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Does A Single Crooked Tooth Need Braces?

30 June 2022 by Christy Long

Is a single crooked tooth really a problem? It might be since the irregular position of the tooth (particularly if the tooth overlaps its neighbors) can make it hard to clean—turning it into a bacteria trap. This makes the tooth more vulnerable to decay. However, the tooth may still be healthy and totally functional, meaning the issue is more about how the tooth looks. Whether this is a problem is up to you. But this is a problem with a lot of solutions.

Dental Restorations

The first person you're likely to discuss the issue with is your dentist. They may be able to assist if the angle of the tooth can be corrected with a restoration, such as a veneer or a dental crown. This is little more than a visual trick. It's still crooked, but merely looks properly aligned once the restoration has been bonded to it. Not all single crooked teeth can be corrected with a restoration, so your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.

Traditional Braces

Just because you're consulting an orthodontist, it doesn't mean that you'll automatically be fitted with braces. Using traditional braces to realign a single tooth is excessive. You won't want to have to wear the braces for the required treatment time and have them periodically adjusted—all for the sake of a solitary tooth. But still, some form of braces may be of use.

Fast Braces

Your orthodontist may recommend so-called fast braces. They look similar to traditional braces, although you'll probably want your brackets, wires, and other attachments to be tooth-colored. The brackets allow for regular, accelerated adjustments to your braces. They're also self-ligating, meaning that many adjustments are automatic, which speeds things up. Since only one tooth is being moved, the whole process can be completed in a matter of months, although this depends on your personal circumstances. It's likely that you'll need to wear a retainer afterward, which will prevent your tooth from reverting to its previous position.

Other Options

Braces aren't your only option. You might be a candidate for clear aligners, such as Invisalign. These aligners are transparent thermoplastic, making them far less prominent than braces. When the required repositioning of the tooth is minimal, you may only need to wear a retainer overnight, or as directed by your orthodontist.

Unless its position makes the tooth vulnerable to decay, orthodontic treatment for a crooked tooth is optional—and there are many options to choose from.

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