Canted teeth occur when teeth or the dental arch appear tilted or uneven compared to the facial midline or horizontal plane. This condition can be an aesthetic concern and, at times, a functional challenge. Effective solutions exist to address this dental alignment.
Understanding Canted Teeth
A canted smile often appears visually as one side being higher or lower than the other, creating an imbalance in the smile line. This tilt can be observed in the alignment of the teeth, the gum line, or the biting surface. The line of your teeth typically looks straight when parallel to your eyes and nose. Slanting exceeding approximately 4 degrees generally becomes noticeable.
Various factors can contribute to the development of canted teeth. Skeletal discrepancies, such as asymmetry in the jaw, can lead to an uneven appearance. Uneven tooth eruption, where teeth emerge at different rates or positions, may also cause a cant. Additionally, genetic predispositions, certain oral habits, trauma, or uneven gum recession can contribute to this condition.
Reasons to Consider Correction
Correcting canted teeth extends beyond improving the visual appeal of a smile. Functional challenges can arise from this misalignment, affecting daily activities. Individuals may experience difficulties chewing food efficiently due to an improper bite, which can also lead to uneven wear on tooth surfaces.
An uneven bite can contribute to malocclusion, an improper alignment of the upper and lower teeth. Canted teeth might also affect speech patterns or lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Correcting these concerns can significantly improve overall oral health, function, and smile aesthetics.
Orthodontic Approaches
Orthodontic treatments are a primary method for repositioning teeth and correcting canted smiles. Traditional braces use metal, ceramic, or lingual brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by archwires. These wires exert continuous, gentle pressure, gradually guiding teeth into proper alignment. The orthodontist periodically adjusts the wires to ensure progressive tooth movement.
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a different approach, employing a series of custom-made, transparent, and removable plastic trays. Each aligner set is worn for approximately one to two weeks, applying controlled force to shift teeth incrementally. Patients progress through a sequence of aligners, with each set designed to move teeth closer to the desired final position. An orthodontist plays a crucial role in assessing the specific nature of the canting and developing a precise treatment plan for either braces or aligners.
Restorative and Surgical Solutions
For certain cases of canted teeth, especially those with minor misalignments or cosmetic concerns, restorative dental procedures offer solutions. Dental bonding applies a tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth surface, shaped to improve appearance and correct slight tilts. This method is effective for minor issues but does not physically straighten teeth. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells bonded to the front surface, allowing for significant changes in shape, size, and alignment. Crowns, which cover the entire tooth, can also correct the appearance of canted teeth, particularly with significant tooth damage or wear. These options are often chosen when canting is primarily aesthetic or when orthodontic treatment alone is insufficient.
In more severe instances where canting stems from underlying skeletal issues or jaw discrepancies, orthognathic surgery, commonly known as jaw surgery, may be necessary. This surgical procedure repositions the jawbones to improve alignment and bite function. Jaw surgery is often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, with braces worn before and after the surgery to refine tooth positioning.
Beginning Your Correction Journey
The first step in addressing canted teeth involves a comprehensive dental examination. This initial assessment includes a review of your oral health history and a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, and bite. Consulting with a qualified dental professional, such as a general dentist or an orthodontist, is important to accurately diagnose the cause and severity of the canting.
During this consultation, diagnostic records are gathered, which may include dental X-rays, digital scans, and impressions. These records provide the dental team with a detailed understanding of your dental and skeletal structure. Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan will be developed, outlining recommended procedures to achieve optimal alignment and function.