact Fravel Brewer Orthodontics for a free consultation today!