Crooked, misaligned teeth are a common occurrence among adults and children. Many have them fixed as they are not happy with the way their smile looks with crooked teeth. Some have to have them fixed as they are causing speech or dental issues, such as periodontal disease.
Nevertheless, crooked teeth are caused by several factors, such as cranial or facial deformities, poor diet and oral care, heredity, myofunctional habits, and tooth anatomy.
However, there are some individuals who might have a single crooked tooth that bothers them, and they hope to fix it without having to touch the other teeth. In comparison to fixing multiple misaligned teeth, fixing a single crooked tooth is easier, though not that simple and straightforward. Here are some reasons why.
Our teeth are a part of our entire dentition
Each tooth is intimately related to another neighbouring tooth. Each tooth not only has a tooth on each side, but it also has a corresponding one or two on the opposite arch that it bites against. Hence, in order to fix your crooked tooth, your orthodontist has to consider how it interacts with the other teeth when they are in use.
Reshaping your teeth to open up space
Most times, crooked teeth occur because of insufficient jaw space. Hence, before shifting them to their desired position, space must be created. Space can be created by shaving down the affected tooth and those around it. However, it also involves removing parts of the enamel, which would be irreversible because enamel will not grow back. The individual would still have to put braces on the neighbouring teeth in order to have the anchorage that is necessary for achieving the desired movement.
Aligning teeth usually shifts them forward
When overcrowding is fixed by spreading out the teeth instead of shaving them down, they typically shift forward and outward. In the upper jaw, this forward movement results in teeth protrusion and possibly an overbite issue. Hence, in order to correct this new issue, the lower jaw may have to be treated, so as to match the movement in the upper teeth.
Clearance must be created to move the bottom teeth
In the bottom jaw, the forward shift that is necessary to align overlapping teeth is only a viable process if the lower incisors do not collide with the upper incisors. If there is insufficient space between the lower incisors and the upper incisors, orthodontic treatment is necessary to either shift the upper teeth forward or the lower teeth down. To put it simply, fixing a single crooked tooth may require shifting a significant part of the surrounding dental structures.
Closing space in the upper jaw also needs sufficient clearance
When the single crooked tooth is protruded with gaps in the upper jaw, shifting it and closing up the space requires moving the upper teeth inward towards the palate and tongue. This shifting is desirable if the patient has excessive overjet. However, if the individual has a normal bite, moving the teeth backwards may result in a collision with the lower teeth.
Hence, in order to make this work, your orthodontist will have to create some space by shifting your lower teeth downwards or backwards.
Conclusion
Patients with crooked teeth often need to put braces on several teeth, even if they only have a single crooked tooth to fix. Hence, fixing a single crooked tooth is not as straightforward as just shifting it. Each tooth is intricately connected to one another. As a result, fixing a single tooth often requires fixing several other teeth, even if they look fine.
Nevertheless, if you have crooked teeth and wish to have them fixed, then look no further than BigSmile Dental Clinic. Treatment with orthodontic braces, such as invisible braces and traditional ones, can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Do not hesitate to contact us today to find out more!
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506