The presence of a single snaggletooth can ruin an otherwise beautiful smile and leave you fearful of how your smile might appear to others. Your smile is the window to your soul and if you can't smile with confidence, then your ability to socialize will be compromised.
However, dentists are no strangers to snaggleteeth. Snaggleteeth are merely teeth that have been pushed out of alignment due to the natural and gradual forward motion of the molars. Unlike in Japan, where snaggleteeth are seen as something to be treasured these days, in the west, snaggleteeth are an unwelcome addition to any smile.
Fortunately, there are several ways in which your snaggletooth can be treated.
Invisalign for Less Severe Overcrowding
If the rest of your teeth are well positioned, and your jaw has enough room to adequately accommodate your snaggletooth then Invisalign; which is ideal for less severe cases of overcrowding, is the right option for you.
The process of tooth movement with Invisalign is less painful then traditional braces, but is also a gradual process that moves teeth 0.5mm per fortnight. This means it could take up to 12 months to push your snaggletooth into a better location.
Braces for Moderate to Severe Overcrowding
If the rest of your teeth are overcrowded too, then your best option is traditional braces. Braces are designed to correct both moderate and severe cases of crooked teeth, and will eventually push all of your teeth back into proper alignment provided your jaw is big enough to accommodate them.
Braces Combined with Veneers or Bonding for Severe Overcrowding
In severe cases, where your dental arches (upper and lower jaws) are underdeveloped and therefore cannot support your teeth adequately, you could combine braces and cosmetic dentistry.
To do this, your dentist will first treat your severely crowded teeth with a brace, pushing them into their natural positions as much as possible. They will then reshape any teeth, such as snaggleteeth, that do not have enough room to move into and either cover them with veneers, or use composite bonding to shape them.
Arch Development for Underdeveloped Dental Arches
For severely underdeveloped dental arches, your best option is probably orthodontic arch development. During this treatment, you will wear a retainer for 6-12 months, which will gradually help the bone of your jaw to develop and grow in order to accommodate your teeth.
This treatment is usually followed up with braces to help move your teeth into your newly developed arch.
