Crooked and crowded teeth are known by dentists as malalignment. You may have lived with it since childhood, or it may have developed over the years. Problems with early dental development and a loss of teeth can also contribute to crooked or crowded teeth. Treatment for malalignment is available and depends on your individual situation. Orthodontics, Invisalign®, crowns or veneers are some of the treatments available.
Crooked or crowded teeth can be mild or severe. It can be quite obvious to see from your smile, or not as noticeable if it affects teeth towards the back of your jaw. Malalignment can impact on the function of your teeth and mouth, so you can experience other symptoms too.
Crooked teeth can affect the health of your teeth, how your jaw works and can even affect your posture and balance. Some symptoms that may be present include:
Most often, problems such as crooked and crowded teeth, extra space between teeth, and having extra or missing teeth are genetic. Other factors can play a role too. These include injuries and accidents, thumb sucking, poor oral health and dental disease. Teeth that are lost in childhood, or as an adult, can develop problems also.
Sometimes, the resulting problem of malalignment is simply in appearance. But often, other issues can develop that affect how your teeth and jaw function. We recommend talking to your dentist early to discuss potential issues and available treatments.
Crooked and crowded teeth or an abnormal bite can be treated in a number of ways. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth. Teeth can be straightened using a variety of techniques. Which one you decide on will depend on the condition of your teeth, the severity of your problem and your budget. Some of the available treatments include:
When you book at one of our dental practices for crooked teeth you probably have a lot of questions and want answers as soon as possible. That’s understandable. It’s useful to think ahead about what your dentist will need to know to assess and treat your teeth.
Generally your dentist will ask you about your medical history and then thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, gums, jaw, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, nose and neck. You may also need an x-ray, depending on the condition of your teeth.
Your dentist will ask you some questions about your teeth, such as:
Think about your answers to these questions before your appointment. Being prepared can speed up the diagnosis.
The price of treating crooked teeth varies, depending on the condition of your teeth. We recommend that you see a dentist to check it out. Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and advise you about the cost of treatment. When you book online, simply select an appointment for crooked teeth.
It varies. Orthodontics are an investment in your smile and in your overall oral health. Treatment cost varies depending on the type of treatment used and the condition of your teeth. Your dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment for your teeth and talk you through the options available.
It doesn’t hurt to fit braces to your teeth. You may notice some discomfort in the first few days after having your braces fitted. This is most likely your jaw and teeth adjusting to the braces. Sometimes, the braces can rub on the insides of your mouth and cause ulcers. Your mouth will soon get used to the braces and the pain should reduce. Your dentist or orthodontist can advise you about ways to manage getting used to wearing braces.
When most people think about braces, they picture young teenagers wearing them. The truth is, adults can have their teeth straightened with braces too. It might be that your family couldn’t afford orthodontic treatment when you were younger, your condition has worsened, or that it’s just something that is more important to you now. There are a number of ways crooked teeth can be straightened including Invisalign®, which uses clear, comfortable and removable aligners to gradually move your teeth into a desired position. Aligners are a little bit like a very thin mouthguard, or tray. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist for advice.
One reason to straighten crooked teeth is to enhance your smile. But there are other reasons too. Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and keep healthy. A crowded mouth can contribute to conditions that cause tooth decay, gum disease and the potential loss of teeth.
We get it. We’re New Zealand’s largest group of dentists so we’ve seen more scared patients than any other dental practice in the country. For most people who are scared about visiting the dentist it’s because they’ve had a bad experience in the past. Relax. Our gentle and compassionate dentists understand how you feel. Whether you’re anxious or worried about experiencing more pain or the potential cost of the treatment, the best thing to do is to let us know how you feel. Making sure you feel comfortable is part of our job.
This depends. Sometimes, genetics plays a big role in the type of teeth you get. Taking good care of your oral health and having regular appointments at your dentist means you can keep an eye on how your teeth are developing over the years. Prevention is always better than waiting until you’re in pain or in need of emergency treatment. Practice good at-home dental care and build a great relationship with your dentist.
We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For optimum oral health:
The Lumino Dental Plan is a cost-effective way to ensure your oral health is given the priority it deserves. It’s an affordable ongoing subscription plan that keeps you on top of your oral health. We know that when you look after your oral health properly with regular preventative care, you’ll be less likely to need to see a dentist in an emergency. You’re also likely to spend less money at the dentist over time.
Learn more about what's next by viewing some possible treatments. We recommend you book an appointment with a dentist for specific advice about your symptoms. You can search for your nearest practice and book online today.
