Crooked & Misaligned Teeth Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth can affect your confidence and your oral health. At Trident Dentistry, we help teens and adults achieve a straighter, healthier smile with Invisalign® clear aligners and conservative cosmetic options.
Request an AppointmentMore Than a Cosmetic Concern
Crooked or misaligned teeth can make you hesitant to smile, but their effects go beyond appearance. Crowded and overlapping teeth create tight spaces where plaque collects and toothbrushes can’t reach, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease. An uneven bite can place excess pressure on certain teeth, leading to wear, chips and cracks, and even TMJ pain.
Types of Alignment Problems
- Crowding: Not enough space for teeth to fit normally, causing overlapping or twisting
- Gaps and spacing: Extra space between teeth, often between the front teeth
- Overbite: Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth too much
- Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth
- Open bite: Front teeth don’t meet when the back teeth are closed
- Orthodontic relapse: Teeth that have shifted after braces
What Causes Misaligned Teeth?
Common causes include genetics, a small jaw, early loss of baby teeth, prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use, injury, and missing teeth that allow neighbors to drift. Many adults also notice their teeth gradually shifting with age, especially if they didn’t wear a retainer after childhood braces.
Straightening Teeth With Invisalign®
Invisalign® clear aligners are a comfortable, virtually invisible alternative to metal braces for teens and adults. After a digital scan, we map out a precise treatment plan and create a series of custom aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. You’ll switch to a new set about every two weeks and visit our office roughly every six weeks.
- Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing
- No wires or brackets to irritate your cheeks and gums
- SmartTrack® material for predictable, controlled movement
- Average treatment time of nine to 15 months
- Vivera® retainers to keep results in place
Cosmetic Alternatives for Minor Issues
For small gaps, slightly uneven edges, or minor rotation, cosmetic dentistry such as bonding, contouring, or porcelain veneers can create the look of a straighter smile in just a few visits. Many patients combine Invisalign® with whitening or veneers for a complete makeover. See examples in our Smile Gallery.
Planning Your Treatment
Using digital scanning and Digital Smile Design, we can show you how your teeth will move and what your final smile will look like before you begin. Ask about financing options to make treatment fit your budget. Explore all conditions we treat.
Crooked Teeth FAQs
Can crooked teeth cause health problems?
Yes. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease, and an uneven bite can cause wear and jaw pain.
Am I too old to straighten my teeth?
No. Invisalign® works well for adults of all ages as long as the teeth and gums are healthy.
How long does Invisalign take?
Treatment typically averages nine to 15 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite or underbite?
Invisalign® can correct many mild to moderate bite issues. We will evaluate your bite during your consultation.
My teeth shifted after braces. Can you fix them?
Yes. Invisalign® is an excellent option for correcting orthodontic relapse, followed by a retainer to keep teeth in place.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth?
Veneers can improve the appearance of mildly crooked or uneven teeth, but they don’t change the position of the teeth or correct bite problems.
How many hours a day do I wear aligners?
Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day and removed only for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing.
Start Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Find out if Invisalign® or cosmetic treatment is right for you. Call Trident Dentistry at (310) 444-1445 or request an appointment online.