Why it’s Crucial to Treat Crooked Teeth

Many people think that crooked teeth are just a cosmetic issue. And while that may be part of it, having crooked teeth can also impact your oral health as well. Dr. Joseph Catanzano of Foxhall Smiles, a dentist in Washington DC, discusses why crooked teeth should be fixed sooner rather than later.

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Why Should I Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Cosmetic issues are still a primary reason to treat crooked teeth. Dr. Catanzano believes that your smile should always be something you want to show off. We don’t want you to feel you have to hide your beautiful smile because of crooked teeth. Straightening crooked teeth can give you a boost in your self-esteem and more confidence.

However, crooked teeth can cause problems deeper than cosmetic issues. These teeth are often at all angles and can be cramped with the other teeth. This makes it much harder for you to clean between them properly. An inability to thoroughly clean these areas can lead to tooth decay or gum disease because of the way your teeth are positioned.

Crooked teeth can also impact how your bite comes together and cause trouble with your jaw joint. TMJ disorders are more common with people that have crooked teeth. Cramped teeth can cause pain, and TMJ disorders can cause even more. A misaligned bite contributes to pain in the face and jaw, as well as things like headaches or earaches.

Methods of Straightening Teeth

Invisalign is one of the best methods of straightening teeth. It’s an alternative to traditional braces, using clear aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place. You don’t have to worry about your diet because the aligners can be taken out to eat and brush your teeth. They’re also more comfortable than traditional braces and don’t irritate the gums.

With Invisalign, you change aligners about every two weeks. They’re a quicker option than many other methods, with patients usually having Invisalign for 6-18 months. Dr. Huckin will help you determine how long you’ll need to be treated. After impressions are taken for your custom aligners to be made, you’re on your way for a straighter smile.

Porcelain veneers can also help with the appearance of crooked teeth. They’re custom-made to fill in gaps and be whatever size and shape you’d like them to be. Veneers are also color-matched to the rest of your smile and are extremely durable and stain-resistant. They’re permanently bonded to your teeth, a solution for years to come.

Dental bonding is an ideal economical option, especially if you aren’t ready to commit to a permanent solution like porcelain veneers. The bonding material can also be color-matched to your smile. The composite resin can be molded and shaped to change the size and shape of your teeth. Once it’s hardened and polished, it blends in with your smile seamlessly.

Straightening Crooked Teeth at Your Washington DC Dentist

Get a smile that you’re ready to show off to everyone. Call us or schedule an appointment online.