Crooked teeth are a common dental issue that affects many people. It can cause discomfort, self-consciousness, and even impact your overall oral health. If you have crooked teeth, you may be wondering what causes it and how it can be fixed. In this blog post, we will discuss what crooked teeth are and the various treatment options available to fix them. From braces to clear aligners, there are numerous options available that can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Let’s dive in and explore how you can fix crooked teeth.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
There are a lot of factors that cause crooked teeth:
Jaw Size
Because of the modern diet where we don’t chew much because of processed foods that were consumed by our ancestors, genetics have caused some people to have a smaller jaw size. With a smaller jaw size, one is more likely to have crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth.
Myofunctional Habits
Repetitive behaviors that we do since we were a kid including tongue thrusting, pacifier use, thumb sucking, and the like can alter the growth of our teeth, sometimes leading to misaligned teeth.
Misaligned Jaw
A misaligned jaw is detected when one experiences an overbite or an underbite when smiling, where your lower teeth and upper teeth overlap when biting.
Heredity and Genetics
Heredity and genetics play a big role in how your teeth will be structured as you grow. If your parents have crooked or misaligned teeth, there is a possibility that you will have it too.
Poor Dental Care
It is advised that a person must have a dental checkup at least once a year to avoid further dental problems. If you have cavities or gum diseases left untreated for a long period of time, it may lead to crooked teeth.
Poor Nutrition
Poor dental development and tooth decay are common in children that have poor nutrition. If these occur, there is a high chance that crooked teeth will develop as they age.
Facial Injury
A person who gets hit near the jaw can result in teeth knocked out of their original place. When this happens, the teeth won’t be aligned anymore.
How do I know if I have to Fix my Crooked Teeth?
Having crooked teeth is completely normal, and you are not required to fix them. However, if this affects your daily life, you might want to consider treating it. Here are some of the reasons why you have to have your crooked teeth fixed:
Self-esteem
If you are running low on self-confidence because of your teeth, you may want to consider treating them. Having aligned teeth makes you more confident in smiling and laughing without worrying about what other people will think when they see your teeth.
Speech Difficulties
Sometimes, having crooked teeth affects the way you articulate your words. If it is already causing problems with your speech, it’s time to have it checked.
Improper Chewing
Not being able to chew well may lead to digestion problems. If you believe that your bite is not normal, consult with your dentist.
Excess Wear and Tear
Because the teeth are misaligned, the teeth may cause the other teeth, gums, and jaw muscles to tear because of an improper bite. This may result in headaches, jaw strain, cracked teeth, and temporomandibular joint disorders.
Periodontal Disease
Crooked teeth make it harder for a person to remove all the food particles because of the teeth’s alignment. This makes the person more prone to cavities and tooth decay, which may lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. If you believe that you are always getting plaque, it’s time to have your crooked teeth fixed.
How to Fix Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth do not go away on their own nor can they be treated at home. The best way to treat crooked teeth is through dental intervention with the help of braces or surgery.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces. This is the type of brace that comes with brackets and wires. It also comes with multicolored bands that you can change from time to time to match your personality.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are clear or tooth-colored braces that blend with your teeth. It works almost the same as traditional metal braces, but this type of brace stains and breaks easily. Ceramic braces also cost a bit more than metal braces.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces or more commonly known as Invisalign, are braces that are completely invisible when you smile. This is worn like how you would wear a mouthguard and is replaced every two months. This is the most expensive kind of braces among the three.
Teeth-straightening Surgery
If dental braces are not for you, you may consider teeth-straightening surgery. This is a minor surgical procedure performed by an orthodontist that will reposition your bones and gums to keep the teeth aligned.
Consult an Orthodontist to Know More About Crooked Teeth Remedies
Crooked teeth can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment, but there are many effective treatments available to fix them. Consulting with an experienced orthodontist is the first step in determining the best course of action for your unique needs. At Kumra Orthodontics, an orthodontist in Washington, D.C., is committed to providing the highest quality care and treatment options for patients of all ages. From traditional braces to clear aligners, their team offers a range of effective solutions to straighten crooked teeth and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. So if you’re ready to learn more about crooked teeth remedies, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Kumra Orthodontics today!