Crooked teeth aren’t just about your appearance. They can have a significant effect on your overall quality of life! Bite misalignment, pressure, discomfort—these are all possibilities when you’re dealing with crooked teeth. Fortunately, our team can help!
When it comes to treating and fixing crooked teeth, our team will likely recommend one of the following 5 treatments:
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Braces
- Invisalign
1. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a quick and minimally invasive procedure. It can be used to correct several common esthetic dental problems, such as:
- Minor misalignments
- Chips
- Gaps
This process involves the application of a gentle tooth-colored resin material to the affected area. This resin can be carefully shaped and hardened to subtly improve your smile—without needing more advanced or invasive treatments. It’s a simple, elegant approach that our team can use to deal with gaps, and the results are relatively customizable to give you a smile you love.
2. Veneers
Think of veneers as thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. Typically made of porcelain or a composite resin, veneers are ideal for:
- Chips
- Gaps
- Stains
- Misshapen teeth
These can be matched to the existing shade of your teeth, or customized to a hue you prefer more. Veneers are an excellent approach to all kinds of esthetic problems. Even better—veneers are extremely long-lasting, often durable enough to last for 20 years or more. If they’re damaged, they’re also easily replaceable or repairable!
To get veneers, it only takes 2 appointments. During the first visit to our clinic, a small amount of enamel will be removed from the front of your teeth; this makes sure that your future veneers don’t take up too much space. Then, a mold is made of your smile and sent out to a lab so the veneers can be created.
Then, you’ll return a couple of weeks later. Our team will fit the veneers to your teeth and make any necessary adjustments before permanently bonding them together. We’lll work closely with you to make sure you love your new look, so if you need any changes, feel free to speak up.
3. Crowns
Sometimes, crooked teeth may require a more advanced approach. If this is the case, our team may recommend dental crowns.
This is a versatile treatment option that can be ideal for both esthetic and functional issues with your teeth. Think of a crown like a cap that fits over an existing tooth, designed to provide support and an improved appearance. These are often used for:
- Teeth that are significantly damaged or decayed
- Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy
- Teeth with severe misalignment or other esthetic issues
- Acting as an anchor for a dental bridge
- Covering a dental implant
A dental crown doesn’t just improve your smile’s appearance—it’s designed to completely reinforce or replace the function and feel of your existing tooth. They’re easy to take care of as well; you simply treat them like your natural teeth to keep them clean!
4. Braces
Braces are a tried-and-true orthodontic approach to correcting misaligned teeth and improving your bite. Traditionally, these involve several parts:
- Metal brackets that are adhered to each tooth
- Wires that connect the brackets
- Rubber bands to apply pressure in specific directions
Braces are typically worn for several years, and you’ll periodically return to our team for adjustments and tightening. This changes the pressure in your mouth, slowly shifting the teeth into the desired position.
While braces do involve a significant commitment time-wise, they’re a highly effective approach that can be used in almost any case of crooked or gapped teeth.
5. Invisalign
Invisalign is a modern approach to traditional orthodontics. Unlike regular braces, which are permanently installed and can’t be removed without your dentist’s help, Invisalign is a convenient and entirely removable alternative.
This treatment involves the usage of clear plastic aligners to straighten your teeth. These are custom-made to fit your unique situation and are replaced every 2 weeks to gradually adjust your teeth. They’re also entirely removable, making them an extremely convenient option—you can pop them out to eat, drink, brush your teeth, and more.
With Invisalign, you should try to wear the aligners as often as possible, ideally 22 hours a day or more. This treatment usually takes between 6-18 months depending on your misalignment; minor cases tend to take less time, while severe cases tend to take much longer.
Talk to Your Dentist About Solutions
At Dr. Joe Long Island, we understand that every patient’s needs are unique. That’s why we take the time to listen to your concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific goals. If you’re dealing with crooked teeth, reach out to our team today and book an appointment—it’s the first step towards a bright and straight smile!
