Crooked Teeth

The problem of crooked teeth is a very common one. Very few people have perfectly straight teeth, that are all in perfect alignment. On the contrary, most of us will have at least one tooth that is slightly out of place, although many people will feel that this is not really a serious issue. Crooked teeth do become a problem however in cases where they distort the shape of the mouth, or when they cause issues such as overbite. Fortunately there are many treatments available to fix misalignment of the teeth, most of which are provided under government health schemes or dental insurance.

Crooked teeth can become apparent at a very early age. It is possible for issues to develop as soon as the adult teeth begin to grow. Misalignment of the teeth can be caused in a number of ways. For example, if a tooth begins to grow in a very small gap between two other teeth it can be pushed out of place very easily. It will then grow in at an angle, ruining the alignment of the teeth and affecting the bite. Occasionally crooked teeth can also be caused by issues with the jaw.

Common Treatments For Crooked Teeth

One of the most common treatments for crooked teeth is the fitting of braces. While originially braces were considered to be something of a stigma, they have now become quite common and even desirable. Where once children who were given braces were subject to teasing by their peers, many children and teenagers now consider these fittings to be something of a fashion accessory. The same is now true with adults, especially since a number of celebrities have been photographed with braces.

One of the main reasons why the attitude towards braces has changed is because the braces of today are much less obtrusive than the original models. Initially braces were made of thick stainless steel, which was very noticeable when in the mouth. Nowadays however it is possible to purchase braces that have very thin wires and are therefore much less visible. Additionally the brackets which attach the wire to the teeth are now available in a selection of colours and shapes. While most teenagers and children enjoy choosing brackets in bright colours and fun shapes such as hearts and stars, many adults choose brackets in white or ivory. These brackets are almost the same colour as the tooth enamel, and are very hard to see in the mouth. Therefore braces using this format tend to look like a thin piece of wire strung in front of the teeth. This is in stark contrast to the ‘train tracks’ of yesteryear, which were solid chunks of metal almost obscuring the teeth.

Another approach to the issue of crooked teeth is invisible braces, or Invisalign. These braces consist of a model of the teeth made from clear plastic, which fits over the teeth. This model is made to incorporate corrections in the alignment of the teeth so that it can gently pull the teeth into position when it is being worn. These braces are practially invisible on crooked teeth when worn.