Misaligned Teeth Baltimore, MD

Straightening crooked and misaligned teeth is often a preventative measure to interrupt the development of further dental problems. Because it is difficult to clean between crooked teeth, plaque can easily build up in hard-to-reach spaces. Scheduling regular dental visits and maintaining your oral health at home can help. However, some patients who have misaligned teeth are prone to teeth clenching and grinding. Straightening misaligned teeth can stop jaw pain and tooth wear caused by bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding. Dr. Ned Greenberg offers crooked teeth treatments in Baltimore County and Baltimore, MD to enhance the aesthetics of patients’ smiles. Treating this dental concern can provide a more balanced and healthy bite.

Crooked teeth treatment in Middle River, Maryland

Treatments for Misaligned Teeth

We can use Invisalign, porcelain veneers, and tooth bonding to realign teeth or enhance the appearance of your teeth. Learn more about each of these solutions:

Invisalign: These clear aligners gradually straighten crooked teeth over time. Invisalign aligners are removable and do not require dietary restrictions. They allow patients to clean their teeth more easily and thoroughly than traditional metal braces.

Porcelain Veneers: Dental veneers crafted from porcelain are great for patients who want a natural-looking cosmetic treatment. Veneers cover the front of teeth and improve the look of your natural teeth.

Dental Bonding: Like dental veneers, tooth bonding can enhance the look of slight tooth misalignment. Dental bonding uses a resin that changes the shape and size of teeth. We “bond” the resin to teeth when we cure it with a special light. We can also color-match the resin to your natural teeth.

Preventative Care: Screening for Malocclusion

In a child’s early development, common oral habits such as thumb sucking and using a pacifier can often contribute to malocclusion later on in life. Jaw development and overcrowded teeth are also major factors in developing misaligned teeth. It is important to treat crooked teeth early on to avoid future oral health problems related to the comfort and appearance of your smile.

During regular dental appointments, Dr. Greenberg will examine your child’s teeth and our dental hygienists will clean their teeth to prevent problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. We will monitor the development of a growing child’s teeth and can make recommendations when needed for an orthodontic evaluation. Scheduling these appointments can prevent dental problems caused by crooked teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do crooked teeth get worse with age?

As we age the shape of our mouth and jaw may change. Crooked teeth may become more misaligned with age.

Can crooked teeth affect speech?

Crooked teeth commonly cause speech problems. Tooth alignment is vital for proper speech. Certain sounds may be more difficult, or impossible to pronounce due to tooth misalignment. Crooked teeth can also cause a lisp.

How long does it take to align crooked teeth?

On average it takes 6 months to 2 years to correct crooked teeth. Teeth straightening is a lengthy process, and the amount of time it takes is dependent on the severity of the misalignment.

Can having crooked teeth be painful?

Crooked teeth can cause jaw and muscular pain. Crooked teeth put excess strain on jaw and facial muscles, which can cause muscle straining and tension. It can also increase the risk of tooth cracks and breakage.