Do you have teeth misalignment? Find out about teeth straightening and alignment options
Perhaps like many other adults or teenagers, you want to align your teeth and improve your confidence, but you don’t know what your options are for straightening your teeth. Teeth misalignment doesn’t just affect a patient’s appearance and self-esteem, but can also harm their overall oral health. That’s why it’s important to know how teeth are supposed to be aligned so you can take the appropriate measures for correction.
In this article, we will discuss what teeth alignment is, the types of misalignment in teeth and the problems associated with misaligned teeth. We’ll also look into the different options for straightening teeth, such as orthodontic treatments, as well as the costs associated.
What is teeth straightening or alignment?
You may be asking yourself, “Why do I need to straighten my teeth?”. Many don’t know what teeth alignment, otherwise known as teeth straightening, is needed for. Teeth alignment refers to the proper positioning and arrangement of teeth in the dental arches. When teeth are properly aligned, they fit harmoniously together, which allows for efficient chewing and proper distribution of biting forces. Teeth alignment correction is not just ideal for improving the overall aesthetic of the teeth but is also necessary for avoiding the development of any further oral health issues.
How are teeth supposed to be aligned? Ideal alignment of teeth
If you’re questioning how your teeth are actually supposed to be aligned, you’re not alone. Ideal teeth alignment typically involves several key aspects:
- Straightness: Teeth should be aligned in a straight line, both vertically and horizontally, without significant crowding, overlapping or gaps.
- Occlusion: The upper teeth (maxillary arch) should fit slightly over the lower teeth (mandibular arch) when the jaw is closed, with the upper incisors resting just in front of the lower incisors.
- Midline alignment: The midlines of the upper and lower teeth should ideally align with the centre of the face when viewed from the front.
- Balance: There should be a balance in tooth size and shape, with each tooth properly positioned to support the surrounding teeth and maintain proper jaw function.
If you’re unsure whether you have teeth misalignment, you should seek the help of a dental professional who can advise you on the ideal alignment for your teeth and the options for straightening them.
Why are my teeth not aligned?
If you find yourself wondering “Why are my teeth not aligned?”, there are a number of factors that could be affecting whether your teeth are aligned or not.
Genetics can be a factor affecting whether or not your teeth are straight. Some examples of genetic factors that can affect teeth alignment are:
- Misaligned jaw: If your jaw is not aligned properly, your upper teeth will not sit correctly over your lower teeth, which also influences your bite.
- Tongue tie or lip tie: Tongue ties or lip ties can contribute towards gaps in teeth, teeth misalignment and poor bite.
In addition to genetics, other factors can influence whether or not teeth are straight:
- Bad habits: Thumb sucking, mouth breathing or nail biting can influence the alignment of your teeth.
- Injury or trauma: Injuries or traumas on the mouth can impact the jaw or result in tooth loss, which can lead to the remaining teeth becoming crooked.
- Poor dental hygiene: Not taking care of your teeth correctly and not visiting your dentist regularly can result in issues which can lead to tooth loss, which can make your other teeth shift and misalign.
To avoid factors such as these affecting the alignment of your teeth, you should regularly attend appointments with your dentist to ensure any issues are detected and so that a plan can be put in place for correction of your alignment.
Types of teeth misalignment
There are different types of teeth misalignment, which are otherwise known as malocclusions. In order to detect and treat malocclusions early, it’s important to be aware of the different types:
- Sagittal malocclusions
Sagittal malocclusions can include issues such as gaps in the teeth, crowding and dental protrusion. These issues can result in further problems such as bruxism or wearing of the teeth enamel.
- Transverse malocclusions
With transverse malocclusions, the width of the upper and lower jaw of the patient do not align, or they have problems with dental inclination, which can negatively impact their bite. The two best-known types of transverse malocclusion are posterior crossbite and scissor bite.
- Vertical malocclusions
Vertical malocclusions are characterised by the fact that there is only sometimes contact between the upper and lower teeth. These refer to open bites, when the patient’s teeth do not overlap vertically, or overbites, when the upper front teeth sit in a way that makes the lower teeth appear almost invisible.
Is it necessary to straighten my teeth? Problems associated with misaligned teeth
Misaligned teeth don’t just affect the overall aesthetic of the mouth, but can lead to further oral health problems:
- Issues with oral hygiene:
When a patient suffers from teeth misalignment or overcrowding, they can have a greater buildup of dental plaque or food trapped in their teeth as they can’t effectively reach all parts of their mouth when brushing their teeth. This accumulation of food or plaque can lead to tooth decay or bad breath.
- Injuries or wearing down of teeth:
If teeth are not in alignment with each other and are constantly touching or rubbing on each other where they shouldn’t be, you can wear down the enamel of your teeth or even crack your teeth.
- Pain:
When teeth aren't correctly aligned and touch where they shouldn’t, the patient can suffer from pain in the ​​temporomandibular joint which can cause headaches.
- Problems with speech:
Another of the problems associated with misaligned teeth is that when a person has diastemas, crowding or misaligned teeth, they can have difficulty pronouncing some words or sounds.
- Respiratory issues:
As the alignment of the teeth affects how the mouth closes, it can cause some problems with breathing correctly.
How to straighten teeth: teeth alignment options
There are different options for straightening your teeth but how you choose to straighten your teeth depends on your needs, preferences and budget.
When seeking advice from a dentist on how to get straight teeth, they’ll most likely recommend orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners. However, another possible option on how to get the appearance of straight teeth is by using cosmetic dentistry which, while often expensive, offers instant results when there is only a minor problem with alignment.
Orthodontics: straightening teeth with aligners or braces
As mentioned previously, orthodontic treatment is often recommended for those seeking straighter teeth as it fixes the problem with alignment rather than simply just masking it.
With traditional metal braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth and are connected using a wire which moves the teeth, gradually straightening them. In addition to traditional metal brackets, there are more advanced options such as clear braces, lingual braces and self-ligating braces.
Braces are a durable and effective option that can be used in a variety of cases. However, they can often be costly (especially aesthetic braces), cause some discomfort and may restrict what a person eats. Additionally, in the case of traditional and self-ligated braces, they’re clearly visible, which is why many patients opt for an alternative like clear aligners.
Aligners are popular amongst adults and teenagers who are seeking treatment options for straightening their teeth. Like braces, they are effective at treating a variety of dental issues, but unlike braces, they are unnoticeable, comfortable and removable, meaning you can eat what you like and keep your mouth clean much more easily.
However, if seeking orthodontic treatment for teeth alignment, you should always consult a dentist first so that they can advise you whether braces or aligners might be a more viable option for straightening your teeth.
Cosmetic teeth straightening: a quick fix to straight teeth
Those who want a quick fix to achieve straight teeth often turn to cosmetic dentistry.
In mild cases of misalignment in teeth such as small gaps or chipped teeth, composite dental bonding can be used. Dental bonding involves moulding composite resin directly to the teeth to change the anatomy of the teeth, creating the appearance of a more aligned smile.
Veneers are another option for cosmetic teeth straightening. Dental veneers are thin covers which are applied to the front of each tooth to create greater uniformity in the patient’s smile. They can be made of composite or porcelain and can be customised according to the patient’s needs and aesthetic preferences.
However, it should be noted that cosmetic dentistry for straightening teeth is simply a way of masking the issue rather than fixing it. Most cosmetic options require maintenance or replacement after some time, meaning the cost can add up even further over time.
As previously mentioned, it’s always recommended that you first seek the advice of a dental professional who can review your specific case and outline the most viable treatment options for you.
The cost of straightening your teeth
The cost of alignment treatments for straightening your teeth can vary greatly depending on your specific case and where you are located.
When it comes to the cost of orthodontic treatments, prices vary significantly depending on the type of treatment:
- Traditional metal braces: between ÂŁ1,500 and ÂŁ3,000.
- Self-litigating braces: between ÂŁ2,000 and ÂŁ6,000.
- Lingual braces: between ÂŁ3,000 and ÂŁ10,000.
- Clear braces: between ÂŁ1,500 and ÂŁ5,500.
- Clear aligners: between ÂŁ2,000 and ÂŁ5,000.
The average cost of teeth alignment using cosmetic dentistry can also vary a lot depending on the procedure:
- Dental bonding: approximately ÂŁ200 per tooth.
- The price of veneers differs depending on the type of material used. Composite veneers can range from ÂŁ200 to ÂŁ500 per tooth, whereas porcelain veneers can range between ÂŁ250 and ÂŁ1000 per tooth.
Teeth alignment at Impress
Whether you have a simple or complex problem with alignment, at Impress, we can help you. Here you can find orthodontic treatments like our clear aligners, which are designed to straighten teeth quickly, safely and effectively.
If you’re suffering from teeth misalignment, you can visit us for a free initial consultation, where we can evaluate your specific case using our 360º X-rays and 3D scanners, and design a treatment plan which is personalised to you.
Our treatments are supervised by expert orthodontists from start to finish, with the option of follow-ups via our app or from any of our clinics.
In addition, in case you suffer from a slight alignment problem that does not affect the functionality of your teeth, we also have cosmetic treatments such as dental bonding or veneers that can help to achieve more uniform and aligned teeth.
If you’re interested in our treatments, visit your nearest Impress clinic to meet our team and find out whether you’re suitable for treatment. You can also make an appointment online, by phone on +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions about teeth alignment
Does teeth alignment change the face shape?
Teeth alignment does not typically change the shape of a patient’s face but can create greater harmony in the orofacial area, especially in cases where the bite has been fixed. How much the shape of the face is impacted depends on the age at which you have treatment. Teenagers who undergo orthodontic treatment may notice a slight change in the shape of their face as their bones and jaw are still developing when they have treatment.
Does teeth alignment change with age?
Teeth alignment does typically change with age as teeth tend to shift due to a variety of factors. Certain dental conditions such as tooth loss or gum disease can cause our teeth to become misaligned. Additionally, as we age, the bone density in our jaw decreases and our lower jaw may grow forward slightly, which can lead to our teeth shifting. To fix any issues as they arise and to avoid teeth shifting too much, we should ensure that we schedule regular dental check-ups. As well as this, if we have already had orthodontic treatment to fix the alignment of our teeth, we should ensure we follow aftercare advice from our dentist and wear our retainers daily to ensure our teeth stay aligned.
Can teeth alignment affect speech?
Yes, teeth alignment can affect a person’s speech. Teeth misalignment can make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. Seeking treatment for teeth alignment correction can usually alleviate problems relating to speech.
Is teeth alignment always necessary?
You may be wondering whether teeth alignment is always necessary, especially if you have a case where you only have mild misalignment. As teeth can continually shift throughout our lives, it’s a good idea to seek out treatment for alignment correction as soon as possible, even if your case is not so severe. This allows us to fix the issue before it becomes more severe, which can harm our overall dental health.
Can poor teeth alignment cause TMJ?
Misalignment in the teeth can cause TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. If the teeth are misaligned, the person affected could have a stronger bite on one side of their jaw, or be more susceptible to grinding their teeth on that side, which can lead to pain in the jaw and muscles surrounding it.
How long does it take to straighten teeth?
If you’re wondering, “how does long it take to straighten teeth?”, it depends on a variety of factors including the severity of your specific case and the treatment path taken. As cosmetic dentistry simply covers the teeth, it provides immediate results. However, as orthodontic treatments move the teeth, the process can take longer. In most cases, the average time it takes to straighten teeth with orthodontics falls between 6 months and 2 years. However, it all depends on the case, with some patients managing to align their teeth in just 3 months and others needing more than 2 years. It should also be noted that straightening teeth as an adult can take longer than it would as a teenager, as adult bones are fully developed and therefore more solid.
Can wisdom teeth change teeth alignment?
If wisdom teeth come through crookedly, there is a chance that they can change the alignment of the rest of the teeth. However, every case is different and it’s important to attend regular dental check-ups so that your dentist can monitor the alignment of your teeth when your wisdom teeth come through.
Does teeth straightening hurt?
Teeth straightening does not typically hurt, but orthodontic treatments like braces can cause some discomfort and a little pain, particularly when they’re first installed or when tightened.
