Many people think crooked teeth are a problem that can always be detected and treated in childhood. But adults can experience malocclusion, or tooth misalignment, just as well, even if they’re teeth remained straight all throughout childhood. The good news is that there are several options for correcting crooked teeth as an adult, sometimes without the need for traditional, cumbersome orthodontic braces.
Crooked teeth aren’t only for children.
As a child, crooked teeth are a cause for concern mainly because they can lead to more serious dental health issues with their permanent teeth. If your permanent teeth grew in straight initially, however, they can still become misaligned for a variety of reasons, such as excessive force from bruxism (constant teeth grinding), dental injuries, or one or several missing teeth.
It’s about more than just appearance.
Early orthodontics for children focuses mainly on proper growth and development, but as an adult with crooked teeth, your most immediate worry may be about how your smile appears. Crooked teeth can make your entire smile seem imbalanced, which diminishes its cosmetic appeal. But the greatest threat is more than just your smile’s appearance; crooked teeth are at a higher risk of suffering damage or severe wear, developing cavities or gum disease in the tissues around them, and more.
You might not need braces after all.
These days, straightening crooked teeth for adults is often easier, more comfortable, and more discreet than ever before. With Invisalign® clear aligners, you can enjoy a straighter smile without bracket-and-wire braces, and the aligners are nearly invisible so you won’t have to worry about how they make your smile look. The aligners are also temporarily removable so you can continue to eat your favorite foods and clean your teeth effectively throughout the duration of your treatment.