Crooked Teeth Washington, DC

Do you want a straighter and more functional smile? Are you tired of problems caused by crooked teeth?

Dr. Joseph A. Catanzano III, DDS, offers treatments for crooked teeth in Washington, D.C. Crooked teeth are one of the dental concerns that impact aesthetics and oral health. Dr. Catanzano is an expert in finding the best treatment options possible for patients with a misaligned bite. Discover the benefits of treating crooked teeth and treatment options offered at Foxhall Smiles.

Treatment for crooked teeth in Washington D.C.

Crooked Teeth: Causes

Many things can cause crooked teeth. Genetics plays a big part in the development of your mouth. If you know a parent or other close relative of yours who has crooked teeth, there’s a good chance that you’ll have crooked teeth, too. Genetics determines the size and shape of your jaw, as well as the size, shape, and position of all your teeth.

Childhood habits during jaw development impact how your teeth will align. Sucking your thumb, using a pacifier, or using a bottle for too long puts pressure on the front teeth on the upper jaw. This causes the teeth to shift out of their proper alignment. The longer the habits go, the more likely they’ll impact teeth and jaw development.

Overcrowding leads to crooked teeth when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for all of them to align properly. If your jaw is too small, your teeth are too big, or if you have missing teeth that cause the rest of your teeth to shift, this can all lead to them being jumbled. Teeth don’t have the space to grow in properly.

Lastly, your oral health can impact teeth alignment. When you don’t take care of your mouth properly, bacteria can build up, causing tooth decay and gum disease. These conditions weaken your gums and jawbone, which are the structures that hold your teeth in place. If you have untreated cavities, they decay the teeth and change how they sit in your mouth.

Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?

Many patients complain about crooked teeth because they’re unhappy with their appearance. But crooked teeth can cause various oral health issues. To start, crooked teeth are harder to clean than straight ones. When teeth are crooked, they come together at odd angles and are often cramped.

You may not even be able to get dental floss between them. When even our specialized dental tools don’t work, your teeth aren’t getting clean. You’re still at high risk for tooth decay and gum disease, even if you’re doing everything right.

Crooked teeth cause you to have an uneven bite. When your upper and lower jaw come together, the pressure of your bite distributes evenly throughout your teeth. When your bite is uneven, some teeth experience more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster and are more likely to break or decay. You may require restorative dental solutions to repair these teeth.

An uneven bite is one of the top causes of TMJ disorders. The muscles that move your jaw strain because they’re in the improper position, and the jaw joint breaks down. The longer you go without correction, the worse the problem becomes. You experience popping and clicking when you move your jaw, pain and tension throughout your head and face, and issues opening and closing your jaw.

Treatment for Crooked Teeth

Dr. Catanzano will create a personalized treatment plan that considers your budget, goals, and oral health needs. Learn more about your options below:

Invisalign

An alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisalign uses clear aligners that gradually shift teeth every two weeks. The aligners can be removed for eating and brushing teeth. They also tend to be more comfortable than metal braces because they do not irritate the gums. Invisalign has a shorter treatment time than traditional options and can provide straighter teeth to patients in about six to eighteen months, depending on the patient’s needs.

Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding uses composite resin to change the size and shape of teeth. This resin also blends in with teeth for a more natural and aesthetically pleasing look. The tooth bonding procedure is less permanent and more economical than porcelain veneers. This treatment can be a great option for patients who may not want to commit to a more permanent dental treatment option.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great aesthetic treatment for crooked teeth because they are made of ultra-thin, high-quality porcelain. Porcelain veneers are color-matched to natural teeth to blend in perfectly. Bonding porcelain ceramic to teeth results in a straighter and brighter appearance.

Crooked Teeth FAQs

Crooked teeth are both a visual and functional issue for your smile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.

How common are crooked teeth?

Orthodontic conditions are extremely prevalent today. Nine out of ten people have teeth that are out of place, and 75 percent of us have teeth that do not have enough space to fully erupt.

Can teeth be straightened at any age?

Orthodontic treatment can start at any age, in adulthood, although fewer options may be available. Since orthodontic treatment might raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, it will not be able to begin until you have reached an acceptable level of oral hygiene. Teenagers’ mouths respond best to orthodontic treatment. However, anyone can undergo it to achieve a more aligned smile.

How long does it take to straighten teeth?

Each person is unique, and their teeth may respond to dental care differently. Dental braces can correct a patient’s teeth in as little as six months, however they can take as long as two years to fully correct.

Do crooked teeth affect face shape?

The symmetry and proportion of your face can be affected by many factors, including an underbite, overbite, crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw. Teeth play an important role in supporting the jawbone and maintaining your face’s natural length.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

You can contact Foxhall Smiles at 202-315-2188. Feel free to request a consultation with Dr. Catanzano on his website today.