Columbus, GA dentist Dr. Albert Caves offers a wide range of treatment options for crooked teeth, including options for straightening teeth with or without braces. Dr. Caves is among the top cosmetic dentists in Columbus, GA, and can help you get the straighter, healthier, more beautiful smile you always wanted. Crooked teeth are one of the dental concerns that Dr. Caves can fix.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Dr. Caves recommend straightening crooked teeth because doing so will help keep your mouth healthy. When teeth are crooked, it can be hard to brush and floss between them. Improper dental care will lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Also, straight teeth help you bite and chew food better. If teeth do not line up right, you may have pain in your jaw or even break a tooth.
Straight teeth also help you smile with more confidence, which can make you feel good about yourself. If you have crooked teeth, Dr. Caves will review all your options to straighten them.
Why Do I Have Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can happen for many reasons. Sometimes, kids’ mouths are too small for all the adult teeth coming in, so the teeth get pushed together and twist or overlap.
You could also have crooked teeth due to genetic. Crooked teeth can run in your family. If your parents or grandparents had them, you might too.
Losing baby teeth too soon or keeping them for too long can also cause teeth to grow in crooked. Habits like thumb-sucking or using a pacifier for a long time can change how teeth line up, too. Your dentist will assess your smile and help you find the best treatment to fix your teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment for Crooked Teeth
Orthodontic treatment is one of the most popular and well-known methods for correcting misaligned or crooked teeth. There are several types of orthodontic treatment, including traditional metal braces, short-term braces, and invisible braces. Dr. Albert Caves refers patients to a local orthodontist in Columbus, GA for treatment. This specialist is actually his father, Dr. Sammy Caves, who has more than 25 years of experience in orthodontics.
About SureSmile®: A Clear Aligner System To Straighten Teeth
SureSmile® is a type of clear aligner, that helps straighten crooked teeth without using metal braces. The clear aligners are made of clear plastic, so they are hard to see on your teeth.
SureSmile® uses sophisticated dental technology to create a plan just for you and make the aligners that fit your mouth precisely. You can take clear aligners out when you eat or brush, which makes life easier. Many people like SureSmile® because it is comfortable, looks better than metal braces, and you can still eat most foods you like. To learn more about how SureSmile® works, see Clear Aligners.
Alternatives To Braces For Crooked Teeth
Many patients, especially adults, want to avoid wearing braces. There are many alternative treatments available, and Dr. Caves can perform an evaluation to determine which are your best options. Straightening teeth without braces is best when there are health considerations that would require braces.
Dr. Caves offers a number of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can improve the appearance of misaligned teeth. These treatments include:
Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is an easy treatment we use to correct minor problems with alignment, such as gaps between teeth or uneven teeth. This cosmetic dental procedure uses tooth-colored resin material to make a tooth look natural. Your dentist will apply and harden it with a special light to improve tooth alignment. The process is quick, minimally invasive, and typically requires little or no removal of the tooth’s natural enamel. To learn more about the dental bonding process, see Cosmetic Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from dental ceramic. They cover the front and sides of teeth. Your dentist will bond them to the front surface of teeth. Dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth by correcting misalignment. We usually use them to improve spaces between teeth, uneven teeth, or misshaped teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable, natural-looking, and can enhance the overall aesthetics of a person’s smile. To learn more about the porcelain veneers process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect the entire tooth like a cap. We may suggest a dental crown to help with tooth alignment by changing a tooth’s shape, size, or to repair severe or damage. By correcting these issues, we can align your smile allowing it to function normally. Teeth crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these. To learn more about the dental crown process, see Dental Crowns.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Are crooked teeth unhealthy?
Crooked teeth are not always unhealthy, but they can lead to problems. Is is often hard to brush and floss teeth that are not straight, which may cause tooth decay or gum disease. Crooked teeth can also make it tough to chew food or talk clearly. In some cases, they may cause jaw pain.
Can I get a straight smile without braces?
Yes, you can get a straight smile without braces. Clear aligner treatment, such as SureSmile®, is one way to straighten teeth. The treatment involves wearing clear trays that fit over your teeth and slowly move them into place. Some people use retainers for small changes. If your teeth only need minor work, Dr. Caves can use dental bonding or veneers.
Do crooked teeth get worse over time?
Yes, crooked teeth can get worse over time if they are not treated. As you grow, your teeth and jaws change, which can make the crowding or crooked parts worse. You will find it harder to keep your teeth clean, which could lead to more dental problems. Braces, clear aligners, or other treatments from a dentist can help fix crooked teeth and stop them from getting worse as you get older.