Having crooked teeth can be very embarrassing, and can also be a problem. For example, crooked teeth can make it difficult for you to chew, and eventually cause injury to your mouth because you don't have the support your jaw needs. Correcting crooked teeth can cost a lot of money, but most importantly, there are several options available to you.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Visiting a Specialist Dentist
Step 1. Go to an orthodontist who specializes in orthodontics
The doctor is able to find problems with your teeth and suggest several options you can take.
Step 2. Ask about what options you have
You may need a less expensive option, or invisible braces. Tell the doctor what you want.
Step 3. Ask if you need braces
The doctor can check whether the problem you are experiencing is caused by your crooked teeth and whether this condition can also cause other problems in the future.
Step 4. Think carefully about every available option
If you don't really need braces, you can choose not to wear them, because braces are also expensive.
Method 2 of 5: Using Detachable Wire
Step 1. Use removable wires, or retainers, to solve minor dental problems
Removable wires can be used to treat problems such as sparse teeth (as long as they are not too large) or crooked teeth. Removable braces aren't as expensive as other dental care kits, and you'll definitely get them once you've removed your braces.
Step 2. Ask your dentist to make a removable brace for you
Removable wires are usually designed specifically for patients to solve problems with the patient's teeth, which of course vary.
In the process, the doctor will make an impression of the inside of your mouth with a thick material called alginate. This mold will be used to make the loose wire
Step 3. Learn to adapt to the wire used
This usually takes a few days, so don't panic. Wearing wires can change the way you talk and also cause your mouth to produce more saliva. When you're reading alone, say the words in the book aloud to get used to talking with the wire in your mouth.
If you have moderate-to-severe pain in your mouth or a loose wire sticking your gums, call your doctor
Step 4. Remove the wires when eating or brushing your teeth to make the process easier
Do this also when playing sports games that require physical contact, because it can cause injury to parts of your body.
Step 5. Keep the loose wire in its box
Be sure to protect your loose wire by placing it in a box when not in use.
- Loose wire should also be kept moist so it doesn't crack. Your doctor will tell you how the wire should be soaked to keep it moist.
- Do not store it in a hot place as this will crack the wire.
Step 6. Clean the loose wire every day
Usually your wires come with instructions for cleaning them, but you can use a mouth or dental cleaner to remove anything that has built up on the wires.
Step 7. Don't stop wearing it
Use your retainer for as long as your doctor recommends it. You may have to wear it for years, depending on the state of your teeth.
Method 3 of 5: Using Porcelain Veneer
Step 1. Use porcelain veneers to correct minor tooth problems
Veneers tend to cover problems with teeth, rather than fix them, with resin or porcelain based coverings.
Veneers are stain-resistant (if they are porcelain) and look like real teeth
Step 2. Ask your doctor if veneers are the best option for you
Using veneers is a simpler option than using braces or removable braces because they only need to be placed on your teeth and then done. You don't have to take it off. Veneers can cover stains, cracks and gaps in teeth.
Veneers are permanent and cannot be repaired if damaged. In addition, veneers are also much more expensive than denture crowns
Step 3. Ask your doctor to put veneers on you
First, the doctor will remove some of the outer layer of the damaged tooth to make room for the veneer, which has already been made. After that, the doctor will check the position of the veneer over the tooth and install it.
You will most likely be scheduled for another appointment after placing the veneers to check them in place, but if you notice any problems, such as cracks or tilted teeth, call your doctor
Step 4. Brush your teeth as usual
Veneers don't require special attention, but you should still scrub and clean between your teeth as you normally would.
Step 5. Keep the veneers from rubbing against the teeth
Porcelain veneers can crack, so if you grind your teeth a lot, you'll need a teeth guard (a kind of transparent dental impression that is designed to reduce damage to your teeth from friction) especially at night.
Step 6. Replace veneers within 5 to 10 years
Veneers don't last very long, and you will need to replace them within a decade.
Method 4 of 5: Correcting Teeth with Braces
Step 1. Use braces to correct more complex dental problems
Braces can correct problems such as crooked teeth, protrusion of the maxilla or mandible, and crossbite (if the teeth don't align with the curvature of the jaw where the teeth are growing).
Step 2. Discuss the type of braces you should use with your doctor
Your doctor can tell you which type of braces is best for you.
Step 3. Select the type of braces you want
There are several types of braces available: visible, transparent, and almost transparent.
- Regular (visible) braces are the type of braces that first comes to mind when someone says "braces". Braces of this type are brackets (small square plates) that are attached to the front of the teeth and are connected to each other using wires. They can be metal, plastic, or ceramic, and these types of braces are usually less expensive than others. This type is the best choice for solving complex dental problems.
- Braces are almost transparent in the form of plastic molds that fit on the teeth. The main brand that sells this type of braces is Invisalign. Like removable braces, you can remove these braces while eating, and they are less painful than the other types. However, they don't work well for more difficult dental problems to treat, and you should wear them for at least 22 hours a day. These types of braces may be more expensive than others.
- Transparent braces are placed behind the teeth, just like regular braces are placed on the front of the teeth. Since each bracket is attached to the tooth, this type works much faster. However, it will be a little difficult to adjust to these types of braces, and in the process it will become difficult for you to speak fluently. In addition, this type is also more expensive.
Step 4. Ask the doctor to enter your options
Keep in mind that most doctors provide payment options, so if you can't pay outright, you can pay in installments. Alternatively, you may need dental insurance, which can pay for dental procedures, though not all.
Step 5. Brush your teeth as well as your braces
If the braces used are elastic, remove them before brushing your teeth. This is different from regular braces. With regular braces, you'll need to scrub the braces and brackets as well to remove plaque and food debris. Once clean, you can put the braces back in.
Step 6. Avoid eating certain foods
Especially if you use regular braces, you need to avoid certain types of food, such as hard foods (nuts, hard candy, etc.) and foods that stick to your teeth easily (caramel, chewing gum, etc.). You should also cut tough fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces as they are dangerous and can damage braces. You should also avoid crunchy foods like chips, and acidic foods like soda or vinegar.
Since you can still remove the transparent braces while eating, the types of foods mentioned above shouldn't be a problem for you, although they can still have an effect if they mix with the acid in your teeth
Step 7. Visit the doctor regularly
The doctor will adjust the braces as they progress and will always be on the lookout for other problems that could arise.
Step 8. Remove your braces
The length of time for installation depends on the complexity of the problem with the teeth. After the braces are removed, you will be scheduled for another appointment when the doctor will make an impression for the wires removed from your mouth.
Step 9. Use loose wire
After removing the braces, you must wear these to keep the teeth in position.
In the past people were advised to wear removable braces for a year after braces, but for now, you may have to wear them longer, even if only at night
Method 5 of 5: Prevent Teeth from Leaning
Step 1. Brush your teeth daily
Teeth that are not properly cared for can cause gingivitis which then affects the crook of the teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Sometimes crooked teeth are caused by genetics and cannot be prevented
Step 2. Floss between your teeth once a day
This can prevent the occurrence of gingivitis.
Step 3. Visit the dentist regularly
Doing this will not only prevent inflammation of the teeth, but you will also know if there are other problems that can cause your teeth to grow sideways.
Step 4. Limit thumb sucking as a child
Over time, this habit can cause teeth to grow sideways.
Also limit the use of pacifiers and bottles after 3 years of age
Tips
- Most adults choose transparent or near-transparent braces so that they are not easily visible to anyone.
- When choosing the type of braces, don't choose transparent braces right away. Choose the one that suits your needs.
