Having a straight, beautiful smile can do wonders for your self-confidence. But what if only your bottom teeth are crooked? Can braces still help align them properly? The short answer is yes! Orthodontic treatment like braces can successfully fix crooked bottom teeth in most cases.

What Causes Crooked Bottom Teeth?

There are a few potential causes of crooked bottom teeth:

• Genetics – Some people are just predisposed to having crooked teeth due to inherited traits like jaw size and shape.
• Losing baby teeth too early – If you lose bottom baby teeth prematurely, it can cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked.
• Thumb sucking – Prolonged thumb sucking as a child can push front bottom teeth outward.
• Tongue thrusting – Pushing the tongue against the teeth instead of swallowing correctly can gradually move bottom teeth.
• Poor oral habits – Using the teeth as tools by biting nails or other objects can alter their position over time.
• Impacted teeth – Wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth crowding the bottom can shift surrounding teeth.

How Do Braces Work?

Braces utilize brackets, wires, and rubber bands to gently guide teeth into their ideal positions over time through steady pressure. Here’s a quick overview of how they work:

• Brackets are bonded to each tooth, with a small metal or ceramic square attached.
• A wire is threaded through each bracket, connecting the teeth together.
• The orthodontist attaches rubber bands from one bracket to another to draw certain teeth in specific directions.
• As the teeth move, the wires are tightened and adjusted to continue moving teeth into alignment.
• After months of gradual adjustments, the teeth end up straight within their ideal positions.

What Are the Benefits of Fixing Crooked Bottom Teeth?

There are many advantages to straightening out the bottom teeth with orthodontic treatment like braces:

• Improved dental health – Crooked teeth can be harder to clean properly, leading to more plaque buildup and potential tooth decay or gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.
• Clearer speech – Aligned bottom teeth allow for better pronunciation of words.
• Easier chewing and biting – Correctly positioned bottom teeth distribute chewing forces more evenly for more effective biting and chewing.
• Confidence boost – A smile with properly aligned bottom teeth looks more balanced and can greatly boost self-esteem.
• Facial symmetry – Straight bottom teeth can help balance out facial proportions and create a more symmetrical look.
• Prevent wear and tear – Crooked bottom teeth put abnormal biting pressures on the teeth, which can lead to chipping, grinding, and other damage over time.

What Is the Process of Fixing Crooked Bottom Teeth?

Here is an overview of the general process:

1. Initial consultation – The orthodontist examines your teeth, takes x-rays and impressions, and discusses treatment options.
2. Appliance placement – Braces are bonded to the teeth during this visit to start the straightening process.
3. Ongoing adjustments – Every 4-8 weeks, you’ll return so the orthodontist can tighten wires and change elastics to continue moving the teeth.
4. Length of treatment – Most cases of fixing crooked bottom teeth take 12-24 months with braces.
5. Retention – A retainer is worn after treatment to hold the teeth in their new positions as bone reforms around them.

Treatment Options for Crooked Bottom Teeth

A few of the most common treatment options include:

Treatment	Description	Time Frame
Braces	Bonded brackets connected by wires that move teeth into place.	12-24 months
Invisalign	Custom clear plastic aligners that are switched out every 1-2 weeks.	12-18 months
Lingual braces	Brackets and wires bonded to the tongue-side of teeth making them hidden.	12-24 months

What Results Can I Expect with Braces for Bottom Teeth?

With consistent braces wear and adjustments, most people achieve excellent outcomes such as:

• Bottom front teeth becoming properly uprighted and spaced.
• Bottom teeth aligned to create an ideal bite and smile.
• Improvements in dental health, chewing function, and appearance.
• The ability to maintain results long-term with a retainer.

However, severely crooked bottom teeth sometimes require additional treatments like teeth extractions or jaw alignment to create room for proper teeth positioning. But in most standard cases of crookedness, braces offer outstanding results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?

Braces can improve crooked bottom teeth in the majority of patients. The best candidates include:

• Growing teens and pre-teens whose jaws and teeth are still developing.
• Adults of all ages, as teeth can be moved at any age.
• Generally healthy individuals with adequate bone to support tooth movement.
• Committed patients who will adhere to orthodontic instructions.

Smokers may experience slower tooth movement and compromised results. Certain medical conditions or medications can also impact orthodontic treatment.

How Much Do Braces Cost for Bottom Teeth?

Cost varies based on the severity of crookedness, but averages around $3,000-$7,000. Factors affecting the price include:

• How extensive tooth movement is required.
• How long treatment takes.
• Whether additional appliances like a palatal expander are needed.
• If any extraction is necessary.
• The orthodontist’s fee in your area.

Many orthodontists offer payment plans to break up the cost over time. Dental insurance may cover a portion, usually $1,000-$1,500. Financing can make braces affordable for almost any budget.

Risks and Limitations of Braces

Braces are extremely effective and safe in most cases, but a few potential risks include:

• Discomfort – Tenderness of teeth and irritation of gums from brackets and wires, especially after adjustments.
• Tooth decay – Without proper hygiene, plaque buildup is more likely around braces.
• Root resorption – In rare cases, slight shortening of tooth roots can occur.
• Relapse – Teeth may gradually shift after braces without wearing a retainer as directed.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations about results. Severely crooked or crowded teeth may not become 100% perfectly straight in all cases. But following the orthodontist’s instructions can maximize outcomes.

Consult an Orthodontist About Braces for Bottom Teeth

If your bottom teeth are crooked or crowded, don’t wait to consult a qualified orthodontist. They can determine if braces are right for your situation and explain exactly how the treatment process works.

With modern orthodontic techniques and equipment, even the most crooked bottom teeth can be transformed into a beautiful smile you can’t wait to show off. Braces or clear aligners like Invisalign are a worthwhile investment that can boost your dental health, bite function and smile appearance.

So don’t be shy about your crooked bottom teeth – visit an orthodontist today for an evaluation. Making the choice to get braces or Invisalign could give you the straight, confident smile you’ve always dreamed of having!