Dealing With Crooked Teeth

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bracesMany teenagers and some adults experience malocclusion, which means your teeth are misaligned in some way. This condition can be a nuisance, as it might require expensive orthodontic treatment to fix, which may not seem worth it. However, crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic issue; they can actually impact your overall oral health by causing you to be more susceptible to certain dental problems. If you or your child has crooked teeth, let your dentist know, so we can devise an appropriate treatment plan.

What Can Malocclusion Do to Your Oral Health?

There are different levels of malocclusion that affect how well your teeth fit together, such as an overbite or underbite. In many cases, the condition may be so slight that no treatment is necessary, because it does not cause obvious symptoms or problems for your dental health. Symptoms include:

  • Trouble chewing
  • Tooth decay or gingivitis (indirectly)—Crooked teeth may be harder to keep clean, because of various nooks and crannies that may develop in the spaces, allowing bacteria to flourish where your brush may not be able to reach.
  • Strain on your jaws or muscles
  • Psychological effects—You may develop stress or anxiety if you become self-conscious about your teeth.

If you experience malocclusion problems, then we suggest that you seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce your risk of subsequent issues.

Treatment Options

Braces and aligners are common options for crooked teeth, as they can gently guide the teeth into more symmetrical positions over time. With advancing technology, orthodontic treatments are becoming less noticeable for people who don’t want to wear large, clunky brackets and wires.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FAMILY DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.