If you have slightly crooked teeth, it might not seem like a big enough deal to fix. But even mild misalignment can make you feel self-conscious, throw off your bite and interfere with effectively cleaning your teeth.
The good news is that you probably don’t need comprehensive braces or Invisalign® for one tooth that’s out of place or even several teeth that are just a tiny bit crooked. At Nest Dental in Vancouver, we offer several great ways to help you efficiently and effectively achieve a straighter smile.
In this post, we’ll explore three popular options: limited Invisalign treatment, cosmetic dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Option 1: Limited Invisalign® Treatment
What is Limited Invisalign Treatment?
General dentist and Vancouver Invisalign provider, Dr. Sonia Sahi, offers Invisalign for teens and adults. When you visit Nest Dental for aligner therapy, she creates a digital treatment plan. The Invisalign lab then translates her specifications into a series of custom aligners that gradually straighten the teeth as you wear them.
For slightly crooked teeth, limited Invisalign treatment may be appropriate. This approach involves targeting only the few teeth that need adjustment. Instead of undergoing a full orthodontic treatment plan, a limited number of aligners are created for your specific goals.
How long does it take Invisalign to work for one or two crooked teeth? While it depends on your unique smile, most of our patients finish limited Invisalign treatment in about six months or, sometimes, sooner.
The Pros of Limited Invisalign Treatment:
- Health Promoting: Invisalign corrects misalignment instead of merely masking it, which can improve your long-term oral health and function.
- Customized: You can get Invisalign for one tooth or several teeth because the treatment is completely customized to your needs.
- Lasting: By wearing a retainer after Invisalign treatment, you can maintain your new smile for life.
The Cons of Limited Invisalign Treatment:
- Commitment: To get the best results, you’ll need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.
- Cost: Though limited Invisalign treatment costs much less than comprehensive treatment, it’s more expensive than dental bonding.
- Duration: Since Invisalign treatment shifts the teeth into place, the results aren’t instant.
If you’re considering Invisalign, book a consultation at Nest Dental. Dr. Sahi will perform an exam and determine if you’re a good candidate for limited treatment.
Option 2: Cosmetic Dental Bonding
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface of your teeth. Once the material is hardened, Dr. Sahi shapes and polishes it to create the appearance of natural enamel.
Can you do composite bonding on crooked teeth? Yes, if you have small gaps or mild crowding, bonding can improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth.
The Pros of Cosmetic Dental Bonding:
- Affordability: Bonding is usually the cheapest way to fix one crooked tooth, small spaces and other minor imperfections.
- Quick Fix: Bonding is generally completed in one visit. The treatment will give you immediate results.
- Non-Invasive: We don’t need to remove any enamel to place the composite resin. In fact, the treatment can usually be done without anesthetic.
The Cons of Cosmetic Dental Bonding:
- Durability: Bonding isn’t as long-lasting as veneers or Invisalign; it will need to be touched up or replaced every few years.
- Cosmetic Solution: While bonding can improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth, it doesn’t actually move the teeth into a new position.
- Suitability: Cosmetic dental bonding is best for minor cosmetic issues and won’t be effective on more serious misalignment.
Option 3: Porcelain Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the teeth and cover the front and side surfaces. Once in place, veneers can create the appearance of a perfectly aligned, bright, healthy smile.
At Nest Dental, Dr. Sahi offers modern digital smile design. She’ll be able to show you a preview of what your results could look like. You’ll also get to test drive your temporary veneers before getting your permanent restorations.
The Pros of Porcelain Veneers
- Aesthetic Appeal: Veneers provide a dramatic smile makeover by giving you straight, white, flawless-looking teeth.
- All-in-One Solution: Because a veneer covers the entire front of a tooth, it can mask multiple cosmetic concerns at once, including misalignment, discoloration, worn enamel, pitting and more.
- Durability: Veneers for crooked teeth can last 10-15 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Cons:
- Irreversible: A small amount of enamel is removed from the teeth so that the veneers will fit. This is irreversible. Once you get veneers, you’ll need to maintain or replace them as needed.
- Cost: Veneers cost more than cosmetic bonding and may be more expensive than limited Invisalign as well.
- Cosmetic Solution: Can veneers fix crooked teeth? No, but they can hide misalignment, making your teeth look straight.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to how to fix slightly crooked teeth, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Limited Invisalign treatment, cosmetic dental bonding and porcelain veneers each have unique benefits depending on your specific goals and needs. Your dentist can help you choose the best option to help you get a straighter, more confident smile.
Ready to Explore Solutions for Slightly Crooked Teeth?
Whether you had a relapse after past orthodontic treatment or your teeth have always been a little bit misaligned, Nest Dental can help! We offer a range of options, including Invisalign, porcelain veneers and cosmetic tooth bonding in Vancouver, BC.
Book a consultation with Dr. Sahi today!
