Crooked teeth can make you make you painfully self-conscious about your smile. Because of their positioning, they are more difficult to clean and keep healthy.

Malocclusion, or crooked teeth, inhibits the proper function of your bite and can lead to a range of oral and overall health issues.

Are my crooked teeth really a problem?

Many of our dental traits are directly inherited from our parents. Whether it is the size of our mouths or the alignment of our jaws, the main traits that can lead to crowding are inherited from our parents. If your parents have crooked teeth or needed braces as children, there is a good chance you will too.

There are millions of bacteria in your mouth which thrive on sugary foods and drinks. When teeth are left unbrushed, bacteria can feed on leftover sugar, producing acid. The acid and bacteria then combine to form plaque.

Plaque sticks to teeth and the acids within begin to wear away at the outer surface of teeth, called enamel. Over time, small openings begin to appear in the enamel, and these openings are the first stage of a cavity.

The longer plaque and bacteria are left on teeth, the larger the cavity can become. Decay can reach the deeper layers of the tooth, causing irritation, sensitivity, and pain. Extensive decay can eventually cause tooth loss.

How can I avoid getting a cavity?

Dr. Park will typically diagnose crooked teeth during your dental exam. Depending on what Dr. Park sees, he may perform x-rays in addition to a visual check of your bite. Elegant Dental Care’s Panoramic x-ray equipment can help with the diagnosis of a misaligned bite by showing the relationship between your teeth and jaws.

Dr. Park may take an impression of your teeth to further assess your bite. Based on these tests, Dr. Park can determine what type of treatment is best for you.

Although you cannot change your genetics, adjusting or refraining from certain habits can reduce your risk of developing crooked teeth.

The most common treatment for crooked teeth is traditional metal braces. During treatment, a combination of brackets and wires guide your teeth into the proper position.

Invisalign® and other clear aligners are a discreet option for patients with mild to moderate misalignments.

In some cases, reshaping with a crown, veneer, or dental bonding can fix the appearance of crooked teeth.

Jaw Surgery For more severe misalignment, you may need surgery to reshape the jaw in combination with braces.

If your teeth are crooked due to overcrowding, your doctor may recommend removing teeth.

Straightening your smile can be a great self-confidence boost, as well as, improving your oral health. If you are concerned about crooked teeth, schedule an appointment with a Dr. Park today by calling us here at Elegant Dental Care (909) 478-9777. Dr. Park will assess your smile and determine whether you are a food candidate for the Invisalign program we offer.

24950 Redlands Blvd
Ste B
Loma Linda, CA 92354