Ever wonder how some people naturally have straight, Hollywood-like smiles? The truth is, it’s not just about luck. Our smile shapes our personality, and having twisted, overlapping or crooked teeth can affect both confidence and oral health.
The good news? Crooked teeth can be fixed with modern orthodontic treatment and cosmetic dentistry. But before exploring your options, let’s understand what crooked teeth mean, their causes and how they can impact your overall well-being.
What Are Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are teeth that grow in misaligned, twisted, or overlapping positions instead of straight. This can affect how your smile looks and even cause issues with chewing, speaking, or maintaining good oral hygiene. Crooked teeth are common in both children and adults—and the good news is, they can be treated with orthodontic solutions like braces or Invisalign.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can result from a variety of factors, including genetics, poor oral habits, and jaw development issues. Understanding the causes of crooked teeth is the first step toward effective treatment.
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Thumb Sucking
Children who suck their thumb for several years often end with crooked teeth. The pressure from the thumb consistently applied to the still-growing gums causes the teeth to grow in crooked, especially outwards. The problem of crooked teeth is more likely if this habit continues until the toddler age.
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Tongue Thrusting
Tongue thrusting has the same effect on the teeth as thumb sucking. It can result in misaligned bites, especially an overbite, i.e., protruding upper teeth.
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Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth or malocclusion occur when the size of the upper or lower jaw is smaller than usual. Misaligned jaws result in problems such as overbite and underbite. In an overbite, the upper set of teeth protrudes over the lower teeth, and in an underbite, the lower set of teeth protrudes over the upper teeth.
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Genetics
Children often get crooked teeth from their parents. If the crooked teeth problem runs down in the family, the children are likely to have crooked permanent teeth too despite following good oral care habits.
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Facial Injury
Facial trauma, such as a jaw injury in childhood, can result in displaced teeth or misaligned bites. The reason is the jaw shifting slightly from its original position, which causes the teeth to grow in crooked. Facial injuries may also result in tooth loss. And when there is open space in a jaw, the rest of the teeth tend to shift to cover that space.
Problems Due to Crooked Teeth
- Gum Disease – Oral care in case of crowded or crooked teeth is naturally hard. Over time, poor oral health or dental health results in bad breath, plaque, tooth decay, and eventually, gum disease. The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, when the gums feel itchy, irritated, and swollen. Bleeding gums is another symptom of gum disease. But if gingivitis is left untreated, it leads to periodontiti,s in which the problem travels to the bone and results in bone and tooth loss.
- Wear and Tear – Misaligned teeth are more prone to wear and tear. But the problem doesn’t stop at the wear and tear. In many cases, excessive wear and tear lead to TMJ disorder or Temporomandibular Jaw disorder in which the patients experience extreme pain or even locking of the jaw bone on movement.
- Difficulty Chewing – Crooked or crowded teeth make chewing difficult, which can lead to digestion problems.
- Speech Difficulty – Speech difficulties, such as problems pronouncing a few words, are the most common effect of crooked teeth.
- Low Self-Esteem – People with crooked teeth or misaligned teeth face the problem of low self-esteem; after all, our smile reflects our personality. Moreover, poor dental health can result in stained teeth that look unappealing and make people feel embarrassed. These are the prevailing reasons people go for cosmetic dentistry.
Why You Should Go for Teeth Straightening
It is true that straighter teeth improve the overall appearance and boost confidence. But teeth straightening is vital in case of extreme teeth misalignment since it can lead to periodontitis, which increases the risk of heart disease. Infected bone below the gum line can cause a bacterial infection in the heart stream, which can affect the valves in the heart.
How to Fix Crooked Teeth? Treatment Options
The most effective methods to get rid of crooked teeth are:
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Braces
Braces are a type of orthodontic appliance that consists of brackets, bands, and wires. They apply constant pressure on the jaw over an extended period, which makes it adapt to the pressure in a certain direction, causing it to move into the desired position. There are three types of braces available, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. You can talk to your orthodontist and know what may be the most appropriate teeth alignment solution for you based on the results of your oral examination.
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Invisalign
Invisalign is invisible braces. The treatment includes clear or transparent trays that are custom-created to fit over your teeth. Your orthodontist will create several molds, and you will have to move from one mold to another until your teeth finally move into the correct position. Adults often go for Invisalign since they are clear and can easily go unnoticed. However, it’s the higher cost of Invisalign that makes braces a more practical solution.
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Retainers
A retainer is often recommended after orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth to maintain their alignment. It helps prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions by keeping them in place. Consistent wear as directed by your orthodontist is crucial for long-term effectiveness in preserving your straightened smile.
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Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is a device used to correct crooked teeth by widening the upper jaw. By gradually widening the palate, it creates more space for crowded teeth, helping to align them properly. This orthodontic treatment can improve both the appearance and functionality of the teeth and jaw.
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Teeth-straightening Surgery
Teeth-straightening surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, may be recommended for severe cases of crooked teeth or jaw misalignment. This procedure involves repositioning the jawbones to correct bite issues and align the teeth properly. It’s often performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment for comprehensive correction of dental and facial aesthetics and function.
If your teeth are crooked and you think that they can potentially lead to severe health issues or if you simply want a straighter and healthier smile, book an appointment with the experts at Brite Orthodontics. Learn what is the best orthodontic treatment for you and take the first step to your best smile.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Fix Crooked Teeth?
Teeth straightening can take anywhere between 6 months to 24 months based on how complex your teeth positioning is. Moreover, to keep the teeth from moving back into their old position after the braces or Invisalign treatment, your orthodontist may suggest wearing retainers. Retainers are typically worn for six months every day for several hours a day.
Is It Normal if I Have Crooked Teeth? What Should I Do?
Crooked teeth or misaligned teeth are common in children and adults. Many people also choose to avoid teeth straightening if they don’t experience self-esteem issues. But if the crooked teeth problem is extreme and can affect your overall health, an orthodontist appointment can’t hurt.