If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, this is a dental concern worth bringing up at your next appointment. As your trusted dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox provides treatment to patients with crooked teeth through ClearCorrect orthodontic aligners. Patients love our ClearCorrect treatment because it is a discreet way to treat mild to moderate orthodontic concerns.
Correcting your misaligned teeth is not just a cosmetic concern. There are also several other benefits to consider, including restoring the functionality of your bite pattern. When your teeth are crooked, your mouth muscles have to work harder to perform daily tasks like chewing or speaking.
Over time, this can cause your teeth to wear down and result in tension headaches or jaw pain. We want to help you achieve your ideal and healthiest smile. Schedule an appointment today for a ClearCorrect consultation.
Why Do I Have Crooked Teeth?
One of the most common causes is genetics. Just like you inherit traits such as eye color or hair type from your family, you can also inherit the size and shape of your jaw and teeth. If your parents or other family members have crooked teeth, there’s a good chance you might have them too.
Another reason for crooked teeth is an overcrowded mouth. This happens when your jaw is too small to fit all of your teeth properly. As a result, your teeth don’t have enough space to line up straight, causing them to overlap, twist, or shift out of place.
Habits from childhood can also affect how your teeth grow. Thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, or even tongue thrusting can put pressure on your teeth and jaw, causing them to develop differently than they should. These habits can lead to crooked teeth or bite problems as you get older.
Sometimes, crooked teeth can be the result of an oral injury. If you’ve had an accident or trauma to your mouth, it can damage the roots of your teeth or shift them out of alignment.
Lastly, losing baby teeth too early or too late can affect how your adult teeth grow. If there’s not enough space or if teeth come in at odd angles, they may end up crooked.
ClearCorrect in Westminster, MD
ClearCorrect invisible braces are the clear and simple way to straighten your teeth. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners that gently shift your teeth into the right position over time. Unlike traditional metal braces, ClearCorrect aligners are nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. This makes them a popular choice for both teens and adults who want a straighter smile without the look of metal brackets and wires.
Here’s how it works: Dr. Bowersox will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. You’ll receive a series of custom-made aligners designed to fit your teeth perfectly. Each set of aligners will be worn for a specific amount of time, usually about two weeks, before moving on to the next set. As you switch to new aligners, your teeth will gradually move closer to their ideal position.
ClearCorrect aligners are comfortable because they’re made of smooth plastic with no sharp edges, unlike traditional braces. You can also remove them when eating, drinking (anything besides water), brushing, and flossing. This makes it easy to maintain good oral hygiene. You can also enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions.
Throughout your treatment, Dr. Bowersox will monitor your progress with regular check-ups to ensure your teeth are moving as planned. If any adjustments are needed, they can be made along the way to keep your smile on track.
By the end of your ClearCorrect treatment, you’ll have the straight, confident smile you’ve always wanted—all without the hassle of metal braces.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Do you want to know more? We’re here to help. Here are some common questions we get about crooked teeth in our Westminster, MD office:
What are the benefits of straightening my teeth?
Straightening your teeth has many benefits beyond just a nicer-looking smile. When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to chew and speak because your bite is balanced. Straight teeth are also easier to clean, which helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
A balanced bite can reduce strain on your jaw muscles and lower your risk of headaches or jaw pain caused by misalignment. Straighter teeth can boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable when you smile and talk in front of other people.
Do crooked teeth make it easier to get cavities?
Yes. When your teeth overlap or are crowded, it can be hard to clean all the surfaces properly with a toothbrush and floss. Food particles and plaque can get stuck in the tight spaces between crooked teeth. Over time, this buildup can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Straightening your teeth can make it easier to keep them clean and reduce your risk of cavities.
What happens if you don’t fix crooked teeth?
If you don’t fix crooked teeth, it can lead to several dental and health problems over time. One of the biggest issues is an increased risk of gum disease. Crooked teeth can be harder to clean because it’s difficult to reach all the spaces between them with a toothbrush and floss.
When plaque and food particles build up in these hard-to-reach areas, it can cause inflammation of the gums, also known as gingivitis. If left untreated, this can turn into gum disease, which can damage the gums and the bone that supports your teeth.
Another problem is tooth decay. Just like with gum disease, the areas where your teeth overlap can trap bacteria and plaque, leading to cavities. Even if you brush and floss regularly, it’s still tough to keep crooked teeth as clean as straight ones.
Tooth breakage or damage is also more likely with crooked teeth. When your teeth aren’t properly aligned, some teeth may experience more pressure than others when you bite or chew. Over time, this extra stress can cause teeth to chip, crack, or wear down faster than normal.
Are crooked teeth genetic?
Yes, genetics can play a big role in causing crooked teeth, but it’s not the only factor that affects how your teeth grow and align. Just like you inherit traits such as your eye color, hair type, or height from your family, you can also inherit the size and shape of your jaw and teeth. If your parents or other family members have crooked teeth, there’s a good chance you might have them too.
One of the main genetic causes of crooked teeth is having a small jaw. When your jaw doesn’t have enough space for all your teeth to fit properly, they can start to overlap, twist, or become crowded as they grow in. This lack of space forces the teeth to shift out of alignment, which can lead to crookedness.
At what age should I consider straightening crooked teeth?
Our dentists often recommend checking your child’s teeth and jaw around ages 7 to 14, when their adult teeth are growing. Early treatment with orthodontic appliances and/or metal braces can prevent bigger problems later. However, we don’t recommend clear aligners for children. Treatments like ClearCorrect are best for adults who want to treat mild to moderately crooked teeth.
You’re also never too old to straighten your smile. We can help you find the right orthodontic treatment to meet your needs.
Can crooked teeth get worse as I get older?
Yes. Natural changes in your jaw, teeth shifting, or the loss of a tooth can make misalignment more noticeable. Teeth may also move slightly from wear, pressure from chewing, or habits like grinding your teeth. Treating crooked teeth earlier can help prevent them from becoming more crowded or misaligned and reduce the risk of dental problems later in life.
How can crooked teeth affect my speech?
Crooked teeth can affect your speech because they may change the way your tongue moves in your mouth. When teeth are misaligned, it can be harder to pronounce certain sounds or words clearly. For example, some people with crooked teeth may have a slight lisp or trouble with “s” and “th” sounds. Straightening your teeth can help improve speech by giving your tongue and lips the proper space to form sounds correctly.
Can crooked teeth be painful?
Yes, crooked teeth can sometimes be painful. Misaligned teeth can put extra pressure on certain teeth or jaw muscles when you chew or bite. This uneven stress can cause soreness in your teeth, gums, or jaw. Crooked teeth can also lead to headaches or jaw pain over time. Straightening your teeth can help reduce this discomfort and make chewing and speaking more comfortable.
Get Straighter Teeth
Treat crooked teeth in Westminster, MD. Call 410-642-5634 or schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about treatment, and we’ll be happy to help you.