Crooked teeth are typically caused by an overcrowded mouth, which results in teeth that are twisted, overlapped, angled, rotated and misaligned. Although uneven teeth are unique and can be a charming and defining aspect of a distinctive smile, it is perfectly understandable to want to have them straightened. If you are not happy with the way your teeth look, or they are causing oral health problems, they can be straightened with a variety of orthodontic treatments that include Invisalign® aligners and traditional braces.
Invisalign is an effective and simple way of creating a straight smile with clear aligners that fit over the teeth. Virtually invisible, the treatment consists of wearing a series of aligners that gradually move the teeth into their correct positions.
As a renowned specialist in orthodontics, Dr. Chaw Su Kyi offers unparalleled expertise with crooked teeth treatment in London. Her tailor-made treatments can help you achieve a straight smile that looks good, as well as reduce the risk of malocclusion and other related oral health problems.
What Causes Misaligned Teeth?
Although there is no one single factor that causes teeth to become crooked, some of the following may contribute:
- Our soft food diet is very different from the diet our ancestors had. One theory is that our jaws have become much smaller, and we have too many teeth required for modern diets.
- Bad habits or behaviours in childhood, such as thumb sucking, can push teeth out of the way.
- If you have an overbite or underbite, which is when the jaws do not fit together properly.
- If either of your parents have overcrowded teeth, you may also have a genetic proclivity.
- An injury to the face or mouth can knock teeth out of position.
When Should I Consider Teeth Straightening?
Although teeth straightening treatments are often carried out during our teenage years, recently there has been a rise in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. While an even smile is highly desirable, the increase is not just attributable to cosmetic concerns but also to oral health issues.
Crooked teeth tend to become worse as we age as the jawbone loses density and changes shape. This can contribute to oral hygiene issues as it forces the teeth to drift forward causing overcrowding in the front of the mouth. As a result, keeping teeth clean and free from tartar (hardened plaque) may be difficult, which can lead to periodontal disease – a serious condition that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, leading to tooth loss.
Misaligned teeth can cause additional wear and tear on the teeth, gums and jaws and may lead to headaches, discomfort and disorders such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Furthermore, if you are embarrassed by your crooked teeth, it can lower your confidence and affect self-esteem, which can have an impact on almost every area of your life.
Straighten Your Crooked Teeth in West London
You can schedule a virtual consultation or appointment with Dr Kyi to enquire about Invisalign for crooked teeth in London, and other teeth straightening techniques. A distinguished orthodontist, she obtains excellent results, even in complex cases where other specialists have not succeeded.