A single tooth or a small cluster of teeth that don’t align with the rest of the smile, which may protrude or be rotated beyond the norm of the adjacent teeth is known as a snaggle tooth. What is a snaggle tooth?, Where does this term “snaggle tooth” come from? It’s just a tooth that’s misaligned and didn’t move into the right place as the child grows up – and it can happen in children and adults for many well-known causes. This blog will explain why it happens, when it is time for professional evaluation and which treatment options are available to effectively correct it.
What is a snaggle tooth and why do Adults and Children Develop a Snaggle Tooth?
A snaggletooth is one of those common dental issues where a tooth doesn’t quite align with the others. It may kind of stick out or twist, or just sit higher and lower than the teeth around it, sometimes upper jaw , sometimes lower jaw too. Snaggle tooth occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw to accommodate teeth, or when developmental, genetic, or behavioral influences over time cause teeth to become misaligned. To find an appropriate solution to correct this type of misalignment in children and adults, it is important to understand the cause.
Other factors include crowding, genetics, jaw development, and other causes.
- The most common cause of dental crowding is the fact that there is not enough room in the jaw for all of the teeth to erupt into proper alignment, and one or more teeth are forced out of place resulting in overlapping teeth that grow in an unsightly manner or twist.
- There’s a strong genetic component — inherited patterns of jaw growth, tooth size and spacing can actually determine whether or not a misaligned tooth emerges, so it is important to factor in family dental history when determining one’s risk for developing a misaligned tooth.
- If baby teeth are lost early, space problems may result in the growing permanent tooth taking its place in the wrong position – one not caused by the time and spacing of tooth eruption.
- Over time, extended use of the pacifier and/or thumb sucking in early childhood can change the shape of the jaw and the position of the teeth, which can lead to overlapping teeth or to one tooth being protruded, and may require professional evaluation.
When should the Snaggle Tooth be evaluated by a Dentist or Orthodontist?
Is a snaggle tooth harmful? Does a wobbly tooth have to be removed? It can be and when to get a professional evaluation helps prevent minor misalignment from becoming a more complex dental or oral health condition down the road. Not all of the snaggle tooth needs to be treated right away, but there are some clues that it’s a good idea to seek a professional opinion.
Symptoms indicative that misalignment may require professional treatment.
- Overlapping teeth make it hard to brush and floss well — over time, the tight spaces between overlapping teeth can make it hard to brush and floss properly, making it more likely for plaque to build up and cause decay and gum inflammation around the misaligned teeth.
- Misaligned tooth – a tooth that doesn’t fit in its normal bite can cause pain, sensitivity and uneven wear of the teeth as well as stress on the jaw joint.
- Self-confidence issues in children or adults – If you see a child or adult with a snaggle tooth and it looks like a problem that affects their self-confidence, it’s a good idea to look into treatment options – orthodontic treatment can be done at any age and at every price point!
Can a Snaggle Tooth Correct Itself, or Does It Always Need Treatment?
Mild cases may get better on their own in children, depending on the development of the jaw and permanent teeth. Is it possible for a snaggle tooth to heal on its own? A misaligned tooth in an adult will not self-rectify, and will need professional intervention to move it in the dental arch.
Controlling the effects of natural changes and treatment needs.
In young children, an examination of misalignment during normal dental check-ups will help a dentist decide if the child’s normal jaw growth has a sufficient amount of space to correct itself. In older children and adults, it is important to understand that a misaligned tooth (which has also become fixed) will need orthodontic or restorative treatment to get it into correct alignment and have a balanced, healthy bite.
What can be done for a crooked tooth?
Can a snaggle tooth be fixed? Yes, there are a number of effective treatments available depending on the severity of the misalignment, age of the patient and what their treatment goals are for function and appearance. Treatment can include orthodontic tooth movement or restorative treatment that enhances the way the teeth look, but will not involve complete repositioning.
Braces, Clear Aligners, and Other Orthodontic Solutions
The most popular methods for moving an out-of-place tooth into place over time are traditional braces or clear aligners like Invisalign. In less severe cases, a snaggle tooth may be able to be cosmetically corrected with dental bonding or veneers, which may provide a more cosmetic solution without needing to reposition the structure.
LiT Dental caters to patients with overlapping teeth and misaligned teeth by offering a complete evaluation, referral to orthodontists and restorative treatment such as dental bonding and veneer placement for cosmetic enhancement. Patients with insurance can use their coverage, and those who are not covered are easily accommodated with flexible financing options and a Dental Membership Plan at LiT Dental so that everyone can afford to receive professional snaggle tooth evaluation and treatment.
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Conclusion
Although a “snaggle tooth” is not uncommon, it is possible to treat this condition and should not be ignored if it is impacting your oral health or your confidence. From a child’s developing smile to an adult’s desire for change, it’s always best to get a professional opinion first. Let LiT Dental help you evaluate your situation and help you find the best and least expensive solution to a healthier and straighter smile.
