Do you want straighter teeth? You’re not alone! Many people feel unhappy with how their teeth look, especially if they are crooked or out of place. Crooked teeth can also make it harder to clean your mouth properly, which can lead to other dental problems like cavities or gum disease. Our dentists treat crooked teeth in Edmonton, AB, as part of our dental concerns. At Hermitage Dental, we provide multiple options to improve crooked and misaligned teeth.
Types of Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth come in different shapes and forms. Some common types include:
- Overcrowding: This happens when there isn’t enough space in your mouth, causing your teeth to overlap or twist.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Some people have spaces between their teeth, which can be caused by missing teeth, a small jaw, or the way teeth grow.
- Overbite: This is when your top front teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth.
- Underbite: This is when your bottom teeth sit in front of your top teeth when you bite down.
- Crossbite: This happens when some top teeth sit behind the bottom teeth instead of in front.
- Open bite: Your front teeth don’t touch when you bite down, leaving a gap between the top and bottom teeth.
Why Should I Straighten Crooked Teeth?
The benefits of straightening crooked teeth can include:
Easier to Keep Clean
When your teeth are crooked or crowded, it’s harder to brush and floss them the right way. Some areas may be difficult to reach, which means food and plaque can get stuck there. Over time, this can lead to cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
When your teeth are straight, it’s easier to clean between them. You’ll be able to brush every surface and floss more effectively. That helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and lowers your chances of needing fillings or other dental work in the future.
Healthier Gums
Your gums support your teeth and help protect them from infection. But when teeth are crooked, they may crowd or overlap, making it harder for your gums to fit snugly around each tooth. This can lead to swollen, red, or bleeding gums—common signs of gum disease.
Straight teeth allow your gums to fit better, which helps protect your mouth from problems like gingivitis and periodontitis. Healthy gums are also less likely to recede or become sore.
Better Chewing
Your teeth and jaws are designed to work together when you bite and chew food. If your teeth are crooked or your bite is off, chewing can become difficult or uncomfortable. You may only chew on one side of your mouth or avoid certain foods because they hurt your teeth.
Straight teeth and a properly aligned bite make chewing easier and more efficient. This helps you break down food properly, which is important for digestion and overall health. You’ll also be able to enjoy a wider variety of foods without discomfort.
Less Jaw Pain and Headaches
If your bite doesn’t line up correctly, it can put extra pressure on your jaw muscles and joints. This may lead to jaw pain, clicking sounds when you chew, or even frequent headaches.
When your teeth are straight and your bite is balanced, your jaw can move more naturally. That takes pressure off the muscles and joints in your face, reducing the risk of jaw pain, tightness, or stress-related problems like teeth grinding.
Improved Speech
Did you know that the position of your teeth can affect how you talk? Some people with crooked teeth or bite problems may have trouble pronouncing certain words or sounds clearly. This is especially true if the front teeth stick out too far or don’t meet at all.
Straightening your teeth can help your tongue, lips, and teeth work together more smoothly. For some people, this leads to clearer speech and better communication.
Protects Teeth from Damage
Teeth that stick out, overlap, or don’t line up right are more likely to get damaged. They may chip, crack, or wear down faster than normal. Teeth that don’t meet evenly when you bite can also rub against each other and wear away the tooth enamel.
Straightening your teeth helps protect them from accidents and long-term damage. This means fewer dental problems down the road and a stronger and healthier smile.
Crooked Teeth Treatment in Edmonton, AB
At Hermitage Dental, we offer several ways to treat crooked teeth based on your needs, age, and the severity of your case. During your first visit, we’ll examine your teeth, take x-rays or digital scans, and talk about your goals. Then, we’ll help you choose the right treatment option.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign is a popular treatment for teens and adults who want a straighter smile without metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into the right position.
Here’s why many of our patients love Invisalign:
- Nearly Invisible: The aligners are clear, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.
- Removable: You can take them out when you eat, brush, and floss. That means no food restrictions!
- Comfortable: The aligners are smooth and custom-made to fit your mouth.
- No Wires or Brackets: There are no sharp parts to irritate your cheeks or gums.
- You’ll get a new set of aligners every 1–2 weeks, and most treatments take between 6 and 18 months. We’ll check your progress during regular visits to make sure your teeth are moving correctly.
Dental Veneers
If your teeth are only slightly crooked and you’re mostly concerned about the way they look, veneers may be a good choice. Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or resin placed on the front of your teeth. They can make your teeth look straighter, whiter, and more even.
Porcelain veneers are a fast and effective way to fix:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked or rotated teeth
- Teeth that are worn down, chipped, or uneven
- Discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening
Keep in mind that veneers only change how your teeth look. They don’t actually move your teeth or fix bite problems. We’ll help you decide if veneers are the right option for your smile.
Dental Bonding
Bonding is another great option for fixing slightly crooked teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to your teeth and shaping it to improve their appearance. Dental bonding can close gaps, fix small chips, and make crooked teeth look straighter.
Bonding is:
- Quick and painless (usually done in one visit)
- Less expensive than veneers or aligners
- A good choice for minor cosmetic fixes
But bonding may not last as long as other options, and it can stain over time. We’ll talk to you about how to care for bonded teeth and how long you can expect the results to last.
Request a Dental Visit
Treat crooked teeth in Edmonton, AB, today. Call Hermitage Dental at 587-806-4168. You can also request an appointment with our dental team online.