Crooked teeth occur for a number or reasons, such as overcrowding in the mouth and loss of other teeth, which can cause the remaining teeth to move. Regardless of the reason for crooked teeth, they can cause several problems. Crooked teeth can interfere with cleaning the teeth properly, which can lead to gum disease. It can also cause problems chewing, which results in pain in the jaw. In addition, the appearance of the teeth may make some people feel self conscious.

Overbites, underbites, crowded teeth or a combination of all, are considered crooked teeth. There are several approaches dentists and orthodontists can use to fix the teeth. To determine what approach is best for you consider cost, treatment time involved, and effectiveness.

Braces are commonly used to straighten teeth. There are a few different types of braces which can be used. Metal braces are one of the older methods used to fix teeth. Small metal brackets are glued on the teeth individually. Wires are placed through the brackets and tightened monthly to gradually straighten the teeth.

Metal braces are often more effective when teeth are extremely crooked. They also tend to be less expensive than other type of braces. However, they may cause some irritation to the inside of the mouth from the metal rubbing the checks and lips, and they may need to be worn for a year or two. Metal braces are sometimes able to be placed behind the teeth, so they can’t be seen.

Once metal braces are removed, a retainer may be suggested to keep the teeth from shifting back to their original state. A retainer is usually a plastic and metal device which fits across the teeth to help hold them in place. Your dentist will recommend the number of hours a day a retainer should be worn and for how many months.

Invisible braces are also an option to consider. The braces are actually a custom made tray which is worn over the teeth to straighten them over time. The tray is made of a clear plastic, so it is not as noticeable as metal braces. It can also be removed for brushing and cleaning. Clear braces won’t work for everyone and usually work best for people with minor problems.

A quicker way to fix crooked teeth is with veneers. After the tooth is prepared and usually shaved a bit, a material made of porcelain is attached to the front of the tooth. This makes the tooth look straight. Veneers are a much quicker way to fix crooked teeth but can be costly. Veneers may not be appropriate for every type of problem and may not fix problems with a person’s bite