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Windsor Centre For Advanced Dentistry

How to fix misaligned teeth

Misaligned teeth, otherwise known as malocclusion, is a common problem which can be caused by simple crowding of our teeth (where our jaws cannot accommodate all the teeth) or habits like thumb-sucking during childhood. In many cases, it’s due to hereditary and congenital factors leading to an incorrect tooth alignment and bite. Facial growth and genetic factors also play an important role. In adults, it can also be due to gum disease (periodontal disease), tooth loss and wear and tear.

A malocclusion can lead to both functional and aesthetic problems, impacting the ability to chew and occasionally affecting speech, and also affects our smile and confidence.

As one of the most common conditions seen in dentistry, it’s generally corrected in childhood and adolescents with orthodontic treatment, involving braces of different types.

Is it possible to fix severely crooked teeth?

Yes, however each case of misaligned teeth will be unique, due to mouth shape, tooth placement and factors mentioned above. All can be rectified using the below treatment methods:

Orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment with various types of braces are the ideal treatment option for misaligned teeth. This will correct the positioning of the teeth, using either the standard fixed braces, internal lingual (hidden) braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, or combinations of the above depending on the individual case and severity of the misalignment. When you come to our practice, we’ll examine your teeth and work out exactly which type of braces will work best for you.

Orthognathic surgery

In a few cases where there are significant abnormalities of jaw growth and development, it is necessary to also consider corrective jaw surgery in combination with orthodontic treatment. This is rare though, and new techniques in orthodontic treatment mean that many of these cases can now be treated without jaw surgery.

Restorative treatments

Once the teeth have been realigned using braces, some restorative work may be needed, such as if the teeth are small or malformed, or in adults where teeth may have been affected by decay, wear or damage.

Once the teeth have straightened, there may be aesthetic issues that weren’t evident before, such as the edges of the teeth not being the same length, or a difference in colour of the misaligned teeth.

Usually this involves simple restorative treatments such as composite bonding, fillings and whitening, but in more serious cases of structural damage to the teeth, restorations such as veneers or crowns may be required. Your dentist will analyse what solution will be best for your teeth once the braces have corrected the misalignment and the issues can be seen more clearly. Missing teeth may also need to be replaced with dental implants or bridges.

Before and after crooked teeth alignment

Crooked teeth - before and after images

How long will it take to fix misaligned teeth?

The length of time will be different for each treatment solution and every patient. Typically, orthodontic treatments take anything from six months to three years, depending on the individual case and severity of the malocclusion.

After the braces are removed, you may also need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions. A retainer may also be fixed to the back of your teeth, to ensure they don’t revert to their original misalignment.

Throughout the orthodontic treatment and with any type of brace, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, brush well after every meal or snack, and avoid any hard or sticky foods since these could damage or get stuck in braces.

Smile again with us

Here at the Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry, we want to make sure that you can smile with pride. With our talented team of expert specialists, we’ll be able to figure out the right treatment option to correct your misaligned teeth and be with you throughout the entire process to make sure the end result is perfect for you.

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