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Need to See a Salem Crooked Teeth Dentist?

Do you have crooked teeth? You’re not alone.

It’s been estimated that 9 in 10 people have some level of misalignment, from very mild to more extreme cases.

We know that a crooked smile can take a toll on our self-esteem and confidence. But what are the oral health implications of crooked teeth? And how should you choose the best treatment option for you?

What causes crooked teeth?

There are a number of potential causes for crooked teeth. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Genetics – Crooked teeth can be an inherited trait. If you’ve had crooked teeth all your life, check with members of your family and look into whether or not there may be a pattern.
  • Injury – It’s not uncommon for facial injuries to cause teeth to become loose or fall out. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth will often shift to try to fill the missing space, leading to a crooked appearance.
  • Repetitive facial movements – Certain myofunctional habits can change the structure of your jaw and teeth, especially during childhood. If you developed these habits (such as tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, or mouth breathing) as a child, this could lead to crooked teeth.
  • Small jaw – For people with physically small or narrow jaws, it’s not uncommon for the teeth to become crowded and overlap in order to fit into the space. This can also occur if you have larger teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite.

How can you fix crooked teeth?

For years, braces have been the traditional method of straightening teeth. But they’re far from your only option. You and your oral health care provider can assess your case and determine the best treatment option for you.

For example, many people opt to have veneers (a thin shell that can completely reshape your smile) installed. There are also a number of treatments that are effective and convenient, such as teeth bonding and clear aligners.

Can crooked teeth be healthy?

Crooked teeth can be healthy with proper, specialized care and regular checkups; however, having crooked teeth has been proven to increase the likelihood of developing serious oral health problems. For example, overlapping teeth are far more difficult to clean, leaving you more vulnerable to decay and cavities. Misaligned teeth also leave you at a greater risk for injury, chipping, jaw pain, and gum disease.

How much do braces cost?

While traditional braces are one of the more affordable and effective treatment options, they certainly aren’t cheap. Metal braces usually cost anywhere between $3,000 and $7,000. However, you can opt for more expensive options that are more cosmetically elegant, such as ceramic clear braces or lingual braces.

Are brand-name mail-order aligners good for strengthening teeth?

Before using any brand name invisible clear aligners, you should consult with a specialist.

Do crooked teeth get worse with age?

Crooked teeth are known to worsen as you get older. This can occur for several different reasons. For example, our bone density decreases as we get older, causing our pallets to become smaller and our teeth to become overcrowded. General wear and tear such as grinding and repetitive use over time are also contributing factors.

Does having crooked teeth hurt?

While crooked teeth may just seem like an aesthetic annoyance, they can also cause pain and discomfort. Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite puts pressure on your jaw muscles and the actual bones of your teeth. This means that crooked teeth can cause chronic headaches, TMJ pain, and toothaches.

Can crooked teeth cause cavities?

Absolutely. Because crooked teeth usually overlap with each other, it makes it far more difficult to reach, and therefore clean, all the areas of your teeth. This increases the likelihood of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and cavities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions but prefer not to call? Browse our FAQs for quick answers and a better understanding of our dental office and services.

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing or damaged teeth. They act as artificial roots and support crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Most healthy adults who have missing or damaged teeth with sufficient jawbone density are good candidates. During your consultation, our team of expert dentists will assess your teeth and gums to see if implants are the right fit for you.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, implants can last 15 years or longer. With the right maintenance, possibly a lifetime.

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report minimal discomfort. Mild soreness tends to occur afterwards and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Caring for implants is similar to caring for natural teeth—daily brushing and flossing with regular dental visits. These steps are essential for long-term success.