Crooked teeth can be embarrassing and can make you feel incredibly self-conscious. But that’s not all…
Because crowded or misaligned teeth are harder to clean they can be more prone to cavities, and other underlying problems.
So what causes crooked teeth? And what can be done to fix them?
Baby teeth, as well as permanent teeth, can either grow normally or at some later stage become crooked. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of crooked teeth.
Poor repetitive habits
Habits such as prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking can be problematic to teeth as are mouth breathing or tongue thrusting in a child’s early years – all of which can push baby teeth out of their original position causing them to become misaligned. Sometimes children’s baby teeth become crooked simply because they’re too small to fill up their respective spaces in the gums.
Genetics
Unfortunately when it comes to genetics, there’s not a lot anyone can do about this – what we get is what we get – so thanks, mum and dad!
No-one has any control over their genetic make-up and chances are, if one or both of your parents had or have crooked teeth, you will too.
You can also inherit an overbite or underbite. This is where your top and bottom jaws are malformed or different sizes. That said, Just because you inherit crooked teeth it doesn’t mean you have to live with them forever. Modern braces and clear aligners do a fantastic job of creating a perfectly straight smile that you can be proud of.
Premature loss of baby teeth
Baby teeth are more important than a lot of people realise. Not only do they help your child eat, smile and talk but they also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth to come through. If a tooth is lost too early through decay or trauma, neighbouring teeth can move into the empty space. When this happens, there isn’t room for the adult tooth to come through properly.
Trauma
The answer to what causes crooked teeth in many cases is a blow to the mouth or face. A sporting injury or an accident can knock the teeth out of place and also affect how the jaws come together. This is why it’s so important for a child or adult that plays contact sports to wear a custom mouthguard available from a dentist. Trust us, they remain one of the best investments you can make to protect your oral health.
So those are some of the most common causes of crooked teeth but what problems do crooked teeth cause?
Firstly, crooked teeth don’t always cause issues – after all, your quirky smile is who you are. If your teeth function correctly and don’t interfere with the quality of your life, then there may not be a problem. If your dentist is happy that you’re not going to develop oral health issues and you’re okay with how your smile looks, then all is good.
That said, many people with crooked teeth are affected by one or more of the problems below:
Problems With Crooked Teeth Can Include:
Increased risk of gum disease – It can be difficult to brush between and around teeth that are crooked. As a result, plaque can build up, irritating the gums, and triggering an infection or gum disease. Severe gum disease (periodontitis) can cause bone erosion and loss of teeth.
Increased tooth wear – Misaligned teeth can cause an uneven bite when your teeth come together and this can result in the tooth enamel wearing away or cracking in areas.
Difficulty chewing – Misaligned teeth can make it difficult and painful to chew. Just imagine not being able to eat your favourite foods.
Self-esteem problems – Crooked teeth can in some instances lower your self-esteem, causing embarrassment. It’s not uncommon for a person to avoid smiling or even laughing because they can’t bear the thought of anyone seeing their crooked teeth.
Poor overall health – Studies have revealed that oral infections such as gum disease can lead to serious medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, strokes and even low birth weights.
The good news is there are a few options to choose from if you decide enough is enough and you do want to straighten your teeth.
Options For Straightening Teeth
When it comes to straightening teeth there are no age limitations provided the gums and surrounding structures are strong and healthy. At Dental 266 we use the latest advanced techniques and devices including metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners.
Clear aligners are extremely popular with self-conscious teens and adults looking to straighten their smile discreetly. Known as ‘invisible braces’ they’re made from transparent plastic and are designed to fit over the teeth just like a mouthguard. Unlike fixed metal braces, aligner treatment involves a series of clear aligners that are worn sequentially. By the time the last aligner has been worn, the teeth will be in their correct position and you won’t be able to stop smiling.
Are you ready to straighten your teeth?
If you want to fix your crooked or misaligned teeth why not get in touch with the experienced orthodontic team at Dental 266. We provide Invisalign clear aligners as well as fixed metal braces and ceramic braces,
We’ll be happy to talk you through the treatment options and help you decide what’s right for you. Why not schedule an initial consultation today. Call on 02 9051 0600 to book an appointment