A snaggletooth is a tooth that grows out of alignment with the others and is uneven or protruding. Developing this form of crooked teeth can occur for various causes. Overcrowding is the most common cause of snaggleteeth, which means there isn’t enough room on your palate for your teeth. As a result, teeth will be pushed out or in, resulting in crooked or projecting teeth.
Teeth can become misaligned because of different factors throughout time. For example, your teeth may be too big for your mouth, you may have lost your baby teeth too soon, you might grind your teeth excessively, and so on. When you have several snaggleteeth, having braces seems like the best option. However, if you just have one crooked tooth and the rest of your teeth are straight, you may ask if braces are truly necessary.
Treatment
When people think about seeking treatment for misaligned teeth in general, they frequently think of braces. For just one tooth, braces may appear to be an extreme and lengthy commitment. Are they really a snaggletooth’s only option? The truth is that, depending on the severity of the misalignment, there are several treatment options for a snaggletooth.
Below, you will find out more about those other treatments to fix your snaggletooth.
Braces
Braces are an option for snaggleteeth, as they are for any misaligned tooth. Your dentist will most likely recommend braces if your snaggletooth is substantially misaligned, as braces are ideal for serious alignment concerns. There are many various types of braces available, including mini-braces and braces constructed of clear materials. These latter types are less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
Braces can cause discomfort at first, but they can be an effective treatment—especially for more severe cases—because they can help adjust the jawbone. This process corrects any problems that a slightly crooked jaw may have caused in your teeth.
Invisalign
A snaggletooth that is mildly or moderately crooked can be treated with Invisalign. Invisalign takes less time to complete than braces and is more discrete than braces. They are simple to put on and take off, but they must be worn throughout the bulk of the day, as well as when eating or brushing your teeth.
They aren’t a solution for more serious alignment concerns because they can’t move your jaw. If you have a snaggletooth, your orthodontist will assess whether Invisalign is a good option for you or if you’ll need to try something else.
Tooth Removal/Implant
If your snaggletooth is substantially out of alignment, attempting to reposition it may exacerbate your mouth’s troubles. In this scenario, you may choose to have the tooth extracted completely and a dental implant implanted in its stead. This is usually reserved for the most serious patients as a last resort.
Conclusion
When you visit a dentist for a snaggletooth issue, you can expect a thorough examination of your mouth, jaw, and dental history, followed by a discussion of your alternatives. During the consultation, other treatment options are almost certainly available from what’s listed above. They’ll suggest what’s ideal for you, and you’ll be on your way to a straighter, more confident smile in no time.
Get your snaggletooth fixed by experienced dentists in Chattanooga! Shallowford Family Dental is a multi-doctor team that creates a healthy environment of experience and expertise that benefits every patient. Book a consultation with us today!