Crooked Teeth – Contributing Factors and Treatments for a Straighter Smile
As much as we would all like to enjoy a smile we can be proud of, sometimes genetic and lifestyle factors can cause our teeth to have a crooked or misaligned appearance. Crooked teeth are by no means uncommon, and this problem can affect people of all ages. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can help to restore your smile and confidence, and there are a range of treatment options available to suit all patients.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Both baby teeth and permanent teeth can become crooked, either as they grow in or at a later stage. Some possible explanations for why teeth become crooked include:
- Genetic Factors – Everyone has a unique genetic makeup. If one or both of your parents have crooked teeth, there is a chance that you may also experience this issue. Jaw development also varies for each individual, and people who have a smaller than average mouth are at greater risk of having crooked teeth.
- Thumb Sucking – as a repetitive behaviour, thumb sucking can adversely affect the development of baby teeth. When a child sucks their thumb (or dummy), there is a potential for the baby teeth to be pushed out of position which could lead to teeth becoming misaligned. Ideally this habit should stop before the age of 3.
- Diet – Those who consume large amounts of soft and/or processed food over a number of years often exhibit a smaller than average jaw size. This is thought to be a contributing factor to misaligned, crowded and crooked teeth. Poor diet also increases the risk for tooth decay.
- Trauma – If you have experienced a forceful blow to the face or mouth, it is possible that some teeth were knocked out of position. It is important to always wear a properly fitted mouthguard during contact sports.
- Mouth Breathing – A history of mouth breathing is known to affect facial and oral development, which can increase your chance of experiencing crooked teeth.
Possible Concerns with Crooked Teeth
Aside from aesthetic concerns, there are also other potential issues to consider.
Oral Hygiene – Having crooked teeth makes it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly and remove stuck food particles, which could lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Confidence and Self-Esteem – Many people find that crooked teeth affect their confidence and self-esteem, which can in turn affect quality of life.
Increased Wear and Tear – Having crooked teeth puts more strain on your jaw, surrounding teeth and gums which can cause ongoing pain and headaches.
Speech Problems – Some people with crooked or misaligned teeth find they develop a lisp or have difficulty articulating sound.
Treatment of Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
There are a number of treatment options available which can restore your smile and improve your overall oral health. During your check-up, your dentist will be happy to discuss your options. We may recommend the following:
Dental Braces – Options include metal braces and ceramic braces. Braces have long been the preferred treatment for fixing crooked teeth, especially for patients with severe crowding problems.
Invisalign – Many older patients prefer to opt for Invisalign as this treatment is discrete, convenient, removable, and easy to use.
Veneers – For patients with minor concerns, veneers are a great choice which can improve the appearance of your teeth. This involves a composite or porcelain cover being applied to the front surface of your teeth.
Book an Appointment with Care Dental Cashmere Today
Everyone deserves to enjoy a great smile, and the team at Care Dental Cashmere are highly skilled in Invisalign and other treatments designed to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. To book an appointment, please call now on (07) 3882 6666. We look forward to seeing you at our practice soon.
