Treatment for a Twisted Tooth By Byron J Nordhus D.D.S. on July 19, 2017

If a twisted tooth is making you feel like hiding your smile, treatment for a twisted tooth can help. At Nordhus Dentistry, we offer a variety of restorative dentistry treatments to straighten twisted teeth. Dr. Byron J. Nordhus works closely with each patient, taking into consideration oral health, dental needs, and patient goals when determining the best treatment option for a twisted tooth during consultations at his Wichita, KS practice. If you would like to discuss which treatments are right for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Nordhus at your earliest convenience.

A Twisted Tooth Can Lead to Oral Health Problems

It's no surprise that a twisted tooth can make you feel insecure, especially when a twisted tooth is one of the front teeth. Although the impact twisted teeth have on the smile's aesthetics is important, perhaps more importantly is how twisted teeth can impact oral health.

A twisted tooth may overlap a neighboring tooth, making it difficult to properly brush and floss the teeth. This can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. A twisted tooth can also make it difficult to bite or chew certain foods, potentially causing the teeth to come out of alignment. Misaligned teeth can lead to a host of other problems, such as pain and discomfort when eating and uneven wearing of the enamel.

What Causes Twisted Teeth?

In many cases, twisted teeth are a genetic issue; they are more common for those who have a family history of twisted teeth. In other cases, twisted teeth may develop over time as a result of:

Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use
Prolonged use of a baby bottle
Overcrowding of the teeth
Problems with the loss of baby teeth and growth of adult teeth
Teeth grinding, also called bruxism
Advanced gum disease
Injuries to the teeth or jaw

Treatment Options for a Twisted Tooth

There are a variety of treatment options available to correct the appearance of a twisted tooth. The right treatment will depend on the severity of twisting along with the needs of the patient. Some patients may require a combination of treatments to correct any underyling issues that may have caused a tooth to twist, such as root planing and scaling for gum disease or a mouth guard for teeth grinding. The following treatments may be used to treat a twisted tooth:

Porcelain Veneers for Minor Alignment Issues

For a tooth that is minimally twisted, porcelain veneers may be used to instantly improve the appearance of the smile. A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth to conceal cosmetic flaws. When used as “instant orthodontics,” porcelain veneers may be used to improve mild alignment issues while also enhancing the overall appearance of the smile.

Invisalign® for Moderate Alignment Issues

When a tooth is too twisted for treatment with porcelain veneers, Invisalign® may be a suitable option. Invisalign® is a discreet orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligner trays, making it a popular alternative when compared to traditional metal braces. Aligner trays are worn throughout the day and while sleeping but may be removed while eating and brushing and flossing the teeth. Each set of trays is worn for two weeks until the twisted tooth, or other alignment issues, are corrected and a beautiful smile is revealed.

Traditional Orthodontics for Serious Alignment Issues

When a tooth is severely twisted, traditional orthodontics may be the best option. Traditional orthodontics, or braces, uses a system of metal brackets and wires to apply pressure to the teeth to gradually correct alignment issues and straighten the teeth.