What Causes Teeth To Be Crooked
Crooked teeth are a very common issue for many patients. Crooked or uneven teeth can cause patients to be self-conscious about their smile or even have a hard time chewing their food properly. There are a number of reasons that a patient may have crooked, uneven, or overlapping teeth.
Genetics can be a major factor in the way a person's jaw develops. If one or both of your parents have crooked teeth, the chances of you having crooked teeth are pretty high. Parents can also pass down an underbite or an overbite to their children. An overbite as when the upper jaw protrudes too far over the lower jaw. An under right is the opposite, the lower jaw protrudes past the upper jaw. Sometimes, the jaw is simply too small to accommodate all of the teeth so the adult teeth will come in crooked and twisted and lead to overcrowding.
Other reasons a patient may have crooked or uneven teeth include poor oral hygiene, malocclusion (a bad bite), poorly fitting dental restorations, or injury. Small children that suck on their thumb or a pacifier for too long can, over time, cause their baby teeth to become crooked which can encourage the adult teeth to come in crooked.
Can crooked teeth cause other problems?
Misaligned teeth can make oral hygiene more challenging than when the teeth are straight. Patients with extremely crowded teeth are more prone to develop periodontal disease and decay. Crooked teeth also often experience more pressure than teeth that are properly aligned causing more strain on the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles. This can also lead to a higher risk of breaking a tooth.
How are crooked teeth treated?
The most common treatment for crooked and misaligned teeth is orthodontic therapy. Orthodontia can be traditional braces or clear aligner therapy trays. Your general dentist may be able to provide you with Clear aligner therapy as many general dentists are preferred providers for some clear aligner companies. If your dentist cannot provide you with orthodontic treatment, they will refer you to an orthodontist.
An orthodontist is a dental professional that specializes in the treatment of misaligned teeth and jaw structure. The orthodontist will take x-rays and photographs of your teeth and face as well as impressions of your teeth to determine how best to treat your individual case. Dental x-rays help the doctor identify the position of your tooth roots and they can see if any teeth have yet to erupt through the gum.
Once the orthodontist determines how best to treat your teeth, they will provide treatment with traditional braces or clear aligners. After your treatment is complete, you will be fitted for a retainer that will be worn at night while you sleep. Sometimes, a permanent retainer can be affixed to the back of your front teeth on both the top and bottom.
If you are unhappy with your smile, speak with your dentist to see what options are available to you to fix crooked and uneven teeth.