If you have a snaggletooth, chances are that you’ve wondered what your options are for fixing it. A snaggletooth is an irregular or projecting tooth that grows out of alignment with the others. If you have multiple snaggleteeth, then that makes the idea of getting braces seem more reasonable. But if you have a single snaggletooth and the rest of your teeth are fairly straight, you may wonder if braces are really worth it. After all, it’s just one tooth. Surely, there are other treatment options available for it. Here’s what you need to know about how to fix a snaggletooth.
What Causes Snaggleteeth?
Your teeth can become crooked for a number of reasons. Typically, snaggleteeth are a result of overcrowding, which means that there isn’t enough room on your palette for your teeth. As such, this will cause teeth to get either pushed out or in, creating crooked or protruding teeth.
There are other, though less common, potential causes for a snaggletooth. Your teeth might be large for your mouth, you may have lost your baby teeth early, you grind your teeth a lot, and more. There are many reasons why teeth can become misaligned over time.
Is A Snaggletooth A Problem?
People emphasize the importance of straightening teeth for your oral health, so if you have one out of line, is that a problem too?
Snaggleteeth do not pose as serious a risk to your oral health as other orthodontic conditions, but they can still create problems, especially in your bite. Crooked teeth make it easier for bacteria to get trapped and make it harder to clean out too. As teeth constantly shift with age, a snaggletooth can become quite uncomfortable and potentially create a bigger problem.
Plus, obtaining treatment for a snaggletooth can improve your confidence in your smile. If most of your teeth are straight except for one snaggletooth, it can make you self-conscious and want to hide your teeth and keep your smiles closed-mouthed. By straightening it, you can feel more secure in showing your teeth.
Treating A Snaggletooth
Often, when people consider getting treatment for a snaggletooth, they get hung up on the idea of braces. Braces can seem like an extreme and a long commitment just for one tooth. Are they really the only option for a snaggletooth? The truth is that there are multiple options for treating a snaggletooth, depending on how misaligned it is.
Ultimately, the treatment recommended to you by your orthodontist will depend on the severity of your snaggletooth.
Braces
As for any misaligned tooth, braces are an option for snaggleteeth. If your snaggletooth is severely misaligned, your orthodontist will likely recommend braces, as they are best for serious alignment issues. There are many different types of braces, such as mini-braces, and some of which are made of clear materials. This makes them more discreet than their metal counterparts.
Discomfort is to be expected with them initially, but they offer an effective treatment, especially for more severe cases, as they can help adjust the jawbone, ergo fixing any problems a slightly crooked jaw could have created in your teeth.
Invisalign
Invisalign can treat a snaggletooth that is minorly or moderately misaligned. Invisalign takes less time than braces and is more subtle than braces tend to be. They are easy to remove, but do need to be worn for the majority of the day and whenever you eat or brush your teeth. Because they cannot adjust your jaw, they are not a fix for more severe alignment issues. Your orthodontist will determine if Invisalign is an option for your snaggletooth, or if you will need another method of treatment.
Removal/Implant
If your snaggletooth is really severely out of alignment, an attempt to move it could cause further problems to your mouth. In this case, you may opt to have the tooth removed entirely and then an implant placed where it should be. This is typically done as a last resort and for the most severe cases.
Other Options
There are a few other options that have been said to help with snaggleteeth, such as tooth contouring or a dental arch adjustment. Braces are often recommended most because they work best for more severe alignment problems, but your orthodontist can talk your through your options and what they think would work best for your specific case.
Do You Want To Treat Your Snaggletooth?
When you see a professional about a snaggletooth, you can expect an in-depth consultation where they examine your mouth, your jaw, your dental history, and then walk you through your options. They will recommend what would work best for you, and then you can be on your way to a straighter, more confident smile.
Do You Need To Schedule An Appointment?
Here at Bailey Orthodontics, we understand the importance of correcting alignment issues in the teeth, and we understand the dual impact orthodontic treatment can have both for improving your oral health and for improving your confidence. If you would like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please contact us at Bailey Orthodontics today!
