When you smile, your teeth are on show. If your teeth are crowded or crooked, you may feel self-conscious. Although you might dislike your smile because of this problem, you’re not alone in experiencing it. It’s estimated that 90% of people have some degree of alignment issues.
You may have had crooked teeth for as long as you can remember, but never have addressed the problem. Fortunately, it’s never too late to straighten your teeth. At Nottingham Smiles, we offer various teeth straightening treatments which provide great results whatever your age.
But what causes your crooked teeth? And what does treatment involve?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions and explore the benefits of straightening your teeth.
Common Causes of Crooked Teeth
Understanding why teeth become crooked is the first step in addressing the issue. Here are some common causes:
Genetics
Your genes play a significant role in determining the shape and size of your jaw and teeth. If your parents had crooked teeth, you might be more likely to have them too.
Childhood Habits
Prolonged dummy or thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting or bottle-feeding can affect the development of the jaw and teeth alignment. Continuing these habits late into childhood can push or pull your jaw and teeth.
Jaw Size and Tooth Size Mismatch
Sometimes, your jaw may be too small to accommodate all teeth properly, leading to overcrowding and misalignment. This often becomes most apparent in your teens when your facial features are reaching their adult proportions.
Facial Injuries
Accidents or injuries to the face and jaw can cause teeth to shift out of alignment. This can affect your smile at any age.
Why Straight Teeth Matter
Having straight teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. There are several health benefits associated with a well-aligned smile.
- Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Better Digestion: Properly aligned teeth contribute to more effective chewing, which is the first step in the digestive process.
- A Confidence and Self-esteem Boost: A beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life.
- Improved Speech: Misaligned teeth can affect speech and straightening them can help reduce speech difficulties.
- Less Jaw Pain: Jaw problems like temporomandibular joint disorder can cause neck, face, and head pain due to the strain caused by misaligned teeth.
How Do We Treat Crooked Teeth?
At Nottingham Smiles, we offer a range of treatment options to suit your needs and lifestyle. We’ll assess your smile and discuss the available options to help you make the best choice.
Fixed Braces
Traditional braces are highly effective for correcting various alignment issues. They consist of brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires that gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign
These clear, removable aligners are virtually invisible and offer a more discreet treatment option. They’re custom-made to fit your teeth and are changed every few weeks as your teeth move.
Smilelign
Similar to Invisalign, Smilelign uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. This system offers a cost-effective alternative to other clear aligners.
Damon Braces
Damon braces use a self-ligating system that doesn’t require elastic or metal ties. They can provide faster treatment times and require fewer adjustments than traditional braces.
Inman Aligners
These removable appliances are designed to quickly correct front teeth in as little as 6-18 weeks. They’re ideal for minor alignment issues.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed to the back of your teeth, making them invisible from the front. They’re an excellent option for those who want the effectiveness of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance.
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
Regardless of your chosen method, the teeth straightening process typically involves:
- An initial consultation and assessment
- A customised treatment plan
- Regular check-ups and adjustments
- A retainer to wear following treatment.
The duration of treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the chosen method. It can range from a few months to two or more years.
Teeth Straightening in Nottingham
With a full range of orthodontic treatments, we’re well-equipped to straighten your teeth and help you achieve smile perfection.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
