Crooked teeth are among the most common dental concerns that patients discuss with Dr. Conor Gessell at our Southern Pines dental practice. While many people think of crooked teeth as primarily an aesthetic issue, misaligned teeth can actually impact both your oral health and overall wellbeing. Dr. Gessell offers comprehensive solutions to help patients of all ages achieve straighter, healthier smiles.

Understanding Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth, also called malocclusion, can take many forms. Some people have teeth that are rotated, twisted, or tilted. Others have teeth that overlap or crowd each other due to insufficient space in the jaw. Some patients have gaps between teeth, while others have upper and lower teeth that don’t align properly when biting.

Several factors contribute to crooked teeth. Genetics plays a significant role, as jaw size, tooth size, and tooth positioning tend to run in families. Developmental issues during childhood can affect how teeth grow in. Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or bottle feeding beyond age three can influence tooth alignment. Premature loss of baby teeth can allow adjacent teeth to shift into the empty space. Injuries to the face or jaw can also disrupt proper tooth alignment. Sometimes, ill-fitting dental restorations or missing teeth cause remaining teeth to shift out of position over time.

Why Treating Crooked Teeth Matters

Crooked teeth create more than cosmetic concerns. Misaligned teeth can make proper cleaning difficult, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Certain types of malocclusion can cause excessive wear on tooth surfaces, potentially leading to cracked teeth or enamel loss. When teeth don’t meet correctly, you might experience problems with chewing or speaking clearly. Some patients with severe malocclusion develop jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders due to uneven pressure distribution when biting.

Beyond these physical impacts, crooked teeth often affect self-confidence. Many patients feel self-conscious about smiling or speaking in social or professional settings. By addressing crooked teeth, Dr. Gessell helps patients improve both oral function and their sense of wellbeing.

Treatment Options at Dr. Gessell’s Practice

Dr. Conor Gessell offers several approaches to address crooked teeth, tailoring treatment to each patient’s specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Traditional braces remain an effective option for correcting even complex alignment issues. Today’s braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than those of previous generations. Dr. Gessell can discuss whether traditional braces might be right for your situation.

Clear aligner therapy has revolutionized orthodontic treatment for many patients. These custom-made, removable aligners gradually shift teeth into proper position while being virtually invisible when worn. They’re popular among adults and teens who prefer a more discreet treatment option. Dr. Gessell can evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for clear aligners.

For minor cosmetic concerns involving front teeth, dental bonding or veneers might provide an immediate solution without the need for orthodontic treatment. These approaches don’t move teeth but can create the appearance of better alignment. During your consultation, Dr. Gessell will explain whether these options might meet your needs.

Some cases of crooked teeth benefit from a combined approach. Dr. Gessell might recommend addressing underlying bite issues with orthodontics before enhancing results with cosmetic procedures for the most comprehensive improvement.

Preventing Crooked Teeth

While genetic factors can’t be changed, some causes of crooked teeth can be prevented, especially in children. Dr. Gessell recommends:

• Regular dental check-ups starting at an early age to monitor tooth development and address potential issues before they worsen. Early intervention often leads to simpler treatment.
• Prompt replacement of prematurely lost baby teeth with space maintainers when appropriate to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth.
• Breaking thumb-sucking habits before permanent teeth erupt to avoid creating alignment problems.
• Wearing protective mouthguards during sports to prevent injuries that could affect tooth position.

For adults, replacing missing teeth promptly helps maintain proper spacing and prevents neighboring teeth from drifting.

When to See Dr. Gessell

Dr. Gessell can provide an assessment at any age, though many orthodontic issues are easier to address during childhood or adolescence when facial bones are still growing.

Consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Gessell if:

• You’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to crooked teeth
• You notice your teeth becoming more crowded or misaligned over time
• You have difficulty cleaning between certain teeth due to overlapping
• You experience jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing that might relate to your bite
• Your child shows signs of developing misalignment during tooth development

Your Path to a Straighter Smile

At our Southern Pines dental practice, Dr. Conor Gessell is committed to helping patients achieve both the beautiful appearance and proper function of well-aligned teeth. Through personalized treatment plans and attentive care, we can address crooked teeth effectively at any age. Call our office at 910-390-1259​ or use our online form to request an appointment.