Crooked Teeth: What Are The Causes And How Can We Fix Them?
Crooked teeth affect millions of people globally. They occur when teeth erupt out of arch or become misaligned with time, impacting not just aesthetics but also oral health and overall well-being.
Causes of Crooked Teeth
- Genetics – Family history influences dental traits, such as jaw and tooth size, leading to crowded teeth, gaps, or misaligned bites.
- Jaw Size and Shape – Modern diets have led to smaller jaw development, resulting in lack of space to accommodate all teeth, causing them to overlap or twist.
- Early Loss of Baby Teeth – Premature loss of baby teeth can cause adjacent teeth to drift into the empty space, blocking the correct path for permanent teeth.
- Thumb Sucking or the Use of a Pacifier – This can push teeth out of alignment, causing issues like open bites.
- Tongue Thrusting – A habit which exerts pressure on teeth, causing them to move out of alignment over time.
- Poor Dental Care – Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, causing teeth to shift and become crooked.
Problems Associated with Crooked Teeth
- Difficulty in Cleaning – Overlapping teeth create tight spaces and as a result effective cleaning becomes a challenge. This in turn leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Chewing and Speaking Issues – Misaligned teeth can affect your bite and cause chewing difficulties, awkward teeth positioning can lead to speech impediments.
- Jaw Pain and Headaches – An uneven bite from crooked teeth can put strain on the jaw muscles and joints, leading to jaw joint
- Self-Esteem Issues – Many individuals suffer from a lack of confidence, struggle with social interactions because they are not happy with how their teeth look.
- Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth
- Braces – Traditional metal braces are effective, applying pressure to move teeth into position. Options like ceramic braces are less noticeable.
- Clear Aligners – Invisalign™ aligners are nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and more comfortable than metal braces.
- Removable appliance to expand the jaws can be used in younger age groups
How to Minimise the Risk of Misalignment
- Good Oral Hygiene – Regular brushing and flossing prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Healthy Diet – Hard, crunchy foods like fruits and vegetables promote healthy jaw development in children.
- Avoiding Harmful Habits – Discouraging habits like thumb sucking and the use of a pacifier by age 3 prevents alignment issues.
- Regular Dental Visits – Early monitoring and prompt addressing of dental issues support healthy teeth and jaw development.
