Teeth that are crooked or misaligned are prevalent. People of all ages have them. Never feel pressured to get braces if you have crooked teeth.
Teeth that aren’t straight might make your smile more distinctive and attractive.
But you can get your teeth straightened if you’re self-conscious about their appearance or if they’re affecting your health or your ability to speak clearly.
Read on to learn about the root causes of crooked teeth, potential health complications, and treatment options.
Causes of Malalignment and Malocclusion
It is possible for both the permanent teeth and the baby teeth to erupt or develop crookedly. Due to their inadequacy in filling the available gum space, baby teeth might shift into crooked positions.
Long-term habits like sucking on a thumb or pacifier can also cause the protrusion or misalignment of newborn teeth. Another possible factor is heredity and genetics.
Another set of problems that can affect both the baby teeth and the permanent teeth are:
Jaw proportions
Chewing was more of a chore for our early ancestors’ diets than the soft, manufactured foods that many people eat today.
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Our aggregate jaw size has shrunk as a result of this alteration. Crowded, crooked, and misaligned teeth may have originated from our shorter jaw, according to scientists.
Inadequate myofunctional habits
Myofunctional habits, which are frequent activities, have an impact on the muscles and functions of the face and mouth. They consist of:
A bottle or pacifier for sucking the thumb; breathe through the mouth while using the tongue.
As a normal bite alignment, your lower molars should fit snugly into the grooves of your upper teeth, and vice versa; otherwise, you will have malocclusion, or a misaligned jaw. Malocclusion happens when this alignment doesn’t happen.
Incorrect bite positions, such as an overbite or an underbite, are common. An overbite is characterized by an excessive gap between the upper and lower front teeth.
When your upper front teeth protrude more than your lower ones, it’s called an underbite. Malocclusion can be the result of poor myofunctional behaviors.
Heredity and genetics
You may be more likely to have crowding or misaligned teeth if either of your parents did. A receding or protruding jaw may be inherited as well.
Lack of oral hygiene
If you don’t see a dentist at least twice a year, you may be putting off treatment for issues like cavities and gum disease. Crooked teeth and other oral health issues might result from this.
Lack of proper nourishment
Crooked teeth may have their roots in a child’s undernourished diet, which can cause cavities and stunted dental development.
Trauma
A misaligned tooth or teeth might be the consequence of a blow to the mouth or face.
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Problems brought on by misaligned teeth
Crooked teeth may also lead to other health problems, such as:
Dental disease (periodontitis)
In between crooked teeth, cleaning might be a challenge. Cavities and gum disease can develop as a consequence. Periodontitis, an infection that can harm teeth and bones, can develop from gum disease if it is not addressed.
Improper Mastication
Gastrointestinal problems could result from improper chewing due to crooked teeth.
Too much wear
In addition to being unattractive, crooked teeth can irritate the gums and muscles in your jaw, which can lead to problems including fractured teeth, jaw strain, TMJ disease, and chronic migraines.
Problems with speech
Problems with speech may arise if your teeth are not in the proper alignment, which impacts how you pronounce sounds.
Confidence
When you’re unhappy with how you look, it might affect your self-esteem and make you avoid social situations.
Ways to Straighten Teeth
If you and your dentist or orthodontist have come to the conclusion that teeth straightening is the best option, you may explore a variety of alternatives.
As long as the teeth and gums can support the braces, braces are a fantastic choice for patients of any age. Because their mouths and bones are still developing, braces might be a great option for kids.
The time it takes to complete treatment varies from patient to patient and from one set of braces to another, typically ranging from two to three years. Another possibility to think about is teeth-straightening surgery, which usually yields better results in less time.
Metal Braces
Invisalign is a method of straightening teeth using metal brackets, bands, and wire. For patients with more severe cases of misaligned teeth, these braces might be the way to go. In certain cases, it is necessary to wear a helmet alongside the fixed braces. Wearing a helmet at night is the norm.
Metal and ceramic orthodontic appliances
Because they are either tooth-colored or transparent, ceramic braces and the archwires that link them are less noticeable than their metal counterparts.
Invisalign
Invisalign and other invisible braces are almost undetectable. Teens and adults are the only ones who should wear them. A dentist will build a unique set of transparent plastic aligners just for you. They are taken out and put back in twice a month, and they cover the teeth like a mouth guard. For severe cases of misaligned teeth, this is not the way to go.
Lingual braces
The part of a tooth that is directly exposed to the tongue is called the lingual surface. Alternately, you may get invisible braces called lingual braces. They function similarly to metal braces, but they fasten to the undersides of your teeth instead of the front.
Surgical Treatment
Another alternative is to have your teeth surgically straightened. They could be an option to shorten the period you have to wear braces. Your orthodontist might advise a minor surgical procedure to realign the bones and gums that support your teeth.