Nearly everyone has some type of misalignment of their teeth. In fact, this is the number 1 most undiagnosed reason for a variety of health issues. Even if your teeth appear to be straight, there are 9 ways that you can tell if your teeth are misaligned:
If you believe you may have misaligned teeth, schedule a consultation with the team at Invisalign Toronto. We have several options for fixing your teeth misalignment. Dr. Jeremy Kurtz is an Invisalign-Preferred Provider, skilled in surgical placement of dental implants and bone grafting, and fulfilled his Implant Mini-Residency at Hi-Tec Implants Canada.
In this article, we'll explain the 5 most common types of misaligned teeth, the most common causes of misaligned teeth, and the various options for treating misaligned teeth.
There are five common types of misaligned teeth:
Overbite
This type of teeth misalignment is characterized by the top teeth extending past the bottom teeth. This is commonly referred to as bucktooth.
Underbite
This type of teeth misalignment is characterized by the lower teeth extending past the top teeth.
Open Bite
This type of teeth misalignment is characterized by the top and bottom teeth not touching properly, leaving a gap- even when the jaw is closed.
Crossbite
This type of teeth misalignment is characterized by the top teeth not aligning with the bottom teeth.
Crowded Teeth
This type of teeth misalignment is characterized by the teeth overlapping, bunching, and twisting because they do not have enough space to fit in the mouth properly.
There are several potential causes for misaligned teeth, including the following:
Below, we'll go over 9 common treatments for misaligned teeth:
When it comes to braces, you have two options: metal or ceramic. Traditional metal braces are the oldest and most common treatment for misaligned teeth. In this procedure, small metal silver or gray brackets are placed on the teeth and orthodontic wire is used to attach them and move the teeth into proper alignment. Ceramic brackets are very similar to the metal ones, except for the color- they are tooth-colored or clear.
Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. This is a system of transparent aligners that are customized for you. Since they are transparent, they are not noticeable, so unless you tell them- most people won't realize you have them. You can remove them to eat and brush your teeth. However, they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to ensure that they are effective.
Another option for fixing teeth misalignment is dental implants. In this procedure, a metal screw is implanted into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. They are typically made of titanium. An abutment is attached to the screw and then a crown is attached to the abutment to replace the actual tooth. With implants, no one will ever know you had dental issues. The success rate of dental implants is 95%, as long as you take proper care of them. If not taken care of, you increase your risk of complications such as infections, tissue damage, and potential nerve damage. Dental implants last 40+ years, and should actually last a lifetime.
A dental bridge is a dental prosthetic made up fake teeth, covering 1 or more missing teeth. They are ideal for those who are missing some, but not all of their natural teeth. A dental bridge costs less than dental implants and the procedure requires less time. One of the major disadvantages is that they will need to be replaced more frequently- every 10 to 20 years or so.
A dental splint is a mouthguard/bite plate that is designed for patients who grind their teeth. The dentist may recommend that you use one for a short period if you have TMJ disorder. You will use it at night while you sleep without causing permanent changes in your jaw/teeth, holding the teeth in place to prevent harmful movement. In addition to avoiding damage from clenching and grinding, it will also benefit teeth that have become loose due to lost gum tissue.
Dental veneers are dental appliances that are attached to your teeth. This is an ideal treatment for those who have minor misalignment and will last 10 to 30 years. They are also referred to as porcelain veneers, or dental porcelain laminates. Before attaching the veneers, the dentist will create a proper structure.
Though this is much less common, another option for treating teeth misalignment is with orthodontic headgear. This is also one of the oldest options for treating overbites. It is strapped to your neck and head with one or several straps. Then, the force is transferred to your jaw/mouth so that you can eat properly.
A palate expander is a dental device that widens your palate. It is useful for correcting the misalignment between the upper and lower jaws. They are even effective in young patients. This is typically the first option chosen for children and teens before any other approach is attempted.
If all else fails, the dentist may recommend oral surgery. There are several things covered under this umbrella, from simple tooth extractions to corrective jaw surgery to gum treatments, and so much more.
If you believe that your teeth are misaligned, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jeremy Kurtz and the team at Invisalign Toronto. Dr. Kurtz is an Invisalign preferred provider and is also skilled in other types of dental treatment. We will be more than happy to meet with you and discuss your needs/goals and help you get your smile back. We offer two convenient locations to meet your needs: Front Street and Lawrence Avenue.
