Columbia, MD dentist Dr. Sulekha Agrawal helps patients improve the appearance of misaligned and crooked teeth. At Columbia Family Dental Care, she collaborates with patients to create treatment plans that target dental concerns.
If you suffer from misalignment, it important to get your teeth straightened. Patients with crooked teeth are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. This is because it is difficult to clean between crooked teeth. Plaque can easily build upon and between the teeth causing this type of disease and damage.
Crooked teeth are also more prone to wear and tear. People with crooked teeth often suffer from chips and cracks in there teeth. The enamel on the surface of the teeth can wear down. Once the enamel is gone, it does not regenerate and the tooth will require restorative measures. Fixing damaged teeth with restorative treatments is costly and sometimes painful.
Dr. Agrawal wants to ensure that patients are scheduling regular dental visits so she can keep track of any problems with their smiles. Routine dentist appointments allows Dr. Agrawal and her dental team to be aware of dental issues, such as crooked teeth, before they worsen. Treating problems early prevents costly and complicated treatments in the future.
Treating Crooked Teeth in Columbia, MD
After a consult with your dentist, she will create a treatment plan to bring your teeth into alignment. There are a variety of methods that she can use to improve the alignment and appearance of misaligned teeth:
- Invisalign: If you have moderate to severe tooth misalignment, Invisalign clear aligners can straighten your smile. Unlike metal braces, these clear aligners are removable so you may easily brush your teeth and eat the foods you love. This clear aligner system involves wearing transparent trays for one to two weeks before switching them out for another set. This will slowly move your teeth into proper position.
- Porcelain Veneers: Crafted from thin shells of porcelain, dental veneers cover the front of the tooth enamel. Patients with crooked teeth as well as tooth stains, chips, or cracks in teeth can benefit from veneers. We are also able to color-match porcelain veneers to brighten teeth and allow them to blend in with your natural smile. This restoration is considered a more permanent option compared to dental bonding.
- Tooth Bonding: Dental bonding is a more economical alternative to porcelain veneers. While tooth bonding also addresses tooth discoloration and damage, they are crafted from different materials. During a dental bonding treatment, we typically use a composite, malleable material that is molded onto the tooth enamel. We then cure this material with a special light. However, it will not last as long as dental veneers and can chip easier.
Request a Dental Consultation
If you need to treat misaligned teeth, call Columbia Family Dental Care today at 410.730.0011. You may schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Agrawal on our website. Dr. Agrawal and her team will be glad to answer any remaining questions you may have about your dental treatment. Whether you need a full orthodontic treatment plan or cosmetic touch-ups, Dr. Agrawal will be happy to help.