Causes And Treatment of Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are common, and several factors may determine the size and position of the teeth and jaws. Crooked, protruding, and misaligned teeth can make you unhappy with your appearance. They may also affect how you bite, as some foods become hard to chew. Moreover, such teeth can cause muscle tension and pain. This is why it’s essential to find a solution to crooked teeth. Huntsville Dentist will help you find the solution so you can restore a perfect smile.
Jaw Size
Today, people consume a soft diet comprising processed foods that do not require much chewing. Unlike in the past, where the ancestors consumed hard food, a soft diet causes the size of the jaw to become smaller. According to scientists, the shorter jaw may lead to crooked, overcrowded, and misaligned teeth.
Genetics
Genetics also plays a massive role in crooked teeth. Some of the conditions you can inherit from your family include crowded teeth, jaw size and shape, hypodontia, overbites, and underbites.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not practicing proper oral hygiene could cause gingivitis. If left untreated, the disease develops into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis may cause the teeth to become loose, shift and even fall out.
Loss Of Baby Tooth Too Early
Losing a baby tooth too early as a child may cause the teeth to shift into the gap, which may crowd the area where your permanent teeth should come in.
Sucking a Thumb
Children who have the habit of sucking their thumb and toys sometimes end up having crooked teeth.
Malnutrition
It’s essential to ensure that you get enough nutrients in your diet so that your muscles, bones, and tissues can develop well. Lack of sufficient nutrients may cause crooked teeth and other potential health issues.
Treatment of crooked teeth
Braces
Braces are popular for straightening crooked teeth. Although they may make good oral hygiene quite complicated, if you install them, you must visit your dentist after every six weeks to have them checked and readjusted.
Aligners
Clear aligners work just like braces but are discreet because they are clear. They help shift the teeth into proper position, and you can wear a set for about one to three weeks.
Retainer
A retainer can align slightly crooked teeth caused by minor overcrowding. Retainers help align the teeth after wearing braces, especially for people needing small adjustments.
Implant or Surgery
If you have missing teeth or large gaps between your teeth due to muscles and excess gum tissue, you may require an implant or surgery to get rid of extra tissue. Surgery will lessen the amount of time you require to wear braces. Dental surgeries reposition your bones and gums to help them hold your teeth in place.
Crooked teeth are common, and many children, teens, and adults report having such teeth. Unless the teeth are causing health issues and self-esteem problems, you may not need treatment. Correcting crooked teeth is a personal choice and not compulsory. Talk to your dentist about it.