How to Fix Misaligned Teeth: Options, Cost & Insurance
Table of Contents
- Affects of Misalignment
- Orthodontic Options for Misalignment
- Other Options
- Get Help from a Dentist First
- References
Misaligned teeth are common, and more adults are pursuing orthodontics treatment to improve their bite, oral health, and smile.
Traditional braces, lingual braces, retainers, and clear teeth aligners are all options for orthodontics treatment. Some of these options are more expensive and not covered by dental insurance, but they could be a great option for your oral health and appearance.
Misalignment Does Not Just Affect Your Smile
Dentists call the misalignment of teeth a malocclusion. This term covers several types of misalignments, including teeth that are crooked, crowded, or too spaced out as well as underbites, and overbites.
Regardless of how your teeth are misaligned, there can be several problems associated with this that have nothing to do with your appearance. Many people want straighter teeth because they want to improve their appearance, but there are also health reasons that can motivate better teeth alignment.
For example, misaligned teeth can cause problems biting down, which can lead to unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, especially when you are asleep or under stress. This can lead to pain, worn enamel on your teeth, and even chips or fractures in the teeth that can cause further dental damage. Misaligned teeth are also more likely to collect plaque and develop tartar in areas that are harder to clean with brushing and flossing.
Good alignment occurs when the upper teeth fit slightly over the lower teeth, with molars fitting together in a slightly overlapping way. This prevents you from biting your cheeks and tongue, allows you to effectively chew food, and makes it easier for you to clean your teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
Very few people have naturally straight teeth. Increasingly, adults are turning to orthodontics to keep their smile in better alignment.
Orthodontic Options to Improve Dental Alignment
The most common treatment to improve tooth alignment is braces. While this might bring up an image of large metal brackets and wires filling your mouth, there are now many options for orthodontic treatment that are considered “braces.”
Some of these are removable, and some are fixed to your teeth for the duration of treatment. Some are “invisible” or at least harder to see, while others may be more visible.
Your dental insurance may cover some options, but not others. Each approach has a different price tag.
We’ve outlined the primary types of braces here.
When teeth aren't correctly aligned, it is increasingly difficult to clean them properly, equating to a greater likelihood of plaque buildup leading to tooth decay.
Other Options to Fix Misaligned Teeth
Get Help From Your Dentist First
Other options for adjusting misaligned teeth include removing one or more teeth that cause crowding or problems, reshaping rough or irregular teeth, and, in rare cases, surgically reshaping teeth. Other orthodontic devices include retainers, which could require years of consistent wear to ensure your teeth stabilize.
If you have a serious enough misalignment problem that causes pain, trouble eating and speaking, and other health problems, your dental insurance is more likely to cover part of the treatment cost. However, if you need more intensive treatment, you are less likely to be able to pick your treatment option.
If your dentist recommends more moderate treatment, you may be a good candidate for at-home, clear plastic aligners. Many companies offer this option with telehealth supervision from a highly trained orthodontist.
You do not have to go into a dentist’s office. Instead, you’ll receive trays with instructions on how to follow treatment. This is a great option for people who want to improve their teeth alignment and overall appearance.