Teeth misalignment can affect anyone at any age, although it is more likely to occur in young people when dental crowding restricts the natural eruption of adult teeth.
While there are numerous causes for misaligned teeth, a major reason is a genetic disposition; perhaps the size of the jaw is insufficient for the number of teeth that are trying to erupt.
Other causes include premature tooth loss, when you lose essential support for the remaining teeth and over-retained baby teeth, which can cause adult teeth to push to one side as they try to erupt.
Clear Aligners
The latest generation of teeth aligners are removable and as they are made from clear plastic, they are invisible when worn, which many people prefer. Being able to remove the device for eating is a game-changer, just make sure you wear the device at night, otherwise, you may have to extend the treatment.
The device is expertly shaped by the dentist to put pressure on specific teeth and over a period of time, the teeth’s growth direction is gradually altered. The treatment might involve replacing the aligner on numerous occasions, depending on the results.
Wire Dental Braces
This used to be the go-to treatment for crooked teeth and while it is considered effective, no one really wants a mouthful of wire as it looks ugly. There are times when a dentist might recommend this treatment, although most patients prefer clear aligners, as they are invisible when worn. For more information on teeth alignment, check out Beseen, a leading Australian dental platform.
Palatal Expanders
An oral device that widens a narrow upper jaw; the device is worn in the roof of the mouth and it gradually moves the upper and lower jaw apart. Click here for effective weight-loss tips.
Palate expanders might be prescribed for the following conditions:
- Crowded teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Crossbite, overbite and underbite
Expanding the palate can also help children and adults who suffer from sleep apnea. Dentists will recommend palatal expanders in certain situations and if your teeth are misaligned, we recommend making an initial appointment with a leading local dentist and let the healthcare professional carry out a thorough oral examination.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are affixed to the back of the teeth, making them almost invisible; the brackets, wires and elastic bands are all connected to the back of the teeth, which are only visible when your mouth is wide open. Lingual braces are not for everyone, some people do not like the strange feeling that comes with wearing the device.
There are numerous brands of clear aligners available, such as ClearPilot, ClearCorrect and Clear Quartz; if you would like to have a straighter smile to promote overall health & well-being, make an appointment with your local dentist for a professional opinion.
If you have young children and you think they might have dental crowding, now is the best time to take them to a local dentist where treatment can be discussed after a thorough examination.
Treatment can last for a few weeks, a few months or even one year, depending on the severity of the misalignment. Once the treatment is finished, your teeth are now perfectly aligned and should remain straight.
Image: Jake Nackos on Unsplash