Misaligned teeth can affect children and adults, leading to pain and other issues. One study estimates that over half of all children and teens in Germany have had treatment for this common problem.
If you’re concerned about the misalignment of teeth, there are some dental treatments available to help you.
Read on to learn more about the causes and some available treatments. This information will help you find the solution that’s right for you.
Causes of Misalignment of Teeth
In some cases, misalignment of teeth is genetic and passed down from parent to child. For some patients, their mouths are too small for their teeth. This causes teeth overcrowding and shifting.
Many people have a different-sized upper and lower jaw, or the jaw is malformed. This will result in an overbite where the protrusion of the upper jaw is extended. It may also cause an underbite when the lower jaw protrudes forward and extends past the upper jaw and set of teeth.
Early loss of baby or adult teeth can also misalignment. Ill-fitting crowns or fillings, gingivitis, and tumors of the mouth or jaw may also cause the issue.
For children, thumb-sucking or using a pacifier past the age of three can also cause misalignment of teeth. Prolonged use of a bottle is yet another common cause.
Dental Treatments for Misaligned Teeth
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of the problem, your age, and other factors. You may need to consider whether going to an orthodontist vs dentist is the best plan of action.
Invisalign Clear Aligners is an effective treatment for people with teeth misalignment. These clear detail aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and help to re-straighten the upper or lower teeth. Ask your dentist or orthodontist about some Invisalign tips to help you decide if it’s a good option.
Braces for adults and children are a very common treatment that may help to correct misaligned teeth. But, there is an alternative to braces including aligners and other options. While invisible aligners may cost more, they’re also easy and convenient.
In severe cases where standard treatment doesn’t work, orthodontic surgery may be required. This surgery will correct the jaw by re-shaping or re-sizing it. You may need a combination of treatments and surgery if the problem is severe.
Some patients may need to utilize a combination of different dental treatments to correct the issue. Your dentist will help you come up with a treatment plan that will work for your unique needs and budget.
Restore Your Smile Today
The misalignment of teeth is a common problem and it’s not something you should be ashamed about. With proper treatment, you can restore your smile and gain a new sense of self-confidence.
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