Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. However, if you’re self-conscious about your crowded teeth, you might be in the habit of hiding your smile behind your lips or hand. This can hinder both your personal and your professional life. Fortunately, your cosmetic dentist in DeSoto has a few solutions for you to choose from. Keep reading below to learn more about your options for correcting your crowded teeth and improving your quality of life.
What Causes Crowded Teeth?
One factor that can contribute to crowded teeth is the size of your jaw compared to your teeth. If your jaw is significantly smaller than your teeth, there may not be enough room for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. They might overlap or twist around each other.
Another reason might be that you lost a baby tooth too soon. When a primary tooth falls out too early or is prematurely removed by your dentist due to extreme decay, the surrounding teeth may drift into the gap. As a result, the underlying permanent teeth may not have enough room to come in, or they may erupt at awkward angles.
Are Crowded Teeth Detrimental?
Yes. There are plenty of reasons why you should correct crowded teeth besides just aesthetic ones. The main reason is that evenly aligned teeth are much easier to brush and floss. Your dental hygienist is also able to clean them more efficiently at your checkups. Because your teeth are cleaner, you’re a lot less likely to develop oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
How Your Dentist Can Correct Crowded Teeth
Depending on your age and the severity of your alignment, your dentist may choose any of the following treatments to address your crowded teeth:
Traditional Braces
Conventional braces are typically the most effective method of evening out crowded teeth. Metal brackets are placed on each of your teeth, with an archwire threaded through them. The brackets and wires exert a gentle pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position.
Invisalign
If your teeth are only mildly crowded, you might be a candidate for Invisalign. This treatment utilizes a set of clear plastic trays that are worn over your teeth at all times except eating, drinking, and performing oral hygiene. Invisalign in DeSoto allows you to straighten your smile without compromising your professional appearance.
Porcelain Veneers
Among the most versatile cosmetic treatments, veneers are thin porcelain shells that are placed over your problem teeth to give them the appearance of being effortlessly perfect. While veneers don’t actually address the crowded teeth, they can improve the aesthetic aspect of your smile by leaps and bounds.
You don’t have to suffer through having crowded teeth any longer. Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to see which option is right for your unique smile.
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Najjar is a general and cosmetic dentist in DeSoto, TX who studied dentistry at Nova Southeastern University. She has undergone advanced training in areas like dental implant placement as well as Invisalign certification. Her practice offers all of the options listed above to correct crowded teeth and regain your self-confidence. To learn more about which solution would best benefit you, visit Dr. Najjar’s website or call (972) 230-1100.