Crooked Teeth?
Smiling Shyly in Surrey? Let's Talk Crooked Teeth.
Here at S3 Dental Hinchley Wood, we all know the importance of a big bright, confident smile. But what if crooked teeth are the reason you hold back on showing yours off? Many people struggle with misaligned teeth, but fear no more there are many fantastic solutions available right here at S3 Dental Hinchley Wood.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can be a source of frustration for many, but the good news is that understanding the reason behind the misalignment, is the first step towards a dazzling smile.
Genetics - Jaw size, shape, and even the number of teeth you have can be inherited and influence how your teeth erupt.
Early Tooth Loss - Whether due to decay or injury, losing baby teeth early can leave gaps that cause surrounding teeth to move and crowd the space meant for permanent teeth.
Habits: Tongue thrusting, thumb sucking, and even long term use of a pacifier can put pressure on developing teeth, pushing them out of alignment.
Jaw Misalignment: Sometimes, the jaws themselves can grow disproportionately, leading to an overbite, underbite, or other bite problems that affect tooth position.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Periodontitis (gum disease) can weaken the bone which supports your teeth, allowing them to become loose and move over time.
Do People Notice Crooked Teeth?
Absolutely, teeth are a prominent facial feature, Whether someone consciously registers it or not, alignment can definitely be noticeable, whilst mild misalignments might not be as noticeable, more severe cases such as overlapping, crowded, crooked teeth are more likely to be noticed. Our brains are wired to subconsciously evaluate symmetry. Straight teeth contribute to a more symmetrical smile, which we find aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, if they're bothering you and impacting your confidence, there are fantastic treatment options available to achieve the smile you desire.
Can Crooked Teeth Be Corrected?
Absolutely! Crooked teeth can be corrected in a variety of ways, depending on the severity and your desired outcome. Here at S3 Dental Hinchley Wood, you have access to excellent dental professionals who can create a personalised treatment plan for you.
Here's a breakdown of some popular options:
Orthodontics Using Clear Aligners: This is the gold standard for correcting crooked teeth. Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually shift your teeth into the new position. Clear aligners offer a more discreet alternative.
Cosmetic Dentistry: For milder cases, cosmetic dentistry options like dental veneers or composite bonding can create the illusion of straighter teeth. These procedures don't physically move the teeth, but they can improve their appearance.
What Is ClearCorrect And How Does It Work?
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. Here at S3 Dental Hinchley Wood, ClearCorrect is our leading brand of clear aligners used for straightening teeth. ClearCorrect is a system that uses a series of clear, custom-made, removable plastic aligners. These aligners gently put pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position over time.
ClearCorrect Process.
Comprehensive examination: The first step is a consultation with a dentist qualified to provide ClearCorrect treatment. They'll assess your teeth, take X-rays, take a 3d scan and photographs, explore treatment options, costs and answer any questions. You will also receive a free orthodontic treatment simulation which will show how the end results are predicted to look and the time taken to achieve the treatment and discuss your desired outcome.
Custom Aligners: ClearCorrect then manufactures your custom-made aligner trays based on the treatment plan. You'll receive a series of these trays, typically worn for 2 weeks each before switching to the next in the sequence.
Gradual Movement: As you wear the aligners throughout the day (22 hours per day), they apply gentle, controlled pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them into position.
Regular Check- ups: You'll need regular check-ups every 6-8 weeks with your dentist throughout treatment to monitor progress and ensure everything is on track.
Advantages Of ClearCorrect -
Discreet: The clear plastic aligners are nearly invisible, making them a much more discreet than traditional metal braces.
Removable: Clear Aligners are removed for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.
Comfort: Clear aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces.
Minimal invasive: Clear aligners do bot require any permanent changes to the tooth structure like some alternative cosmetic treatments.
Dental Veneers and Composite Bonding -
Veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain and are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can be shaped and coloured to mask minor misalignment, gaps, or chips, creating a straighter and more uniform appearance.
Composite Bonding: This technique uses a tooth-coloured resin material applied directly to the tooth surface. The dentist can mould and shape the resin to cover gaps, chips, or slightly crooked teeth, creating a more even look.
Porcelain Veneers and bonding can be a quick and attractive solution for mildly crooked teeth, however it is important to remember cosmetic treatments don't actually straighten teeth, They only mask the misalignment. Underlying bite problems or misalignment can persist and even worsen over time if not addressed with orthodontics. It is also important to remember some tooth enamel needs to be removed for veneer placement, making it a permanent alteration.
Contact our Hinchley Wood practice today on 0208 398 6322 or hw@s3dental.co.uk to book your cosmetic consultation.