Enhance the Smile with Treatment for a Twisted Tooth

A woman with beautiful, straight teethOne or more twisted teeth can cause some patients to feel self conscious about the appearance of their smile. Restorative dentistry treatments can help address issues like twisted teeth to reveal a more attractive smile. If you would like to learn more about treatment for a twisted tooth, contact Wilmington, DE dentists Jeffrey J. Emmi and Laura Dougherty to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, learn more about enhancing the smile as we discuss the causes and treatments for twisted teeth.

The Causes of Twisted Teeth

The teeth may become twisted for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes of twisted teeth is related to the loss of primary teeth, also called baby teeth, and the growth of permanent, or adult, teeth. As baby teeth are lost, permanent teeth may not come in uniform alignment. Overcrowding may also cause crooked teeth because there is not enough room to accommodate each tooth.

In some cases, adults who previously had straight teeth may develop crooked or twisted teeth as a result of tooth loss. The loss of a permanent tooth, whether caused by decay or an accident, can cause the remaining teeth to shift. This may lead to one or more teeth twisting or becoming crooked.

Treatment for a Twisted Tooth

The treatment used for straightening a twisted tooth will depend on the extent of twisting and the number of twisted teeth. Some possible treatments for correcting the appearance of twisted teeth and improving the smile include:

  • Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers may be used as instant orthodontics to treat minor twisting or crookedness. Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to correct the appearance of mildly twisted teeth, as well as other dental flaws.
  • Invisalign®: Invisalign® is a discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics and may be used to straighten mild to moderately twisted teeth. Instead of using a metal bracket and wire system, Invisalign® uses clear, plastic trays to gradually adjust dental alignment and create beautifully straight teeth.
  • Braces: For more severely twisted teeth, braces are one of the best options. Braces, or traditional orthodontics, use metal brackets and wires to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. This pressure helps guide the teeth to a straighter, more attractive position, free of twisting or crookedness.

The Benefits of Treating Twisted Teeth

Correcting the appearance of twisted teeth can help enhance the smile, but treating twisted teeth offers more than just aesthetic benefits. Some benefits of treating twisted teeth include:

  • Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease: Twisted teeth often overlap the neighboring teeth. This overlap makes it difficult to properly clean the teeth, often increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. By treating twisted teeth and eliminating overlap, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene for the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Reduced jaw and muscle strain: Even just one twisted tooth can affect a person’s bite, potentially straining the muscles supporting the jaw and the jaw itself. Correcting twisted teeth helps establish a healthy bite, reducing strain on the jaws and muscles.
  • Reduced risk of uneven enamel wear: Twisted and crooked teeth can lead to uneven wear of the enamel as a result of improper alignment, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and tooth decay. Straightening twisted teeth helps reduce the risk of uneven enamel wear by allowing the teeth to properly align when eating and speaking.
  • Improved confidence: Correcting the appearance of twisted teeth can help improve patients’ confidence by producing straighter teeth.

Discover Which Treatments Are Right for You

If you have twisted teeth and would like to learn more about your treatment options, please contact our dental team today.