Rotated teeth are like those dance moves that are out of sync with the beat.
But don’t fret; we’ve got the lowdown on how to get them back in line.
Traditional braces, those shiny metal sidekicks, and Invisalign, the nearly invisible aligners, are here to save the day!
Key Takeaways
- Rotating teeth occur due to factors ranging from genetics to dental injuries.
- Although slight rotations are common, severely rotated teeth only seldom happen.
- Traditional braces and Invisalign will help fix this orthodontic anomaly.
What is a Rotated Tooth?
A rotated tooth is like that one friend in a group photo facing a different direction from everyone else. Instead of standing straight and tall like the other teeth, a rotated tooth has slightly turned or twisted. It’s as if the tooth decided to dance to its own beat!
The 3 Types of Tooth Rotation
When teeth decide they don’t want to stay in their perfect spot, they might rotate a little or even a lot.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of rotated teeth:
- Mildly Rotated Teeth: These teeth have only turned a smidge. It’s like they’re trying to get a different view of your mouth!
- Moderately Rotated Teeth: These have taken it up a notch. They’re not completely turned around, but they’re certainly making their presence known.
- Severely Rotated Teeth: These teeth have gone on a full adventure. They’ve turned around so much that they might look like they’re facing the wrong way!
What Causes Rotated Teeth?
Let’s dive into why some teeth do their twisty dance instead of standing in line like the rest.
First, genetics plays a significant role. You can inherit rotated teeth from your family tree.
Second, if baby teeth hang around longer than they should or are lost too early, they may mess with how adult teeth come in, causing them to rotate.
Third, habits like thumb-sucking or pushing your tongue against your teeth can give them a nudge over time. It’s a slow process, but these habits may coax teeth to turn a bit.
Last but not least, injuries or accidents may shake things up in your oral cavity. Taking a soccer ball to the face or falling off a bike might encourage a tooth to twist.
4 Ways to Treat Rotated Teeth
Rotation Wedges
Rotation wedges are small, typically plastic devices orthodontists place between rotated teeth and their neighbors. Over time, the twisted tooth will begin the realignment process due to the pressure.
The advantage of rotation wedges is their subtlety. They’re more like behind-the-scenes heroes, slowly working their magic.
Lingual Buttons
Lingual buttons are tiny, flat metal or ceramic attachments orthodontists stick on your teeth’ inside surface. They act as mini anchors for your teeth. When a tooth starts spinning out of line, these buttons work with special elastics or wires to help guide it back to where it should be. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing lingual buttons since they’re on the inside of your teeth!
Can I Fix Rotated Teeth With Traditional Metal Braces?
Traditional metal braces come with small brackets that are glued onto each tooth. A wire, which acts like a guide, runs through these brackets. Every so often, your orthodontist will tighten this wire to help pull or push the teeth into their perfect spots.
Traditional braces will work wonders for your rotated teeth. The steady pressure they apply coaxes the affected tooth to spin right back into its correct position over time.
Can Invisalign Fix Rotated Teeth?
Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. Think of them as almost invisible mouthguards you can take out when you eat or brush your teeth. They’re super stealthy; most people might not even notice you’re wearing them!
The magic of Invisalign is that each set of aligners is different from the last. You switch to a new set every couple of weeks, and each one nudges your teeth closer to their ideal spot.
For our twisty-turny rotated teeth, Invisalign applies gentle pressure in the right spots to get that tooth spinning back where it should be.
How Long Does It Take to Fix Rotated Teeth?
Generally, a minor tooth rotation takes a few months to correct.
However, if a tooth is doing a full dance spin in your oral cavity, it could take a year or even longer.
The treatment approach of choice plays a part, too. Traditional metal braces or Invisalign are both effective treatments for addressing rotating teeth, but their time frame will differ.
Your orthodontist will give you a time estimate based on your circumstances. No matter how long it takes, the result — a dazzling, straight smile — is worth the wait!
How to Preserve Your Tooth Derotation Results
Getting your tooth back in its perfect spot was a big deal, but keeping it there? That’s the next big adventure.
First up, tooth retainers are your new best friends. Wearing them as advised will help lock your tooth in its new spot and prevent it from thinking about retaking a twisty vacation.
Next, don’t skip those dental check-ups. It’s like a regular spa day for your teeth! By checking in with your dentist or orthodontist, you’re ensuring everything stays put.
Also, remember the basics: brush and floss daily. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy ensures them the VIP treatment they deserve.
Start Your Orthodontic Treatment at Patuxent Orthodontics!
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic care or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or message us through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary consultation!
Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office!
We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining your perfect smile, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
References
- Lee, Dr. Richard J. “What Is the Best Dental Floss for Braces?” Loudoun Orthodontics, Loudoun Orthodontics, 8 Aug. 2023, loudounorthodontics.com/what-is-the-best-dental-floss-for-braces/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.
