Crooked Teeth and Misalignment – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Table of Contents
Many people suffer from crooked or misaligned teeth, which makes them reluctant to speak in public and causes them tend to hide their mouth. In orthodontics there are many options, even such where only the front teeth are fixed. There is always a treatment option that works best for you, so don’t give up and say “I can’t fix it anymore anyway”.
Causes of crooked and misaligned teeth
The causes of crooked and misaligned teeth can be broadly divided into the following three categories:
Inherited causes:
Heredity and malformation of the teeth during the fetal period can cause misaligned teeth.
Acquired causes:
Teeth can become misaligned due to finger sucking and tongue biting habits during infancy or diseases such as tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Malocclusion:
Malocclusion is a condition in which the teeth are not in their normal position or bite. There are several types of malocclusion, each with different causes and symptoms.
Symptoms of crooked and misaligned teeth
Symptoms of misaligned teeth may include:
- Poor appearance of the teeth
- Poorly aligned teeth
- Susceptibility to cavities and gum disease
- Poor pronunciation
- Arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Headaches and shoulder stiffness
Methods for Correcting Crooked and Misaligned Teeth
There are three main methods of orthodontic treatment for aligning teeth:
Wire orthodontics:
Wires or brackets are attached to the teeth in order to move them. This is the most common type of orthodontic treatment.
Mouthpiece orthodontics:
A mouthpiece is worn to move the teeth. It is less noticeable than braces and can be removed when you leave the house.
Invisalign:
A clear mouthpiece is worn to move teeth. It is less noticeable and easier to remove than wire or mouthpiece braces.
Wire bracers
Mouthpiece
invisalign
Cost of orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth
The cost of orthodontic treatment for straightening teeth depends on the orthodontic method and the length of treatment. For general wire braces, the cost ranges from several hundred thousand yen to several million yen. For mouthpiece braces and Invisalign, the cost tends to be higher than for wire braces.
Timing of Teeth Straightening
The earlier the teeth are straightened, the better. In general, it is good to start orthodontic treatment as soon as problems are detected, but no later than the age of 7. However, orthodontic treatment can also be done in adulthood.
Benefits of straightening your teeth
There are many benefits to straightening your teeth, including:
- Improved appearance of your teeth
- Improved bite
- Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease
- Improved pronunciation
- Reduced risk of arthritis of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- Reduced risk of headaches and shoulder pain
Cautions for Orthodontic Treatment of Crooked and Misaligned Teeth
When correcting misaligned teeth, the following points should be considered:
・Regular visits to the dentist are necessary during orthodontic treatment
・During orthodontic treatment, care must be taken when brushing teeth and eating
・During orthodontic treatment, the wires and mouthpiece can cause discomfort and pain.
Misaligned teeth not only look bad, they can also cause a variety of oral problems. If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth, we recommend that you see your dentist as soon as possible to discuss orthodontic treatment.
The Toranomon Hills Dental Medical Ryu Clinic offers free consultations for a variety of dental problems.
You can be sure that we will always make suggestions that are appropriate for your situation and that we will always work with you to determine the best treatment plan.
Please do not give up and consult with us first.
