How to fix goofy teeth
Children and adults that suffer from goofy teeth will know how difficult it is to live with the stigma attached to such dental problems, unfortunately, it’s usually other people who can say hurtful things or make derogatory comments without realising (or caring perhaps) the affect their words are having. Goofy teeth are different to general malocclusions or misalignments, they are usually very obvious and difficult to hide, and they can really draw the focus. However, it’s not just a person’s self-esteem that goofy teeth can cause problems with; they can lead to further orthodontic issues down the line, such as bite adjustment and uneven wearing. Fortunately for those who suffer with this affliction, there is hope; let’s examine the ways in which goofy teeth can be fixed.
How can I fix my goofy teeth?
It might seem like there’s nothing that can be done for patients who have severely goofy teeth, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Thanks to medical advances and modern dental technology there are a number of options available to you if you would like treatment for your problem.
‘Invisible braces’ – These clear shields are becoming more and more popular, as adults all over the UK realise that they don’t have to have noticeable braces to fix their dental problems. They work in the same way as traditional braces, i.e. they gradually re-position the teeth by applying gentle pressure over a period of time, but they are formed using clear resin and are barely noticeable when worn. The downside with this kind of treatment is that they are slightly more expensive than other methods, mainly because they are so effective, and they tend not to be suitable for patients with extremely goofy teeth.
If your circumstances mean you are suitable for treatment with clear braces, you could see the problem fixed within a matter of months, weeks in some cases. They are also removable, which makes them very easy to live with as far as eating and cleaning are concerned.
Traditional braces – If your teeth are very goofy, it’s likely that you will have to undergo more extensive orthodontic treatment, which tends to last longer than more modern techniques. ‘Train track’ braces might not be your idea of a discreet straightening appliance, but they are very effective and can give long-lasting results. Traditional orthodontics works using wires and brackets to bring the teeth into alignment, which can sometimes be uncomfortable, as they are applying constant pressure to the teeth in order to move them, the metal often irritates the soft tissue in the mouth and can be difficult to clean around after eating. Having said that, traditional braces can perform well under the right circumstances, and modern manufacturing techniques mean that the brackets and wires can be made smaller and in the same shade as the teeth, so that they are less noticeable.
The Inman aligner – This revolutionary device boasts incredibly fast treatment times and is far more discreet than wire and bracket devices. The Inman aligner is relatively new to the dental industry, having just made the jump across the pond to the UK. The appliances uses both wire and resin to form a removable retainer that gradually pushes the teeth out of their position, then brings them back into alignment with a wire that runs around the front of them. There are some visible components when using this aligner, but they are more comfortable and less obvious than some other orthodontic techniques – they are also less costly.
Aligners like this are more effective with patients who have problems with their front teeth – either upper or lower jaw, and they are not generally prescribed for those who have more severe afflictions. People with goofy teeth should be suitable for treatment, as their problem affects the front teeth on the upper jaw.
Extractions – This does not refer to extracting the front teeth – most dentists would not even consider that an option – in fact, extraction can help with overcrowding that has caused the front teeth to protrude. Wisdom teeth can often cause this kind of problem, as there is not always enough room for them to properly erupt – though that doesn’t stop them from trying. By forcing their way onto the jaw, the wisdom teeth can push the rest of the teeth forward, eventually changing the position of all the teeth, right round to the front of the mouth. Some patients may have experienced crowding from a young age, perhaps if they had an accident in their youth that disrupted the adult teeth as they grew in – sometimes the milk teeth don’t leave enough room for the permanent ones to come through, so they end up looking jumbled together.
If your dentist decides that an extraction is necessary, it’s likely that this will part of on-going treatment, rather than the overall solution, because extraction alone won’t re-align goofy teeth. It’s often the case that more room is needed to shift the teeth around, so ones that are just getting in the way will have to be removed.
Are there any instant ways to fix my goofy teeth?
You could always opt for dental veneers, if you’re looking for an immediate solution, but most dentists would prefer to keep the structure of the natural teeth, where possible. Also, it’s worth noting that you can’t just fit veneers over any problems to cover them up, so patients with extremely goofy teeth might not be suitable candidates. If you’ve got your heart set on dental veneers, you might have to undergo some sort of orthodontic treatment to rein your teeth in a bit beforehand, then you should be in a more suitable situation. If you’re interested in speaking to a professional about the condition of your teeth, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and talk to a member of the team, there is always someone available to speak to you about treatments and costs, or to book a consultation for you.