Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental problems that can be seen among people across the world. There are a couple of varied reasons for the issue. However, genetics is one of the most important among them. Certain behaviors and habits can also be the reason for the same. In medical terms, this condition is known as malocclusion.
Apart from being an issue to various functionalities, these misaligned teeth can even cause issues in your self-esteem, confidence, and so on. Crossbites, underbites, overbites, and misaligned bites are some of the common cases found among people facing this issue.
Is It OK If I Have Crooked Teeth? How Can I Fix It?
According to the statistics available, one in every two people in the world faces this issue. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this condition, some of the major causes of the same, issues caused by these incorrectly aligned dents, the impact caused by the misalignment, and a couple of advanced and effective treatment methodologies available in the medical science, that you can get your hands on.
if you would like to correct them. We will also be discussing some of the most important behavioral or habitual corrections that you can practice to prevent this condition, right from the beginning stages.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
When it comes to dental alignment, perfection means you would be able to find the upper set of your teeth fitting slightly over your lower teeth. In this, the interlocking position of your molars can also be found appropriately. However, in most people, this perfection cannot be found. The dental alignment of most of us deviates from this definition of perfection.
One of the major causes of this issue is nothing but the incompatibility between the size of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. Incompatibility between the size of the jaw and the teeth can also cause the same. However, the intensity of this deviation may vary from person to person.
According to the degree of deviation, we may require or not require a professional dental correction or treatment. However, you must know about the major causes of crooked teeth so that you can avoid them if your cause belongs to the preventable side.
1. Genetics
This is one of the causes of crooked teeth that you cannot avoid or prevent by any chance. If your parents or any of your blood-related family members have the issue of crooked teeth, you are highly likely to have this condition when you have a permanent set of teeth during your childhood days. However, if the issue is affecting your self-confidence, there are a lot of corrective treatments available these days.
2. By-Birth Defects
The cleft palate is the roof of the mouth and in some children, the tissues of this palate would not be developed completely. In such children, crooked teeth become a condition that is more likely to happen. People with this may also have a deformed upper lip.
However, the deformity would be hardly noticeable in some people, and in some, it would be evident. In both cases, the fortunate thing is that you can get it corrected with the help of various dental and oral treatments including corrective and cosmetic surgeries.
3. Suction
Suction is one of the most common habits found in newborn children to toddlers. However, when the kids get to stop being breastfed, they are highly likely to develop the bad habit of thumb-sucking. To avoid infections affecting the child from thumb sucking, parents often give the child with equipment such as a sucker and pacifier.
There is nothing wrong with giving these alternatives to your kid if they are under the age of three. However, if they are beyond that age group, and you see them still pursuing the habit of thumb sucking, take necessary steps to stop them from doing so, since it can affect their formation of teeth and specifically cause crooked teeth.
4. Thrusting Tongue
If you find your child thrusting their tongue outwards and often touching their upper set of teeth with their tongue, it can also become a cause of crooked teeth. Apart from that, breathing through the mouth and the visibility of the tongue through the mouth can also become a problem.
Issues And Impacts Of Crooked Teeth
If you are someone with crooked teeth, certain areas of your teeth would not be in a visible position. This can make it difficult for you to brush them properly, even if you brush your teeth twice a day with the best-quality dental hygiene products.
This poor dental hygiene may eventually cause gum disease in that particular location. Apart from that, it would also gradually lead to tooth decay. When that single tooth gets subjected to decay, it may also affect the surrounding teeth and you may have to lose many of them.
Treatment Of Crooked Teeth
Wearing braces is one of the major treatment options that is adapted to correct misaligned teeth. These braces are supposed to be worn for at least two years. However, there would be changes according to the degree of your misalignment. Some people may only require removable braces and some may need permanent ones.
In some cases, your dentists may ask you to have a combined treatment of these two. After wearing these braces for a period, you would be also asked to wear retainers to prevent the misalignment from happening again. If your misalignment is due to issues in your cleft palate, you may require the combined treatment of maxillofacial surgery along with the braces.
Also Check:- 6 Fast-Acting Remedies For Toothache That You Should Know
Final Thoughts
Now you know the various aspects of having crooked teeth, their causes, issues, impacts, and the various treatments available to prevent them. Some of the early and easy preventive techniques have also been discussed in the article. It is important to have regular visits to your dentists if you have crooked teeth.
This can help with deep cleaning of your teeth and thus you would be able to prevent gum diseases and tooth decay and loss due to crooked teeth. Apart from that, it is equally important to properly follow the instructions of your dentists while you are wearing braces for best results.
References:
- Braces & retainers. (2017).
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/10899-braces–retainers - Johnson NC, et al. (1999). Tooth position and speech—is there a relationship?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10456597 - Orthodontic treatment. (n.d.).
https://www.dentalhealth.org/orthodontic-treatment
