There are various reasons teeth become misshapen, and we’ll discuss some of these causes below. However, you must know that crooked teeth can be straightened through different orthodontic treatments. Whether you have to wear braces or undergo another procedure, correcting crooked teeth gives you a better smile.
What causes crooked teeth?
What are some of the problems associated with crooked teeth? Well, besides the aesthetic aspect, they can make it difficult to bite and chew food properly. Moreover, in severe cases, crooked teeth can cause speech difficulties and mouth injuries. People with crooked teeth often suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. That’s why it’s crucial to have your dental health examined periodically to protect your oral hygiene.
You should find an expert orthodontist to examine your teeth, determine the root of the issue, and suggest a corrective procedure. For residents of Florida, quality orthodontic treatment is more accessible and affordable than ever. You can easily afford corrective treatment with Medicaid; braces can be obtained for less than $100/month, and many clinics are offering flexible orthodontic treatment plans.
The following are some of the most common causes of crooked and/or misaligned teeth.
- Genetics:- If your child doesn’t have crooked teeth, but it’s a problem that runs in the family, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist and have their teeth examined.
- Facial Injury:- Injuring yourself in the face (while playing sports, for example) can lead to teeth becoming misaligned or misshaped.
- Malocclusion:- Your upper teeth are supposed to extend slightly beyond your lower teeth when the jaw is closed. A malocclusion is when a person has an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite. Malocclusions are generally caused by and ill-fitted dental crowns and fillings.
- Thumb Sucking:- Thumb sucking isn’t healthy because it exerts too much pressure on the gums. Now, children’s gums are already sensitive. Thumb sucking, therefore, may lead to crooked and crowded teeth among growing children.
- Early tooth loss:- Losing baby teeth earlier than normal may cause adult teeth to become more crowded. It happens when other baby teeth fill in the place where an adult tooth was supposed to grow in the future, thereby causing misalignment.
- Poor oral hygiene:- Even adults can become victims of different oral problems when they don’t maintain proper oral hygiene. For instance, around 47% of adults aged 30 or older have gum disease right now. When it turns into periodontitis, your teeth may start falling out!
- Other childhood habits:- Lastly, many harmful childhood pastimes other than thumb sucking are responsible for crooked teeth among teenagers too. For instance, excessive bottle feeding hurts a child’s sensitive gums. Therefore, even using a pacifier after three years isn’t healthy.
How are crooked teeth treated?
We’ve established that crooked teeth require orthodontic treatment. Some teens are hesitant about these treatments because certain dental tools, such as braces, look awkward. However, for those averse to the look of headgear and braces, there are modern tools, such as Invisalign, available. Here are orthodontic treatments that can be used to correct crooked and misaligned teeth:
- Braces:- Fixed metal braces are a tried-and-tested and perhaps the most commonly used treatment for crooked teeth.
- Invisalign:- This popular alternative to braces has become highly sought after due to its comfort, invisibility, and convenience. However, with Invisalign, you have to be careful about what you eat. Your dentist or an orthodontist can provide you more information on the subject.
- Ceramic Braces:- Another solution involves ceramic braces as they’re teeth-colored. So, you can wear them without hesitation as they’re not as conspicuous as braces. However, they cost more than metal braces.
- Invisible Braces:- Braces can become invisible when they’re fixated on the back of your teeth. It seems more confident to wear these tongue-tied braces, and some orthodontists may call them “lingual braces”. But, again, these braces can be more expensive than traditional braces.
- Dental Veneers:- Veneers won’t straighten your teeth, but they can give an illusion of straight teeth. They are shell-like caps made of porcelain worn on the teeth to hide discoloration, chips, and cracks. They’re a good option if you want to get that perfect smile without having to wear braces, aligners, or retainers.
- Clear Dental Aligners:- They make dental aligners from transparent materials, and people wear them for at least 22 hours/per day. These aligners will gradually move your teeth into the correct position by applying constant pressure. However, you’ll need new aligners after some time, as they don’t last. On the bright side, they are less noticeable and more comfortable than metal braces.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery:- Lastly, you can undergo corrective jaw surgery to straighten crooked teeth. For example, an overbite requires patients to have surgery. This jaw surgery relocates the jaw into its correct position. You may search for it with the name orthognathic surgery. However, people need braces before and after the procedure to obtain the desired results.
Conclusion
So, here’s the summary of this article: Crooked teeth can cause low self-esteem, harm your confidence, and cause several oral health issues. That’s why getting your teeth straightened is important. This article has explained why some people can have crooked teeth. These causes include genetics, malocclusion, facial injury, poor oral hygiene, and many harmful childhood habits. However, the good news is that several treatments are available to correct crooked and misaligned teeth whitening. Consult with your dentist or orthodontist to learn more.
