Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can affect how you chew, speak, clean your teeth, and feel about your smile. At Bunker Hill Dentistry, in the Memorial area of Houston, we offer a full spectrum of solutions—from braces and Invisalign to veneers and bonding—tailored to each patient’s age, goals, and dental needs. Whether you’re a young professional seeking a fast, aesthetic upgrade or a parent exploring early orthodontic care for your child, we will help you navigate your choices confidently. Why Fixing Crooked Teeth Matters Straightening teeth is about much more than appearances. Misaligned teeth can: Be harder to clean, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease Cause jaw strain, TMJ issues, or chronic headaches due to uneven bite forces Accelerate enamel wear and lead to cracked or chipped teeth Affect speech clarity and chewing efficiency Diminish self-confidence in social and professional situations What Causes Crooked Teeth? Understanding the root cause of misalignment helps determine the best treatment: Genetics & Jaw Size Mismatch – Family history and evolutionary jaw changes may lead to crowding. Childhood Habits – Prolonged thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can push teeth out of place. Early Tooth Loss or Trauma – Losing baby teeth prematurely or experiencing facial injury may shift teeth positions. Jaw Malocclusion – Misaligned upper and lower jaws can result in bite issues like underbite or crossbite. Treatment Options: Braces, Invisalign, Veneers & More Every smile is unique, and so is the right treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options: Traditional Braces Traditional metal braces use a system of brackets, wires, and elastic bands to gradually move teeth into proper alignment over time. The brackets are bonded to the teeth and connected with an archwire that’s periodically adjusted to apply targeted pressure. Treatment typically lasts 1–3 years, depending on the complexity of the case. Best for: Complex bite and alignment issues, especially in children and teens Pros: Effective for even the most complex cases Precise tooth movement and bite correction Covered by many dental insurance plans Cons: Metal brackets and wires are visible Can cause temporary soreness after adjustments Requires diligent cleaning around brackets to prevent plaque buildup Explore Braces at Bunker Hill Dentistry >> Invisalign® Clear Aligners Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift teeth into better positions. Each set of aligners is worn for about 1–2 weeks before progressing to the next. Because the aligners are removable, they allow for easier eating, brushing, and flossing compared to braces. Best for: Teens and adults with mild to moderate misalignment Pros: Nearly invisible Removable for eating and brushing Typically more comfortable than braces Cons: Must be worn 20–22 hours/day Less suited for very complex alignment issues Explore Invisalign Services >> Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They’re often used to improve the appearance of slightly crooked, gapped, discolored, or uneven teeth—creating the illusion of straight, flawless alignment without physically moving the teeth. Veneer placement typically requires 2–3 visits and light enamel reduction. Best for: Adults seeking a fast cosmetic upgrade for mild misalignment or smile imperfections. Pros: Immediate results Natural-looking and stain-resistant Can also whiten and reshape teeth Cons: Irreversible (requires enamel removal) Doesn’t fix bite or functional alignment May cause sensitivity Higher cost and not usually covered by insurance See Our Veneers Options >> Dental Bonding Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin material applied directly to the tooth surface to correct small chips, gaps, or minor crookedness. The dentist sculpts the resin into shape, hardens it with a curing light, and polishes it to match surrounding teeth. Bonding is quick, non-invasive, and often completed in a single visit. Best for: Patients seeking a short-term fix for small gaps or mild misalignment. Pros: Fast and affordable Minimally invasive No enamel removal required Cons: Less durable than veneers (may chip or stain over time) Not suitable for major alignment issues May need touch-ups or replacement every few years Learn About Our Cosmetic Bonding Services >> Retainers Retainers are custom-made dental devices worn after orthodontic treatment (like braces or Invisalign) to keep teeth from shifting back to their original positions. They can be fixed (bonded behind teeth) or removable (clear plastic or wire). Some retainers are also used for minor tooth adjustments, but they’re primarily designed for maintenance. Best for: Preventing relapse after Invisalign or braces Pros: Prevents orthodontic relapse Discreet and easy to wear Often affordable and easy to clean Cons: Not usually a standalone solution for crooked teeth Crooked Teeth Treatment Options – At a Glance Treatment Best For Pros Cons Traditional Braces Complex bite and alignment issues (especially kids/teens) Effective for severe cases Precise bite correction Often covered by insurance Visible metal brackets Can cause soreness Requires careful cleaning Invisalign® Aligners Teens and adults with mild–moderate misalignment Nearly invisible Removable for eating/cleaning Comfortable Must wear 20–22 hrs/day Not ideal for complex cases Porcelain Veneers Adults wanting fast cosmetic improvements Immediate results Natural-looking Also whitens/reshapes teeth Irreversible (enamel removal) Doesn’t fix bite issues Higher cost Dental Bonding Mild crookedness, small gaps, or chips Quick and affordable Non-invasive No enamel removal Less durable than veneers Not for major issues May need frequent touch-ups Retainers Maintaining alignment after treatment Prevents relapse Discreet and easy to wear Affordable Not a standalone fix for misalignment How to Choose the Right Option for You or Your Child When evaluating your or your child’s needs, a dentist may consider the following: Severity and type of misalignment: From mild crowding to major bite concerns Age and development stage: Children as young as 7 benefit from early orthodontic evaluation Budget and insurance: Some procedures are covered, others offer flexible payment plans Lifestyle and goals: Invisalign may suit active adults; veneers can deliver fast transformations Comfort and time commitment: Evaluate treatment duration and sensitivity Note: Early orthodontic intervention can often prevent more complex treatment later. What to Expect at Bunker Hill Dentistry From consultation to final smile: Digital Imaging & 3D Planning: We use advanced intraoral scanners and 3D software to create precise, mold-free treatment plans—and even preview your future smile. Family-Friendly Environment: From kids to adults, we offer a calm, welcoming space with flexible scheduling and gentle care for every age. Transparent Pricing and Financing: You’ll get clear estimates, help navigating insurance, and flexible payment options—no surprises. Truly Personalized Treatment Plans: Every smile is different. We tailor each treatment to your goals, lifestyle, and dental needs for the best possible outcome. Why Bunker Hill Dentistry? Dr. Le and his wife and office manager Ann Le Specialists – As a dentist experienced in both cosmetic and general dental procedures, Dr. Le can treat crooked teeth no matter the cause or motivation for change. Serene setting – Our office is designed to provide a calm, relaxing environment to help put your mind at ease during treatment. Take a tour. Client satisfaction – We have one mission – total client satisfaction. “Care, Comfort, Convenience” is our guarantee to every client. More about Bunker Hill Dentistry. Reception room at Bunker Hill Dentistry State of the art – We utilize the most advanced technology such as the i-CAT 3D x-ray machine, All-On-4® implants and an anesthesia-delivery wand, for faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment. Conveniently located – Located in Memorial, just a short drive from Houston’s city center. Find us on the map. See Real Results. Start With a Consultation. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence or help your child start their orthodontic journey, we’re here to help. Schedule An Appointment Today Not been to Bunker Hill Dentistry before? To help you prepare for your first visit, read our new patient information page.
