Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? You’re not alone and the truth is that many people have slightly misaligned teeth, this is very normal. The way your mouth forms, your teeth often need to slightly shift to make them fit together properly. This usually doesn’t present any major problems, but occasionally it may present cosmetic issues, or comfort, health, and speech problems. If crooked teeth are making you less confident in your smile, or are causing you discomfort, you may want to consider seeing us for cosmetic dentistry options.
What can cause crooked teeth?
Teeth can come in crooked in both children and adults or they may become crooked as the mouth runs out of space and teeth become cramped. Sometimes and more uncommonly, teeth may become crooked due to underlying health issues that need to be addressed.
Other ways that teeth may cause teeth to become crooked in younger children include prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use. Another cause for crooked and misaligned teeth can also be genetics. And just because your child has alignment issues at a young age, doesn’t mean they’re going to have crooked teeth as an adult. To determine how your child’s adult teeth are forming and if there will be any alignment issues, it’s best to have them visit the dentist regularly starting when their first tooth pops through their gums. This will allow their dentist to monitor the development of their teeth and closely watch them as their adult teeth grow.
One other way that teeth may experience alignment issues includes trauma and damage. Whether it’s trauma from an accident or damage from decay and poor health habits, your teeth may become misaligned. This can be caused in children that lose teeth before their permanent teeth are ready, which causes their permanent teeth to grow in at odd angles or slanted rather than straight.
What problems can be caused by crooked teeth?
Some of the major health issues that can come from misaligned teeth include:
- Self-esteem: If you’re concerned about the appearance of your smile and find yourself not smiling because you’re worried about your teeth, then your dentist has options available to properly align and create a beautiful smile!
- Periodontal Disease: When teeth are misaligned and crooked it can make them more difficult to properly clean. If left untreated, you can develop periodontal disease, tooth decay, plaque buildup, and more serious infections that may further damage your teeth and underlying bone structure in your jaw.
- Chewing foods: Misaligned teeth can also create difficulties in chewing and properly digesting your foods.
- Excessive Wear: If your teeth and bite aren’t properly aligned, you may experience abnormal wear on your teeth where they rub or contact each other improperly. This can create other dental problems including cracked and worn teeth, jaw pain, TMJ disorder, and frequent or chronic headaches.
- Speech Difficulties: Sometimes when your teeth are not properly aligned, you can experience difficulties articulating and pronouncing words properly.
Should crooked teeth be straightened?
The decision to straighten crooked teeth is a personal one. Health issues may also factor into a decision. If your teeth make you feel self-conscious, that may also be a reason to straighten them.
Sometimes you may be referred to an orthodontist for treatments such as braces or other orthodontics, but in many cases, we can help you with our network of dentists and alternative treatments. If you’ve decided that straightening your teeth is the right choice for you, there are several alternatives you can discuss with a dentist or orthodontist.
Treatments available for straightening your teeth:
- Invisalign invisible braces
- Metal braces
- Lingual braces
- Teeth Straightening Surgery
Takeaway
Crooked teeth are a common problem experienced by many children, teens, and adults. They don’t require treatment unless they’re causing health problems or self-esteem issues.
The decision to correct your teeth is a personal one. If cost is an issue, talk to your dentist.
