Other than the fact that crooked teeth can diminish a smile’s visual appeal, how much do you know about malocclusion? Many patients who seek orthodontic treatment to correct misaligned teeth are motivated by cosmetic reasons and wish to improve their confidence in their smiles. However, those who decide that crooked teeth don’t look so bad, and therefore ignore correcting them, do a great disservice to their long-term oral health. Your Century City orthodontist, Dr. David Alpan, presents important information about crooked teeth in the form of a fun and enlightening quiz.
What Do You Know About Crooked Teeth?
1.) What’s the most effective method for straightening crooked teeth?
a.) Braces c.) Dental bonding
b.) Porcelain veneers d.) Improved dental hygiene
2.) Which of the following is a common result of untreated malocclusion?
a.) TMJ Disorder & Malocclusion c.) Tooth loss
b.) Excessively worn teeth d.) All of the above
3.) Many older teen and adult patients can straighten teeth without braces.
a.) True
b.) False
Answers
1.) Braces—Utilizing brackets that are bonded to teeth and arch wires that provide continuous gentle tension, braces are a time-honored and highly-effective means for repositioning crooked teeth. When applied in the early years of teeth and jaw development, braces can help prevent significant trouble in the future by guiding the growth of a child’s oral structures.
2.) All of the above—When teeth are crooked, the jaw struggles to keep them mouth straight as it bites and chews. Over time, the uneven pressure can excessively wear down teeth and lead to fatigue in the jaw’s joints and muscles, increasing the risk of TMJ disorder. If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to the loss of one or more teeth due to extensive damage.
3.) True—Invisalign clear braces are a popular choice for fully-developed jaws and teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign utilizes a series of clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over teeth and slowly guide them toward their desired positions. Patients can temporarily remove their aligners to eat and brush their teeth comfortably, and their clear construction makes them virtually undetectable while in place.
Treat Malocclusion Discretely at Our Century City Orthodontist’s Office
To learn more about the dangers of malocclusion and how to discretely straighten crooked teeth, schedule an appointment by calling our Century City orthodontics office at (310) 888-0066 today for a free initial consultation. Located in the 90211 area, we proudly serve patients across Century City, Los Angeles and all surrounding communities.