A snaggle tooth is a single misaligned tooth, often caused by overcrowded teeth. Those with this issue may find their crooked or protruding incisor more noticeable than the rest of their smile. Having a snaggle tooth can be an uncomfortable experience that can lower your self-confidence and make it difficult to find the right treatment.
No matter what your age, a snaggle tooth can have far-reaching impacts if left untreated. As such, it’s important to understand the causes and treatment options so that you can start living more comfortably with a confident smile.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of a snaggle tooth and explore the different treatment options available, including braces and other corrective treatments.
What Causes a Snaggle Tooth?
Genetics plays an important role in the development of a person’s teeth and can explain why some people have snaggle teeth. Genetics are responsible for setting the stage of dental development and any misalignments along the way from tooth erupting through adult maturity can lead to a snaggle tooth.
This condition can also be caused by overcrowded teeth, early loss of a baby tooth that alters the eruption of permanent teeth, teeth grinding, and sometimes tongue posture where the tongue pushes teeth forward.
An article in Medical News Today reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS states that another common cause is a thumb or finger sucking or the use of a pacifier, particularly in children over the age of five. Once children have developed their permanent teeth, thumb sucking can affect the alignment of these causing such issues as snaggle teeth.
What Are The Risks of Having a Snaggle Tooth?
Having a snaggle tooth can be quite uncomfortable and inconvenient. Unfortunately, it can also increase the risk of existing dental issues becoming worse, as well as developing additional problems.
Since the individual tooth is often positioned differently than other teeth, it could put extra strain on the supporting structures, like the gums or surrounding teeth, when patients bite down or chew. This can lead to infection, enamel erosion, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity.
In some cases, having a snaggle tooth can even cause temporomandibular joint disorder, which is commonly known as TMJ pain and discomfort.
Thankfully, these risks are relatively minor if the issue is diagnosed early on; if possible, dental treatments such as clear aligners or braces should immediately be sought to correct any irregularity and preserve overall oral health.
Snaggle Tooth Treatment
Having issues with your teeth can be a confidence wrecker, but fear not, there are lots of treatments available to help you achieve the smile you desire.
Depending on your needs and budget, you could opt for braces, veneers, clear aligners, or another type of treatment. In some cases with low severity, a snaggle tooth can even be treated with the simple reshaping.
Proper eating habits and healthy choices leading to good oral health care can minimize chances of getting a snaggle tooth or make them less noticeable.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to start on the road to a better smile; sometimes all it takes is one visit to an orthodontist to find out what your options are.
Let’s take a look at some of the available treatment options.
Metal or Porcelain Braces
Metal and porcelain braces are an effective way to fix a snaggle tooth.
Braces use brackets that are placed on the front of the teeth, with a wire running in between each one. The brackets and wires are adjusted throughout treatment to gradually move the teeth into alignment. With time, this process helps reshape bite patterns, so that the teeth fit harmlessly together when biting down or smiling.
For metal or porcelain braces to work best, a patient must visit their orthodontist for regular adjustments every few weeks over months, sometimes years.
See our article: Options to Straighten Teeth.
Clear Aligners and Invisalign
Clear aligners and Invisalign, are great ways to fix a snaggle tooth in a discreet and minimally invasive way. They provide the same results as traditional braces but with greater comfort and flexibility for the patient.
See our Clear Aligners Vs Invisalign comparison.
By gradually moving your teeth into place with small, customized trays, clear aligners are effective at fixing any misalignment issues you may be experiencing. Additionally, they require less time for installation and adjustments compared to typical braces.
As the trays are made of clear plastic material, they can go largely unnoticed by those around you and you can even order them direct to your home without the need for an orthodontist appointment.
With their versatility and subtlety, clear aligners provide an excellent choice for fixing a snaggle tooth problem without being overly obvious or causing any pain.
Here are some reviews of the best available invisible aligners:
NewSmile Review – A low-cost option that comes with premium aesthetics, a free retainer, and a tooth whitening kit.
SmileDirectClub Review – The most popular choice, this product has a lifetime guarantee and a free one-time replacement agreement. This aligner has the best 3D scanning process.
Byte Review – The best pick and the most affordable option. A lifetime guarantee for peace of mind and a free HyperBite and teeth whitening kit are on offer.
Candid Review – The most similar product to Invisalign Aligners this product has excellent reviews. Hybrid in-office care is offered too.
ALIGNERCO – The cheapest with a zero deposit option for monthly payment plans. This product is available for as little as $945.
Veneers
Veneers are a great way to fix snaggle teeth. This type of treatment consists of very thin, custom-made shells that are tooth-colored that cover the front of the teeth.
The process of obtaining veneers starts with a consultation with your orthodontist where X-rays and impressions will be taken to ensure you have healthy bones and gums. From there, your orthodontist may trim down the surface of the tooth they are applying the veneer to create a strong bond between your natural tooth and the veneer.
Once the veneers are fitted, you’ll be given instructions on how best to take care of them so as not to damage or break them.
See our article: Teeth Veneers Pros and Cons.
Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring typically involves reshaping the tooth, shaving off any rough edges, and removing discolorations or irregularities to make it even with the other teeth.
The process involves the orthodontist trimming down your existing tooth, reducing its size, and reshaping it as you desire. It’s generally considered a conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry because it doesn’t involve adding material to your teeth or using any prosthetic components.
As such, it often doesn’t require anesthesia and is highly cost-effective as well. While this procedure cannot make radical changes in tooth shape, it can give patients straighter, brighter, and more evenly shaped teeth without involving surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheapest Way to Fix a Snaggle Tooth?
Clear aligners are an efficient, budget-friendly option when it comes to fixing a snaggle tooth, and offer a quicker resolution time to treatment in mild to mid conditions than other more traditional options.
What is the Fastest Way to Fix a Snaggle Tooth?
Clear aligners offer an efficient solution to dealing with a snaggle tooth and do so quicker than other treatment methods. Clear aligners also offer a more aesthetic treatment than other types and are a great solution for mild to mid issues.
Can I Fix a Snaggle Tooth Without Braces?
Invisalign or other clear aligners can treat a snaggle tooth that is mildly to moderately misaligned as well as braces can. This type of treatment also offers a reduced treatment time with enhanced aesthetic benefits too.
