Patients with crooked teeth often believe they have limited options for treatment. However, modern dentistry has provided a wider range of orthodontic solutions for patients with crooked teeth to choose from. Crooked teeth are one of the dental concerns Dr. Peter Auster treats in his Pomona, NY dentist office.
Our Pomona, NY dentist office offers a range of solutions for patients with crooked teeth. One of the most popular solutions being Invisalign. This invisible braces treatment uses clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition crooked teeth. If you would like to explore your options, visit Cosmetic Dentistry Associates, your Pomona Invisalign provider.
I have happily entrusted Dr. Auster and his capable staff with the care of my teeth and that of my wife and three daughters for over thirty years. Dr. Auster had been overseeing a bite issue with which he was concerned and which caused me to be grinding my teeth down. He could see that the problem was getting worse over time. Dr. Auster recommended that I correct the situation before even more serious problems developed. He was very patient with me, taking the time to explain the course of action which would correct my bite.
So at the age of 70, I finally decided to become a teenager again, get braces to create an overbite and have Dr. Auster save my teeth. Which he did! A big bonus from the whole procedure is that I can now smile with confidence and people smile back at me. Thank you Dr. Auster!
Jack
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Aside from aesthetic reasons for straightening crooked teeth, many patients straighten their teeth for dental health reasons as well. Depending on the severity of your crooked teeth, brushing and flossing can become increasingly difficult. If you cannot properly clean your teeth and gums, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
Straightening crooked teeth will not only enhance the appearance of your smile, but it can also benefit your dental health. We encourage patients with crooked teeth to visit our Pomona dentist office for a consultation with one of our highly trained dentist. We offer a range of solutions that we can tailor to meet your dental needs.
Treatment Options For Crooked Teeth in Pomona, NY
In some cases, patients have the option to fix the appearance of crooked teeth with our without braces. Your Cosmetic Dentistry Associates dentist will work with you to determine what type of treatment best suits your needs. After a consultation, we may recommend one or more of the following treatments to address crooked teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a way to straighten teeth without using metal braces. It uses clear, plastic trays that fit over your teeth. These trays are called aligners. Every few weeks, you get a new set of aligners. Each set moves your teeth a little bit more until they are straight. Invisalign is not easy to see, so it looks better than metal braces. Invisalign is best for people who only need small to medium changes to their crooked teeth. To learn more about the Invisalign process, see Invisalign.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a way for dentists to fix teeth using a tooth-colored resin. First, the dentist puts a soft, putty-like resin on your teeth, shapes it to look nice, and then hardens it with a special light. Dental bonding can make crooked teeth look straight by adding resin in the right spots. It works best when teeth are only a little crooked. Bonding is simple, fast, and does not hurt. It also looks very natural. To learn more about the dental bonding process, see Tooth Bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells covering the front and sides of your teeth. They are made out of porcelain, a strong, tooth-colored material. Dentists use them to change how teeth look, including crooked, stained, or chipped teeth. When the dentist puts dental veneers on your teeth, they will make your teeth look straight and even. Porcelain veneers will not move your teeth, but they do hide any flaws and help you feel good about your smile. To learn more about the dental veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fit over your tooth to make it stronger or better looking. They can cover up damage, cracks, or stains. Crowns can also help with crooked teeth by making them look straighter and more even. Your dentist will file down the tooth first, then put the crown on top. This can be a good fix if a tooth is too chipped or weak for braces to help. Crowns look and work like real teeth. To learn more about the crown process, see Dental Crowns.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Crooked teeth can impact your self-confidence and your smile’s function. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can run in families, so you might have crooked teeth if your parents do too. Losing baby teeth too soon or too late can cause teeth to grow incorrectly. Thumb-sucking or pushing your tongue against your teeth can make them shift. There might not be enough space in your mouth for all your teeth, so they get crowded or out of place.
Can you prevent crooked teeth?
Regular visits to the dentist should be established from a young age. Early intervention allows your dentist to spot any issues with your dental development. If you are at high risk of developing orthodontic issues, your dentist may intervene and develop a plan to help reduce your risk of crooked teeth. We offer care for patients of all ages; visit our dental office to assess your risk for crooked teeth.
Are crooked teeth just a cosmetic issue?
Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic issue. They can make it hard to clean your teeth well, which could lead to tooth decay or gum trouble. Crooked teeth can also cause pain in your jaw or make it tough to chew your food. Some people might have trouble speaking clearly, too.
How do crooked teeth affect oral hygiene?
Crooked teeth are harder to clean properly because of tight or overlapping spaces where plaque can build up. This makes brushing and flossing less effective, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Professional cleanings and good oral hygiene are especially important if your teeth are misaligned. Straightening your teeth can make long-term hygiene much easier.
At what age should crooked teeth be treated?
Orthodontic evaluations often begin around age 7, when permanent teeth start coming in. Early detection allows for treatment planning and possibly interceptive orthodontics to guide proper growth. However, it’s never too late—many adults also successfully straighten their teeth. The best age for treatment depends on individual needs and the severity of misalignment.
What happens if I don’t treat my crooked teeth?
If left untreated, crooked teeth can lead to long-term oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, jaw pain, and uneven tooth wear. They may also worsen, especially with age or shifting bite pressure. Beyond health concerns, untreated misalignment can affect speech, appearance, and self-esteem. Timely treatment can help avoid these complications and improve quality of life.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Cosmetic Dentistry Associates is committed to dental excellence. We work with you on an individual basis to deliver the dental care you need. If you would like to discuss your treatment options for crooked teeth, visit our Pomona dentist office. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 241-0656 or request an appointment online.