As we get older, we may look in the mirror and notice that our teeth are not nearly as straight as they once were. In many cases, this is normal because there are several reasons for crooked teeth in adults.
Thankfully, while there are causes of crooked teeth, there are also several methods for correcting and even preventing this problem. All you need to do is talk to your orthodontist in Johns Creek. Until then, here are some things you should know about crooked teeth in adults.
What causes crooked teeth in adults?
The fact is that your smile can change over time for a variety of reasons, most of which are not necessarily your fault.
After all, no one wants to make their teeth crooked on purpose.
Understanding the various causes of crooked teeth can not only help you fix your teeth, but it can also help you prevent crooked teeth in yourself and your children as they grow into adulthood.
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Genetics
No matter how great your attention to your oral health care routine is, your own DNA can betray you. Crooked teeth just so happen to be a genetic trait that can be passed to you from your parents. However, steps can be taken to fix crooked teeth before they become a problem, especially if parents are proactive in providing dental care for their children.
Conditions such as overcrowding, overbite, jaw size and shape, underbite, and poor teeth can all be genetically inherited from our family line. Recognizing these problems early and dealing with them early is always the best move.
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Thumb Sucking
It may not seem like a bad habit, but thumb-sucking can do a serious number on your teeth as they develop and grow. Sucking the thumb puts pressure on the gums and the teeth that are beneath the surface. Over the course of several years, this pressure can result in teeth coming in crooked, particularly outward. That is why it’s important for parents to observe their child’s behavior and stop them from sucking their thumbs as soon as possible.
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Jaw Misalignment
Most often, the result of genetics, jaw misalignment can cause crooked teeth. Problems such as overbite and underbite are common.
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Early Baby Tooth Loss
Losing baby teeth as children is perfectly normal. But losing baby teeth too early can allow other teeth to shift into the space and crowd the area where a permanent tooth is supposed to erupt. As a result, the permanent tooth might come in at a crooked angle.
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Gum Disease
This problem is most certainly preventable as long as you are practising good oral hygiene. If not, the development of gum disease that is left untreated will cause teeth to shift, loosen, or fall out. Space between your teeth allows teeth on either side of the space to shift toward the gap.
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Trauma or Injury
Perhaps you were in a car accident or took a hit while playing sports. If so, the impact could have injured your jaw by knocking it out of alignment. Even your teeth can shift due to a sudden impact.
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Tongue Thrusting
Pressing your tongue on the back of your teeth over time can shift them into a more crooked position similar to thumb sucking.
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Mouth Breathing
Just as the wind can impact the environment, the constant flow of air via mouth breathing can affect tooth alignment, particularly in children.
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Malnutrition
Teeth, like the rest of the body, need proper nutrients to grow correctly and healthy. Not receiving appropriate nutrition can contribute to the development of crooked teeth.
Problems Crooked Teeth In Adults Can Cause
There are several consequences that can arise because of crooked teeth in adults.
Some you may already be aware of, while some may seem just normal to you.
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Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
Crooked teeth or misalignment can make chewing and speaking more difficult than normal. You may not notice this so much if you’ve always eaten or spoken a certain way while growing up. But fixing the problem with your teeth can make both much easier.
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Gum Disease
It’s not only a cause of crooked teeth, but gum disease can also be a consequence of crooked teeth because caring for your teeth is harder. Failure to clean your teeth properly can cause bacteria to grow and plaque to build. If you notice itchy or swollen gums that are also bleeding, you may have gum disease and need to seek treatment as soon as possible.
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Low Self-Esteem
Crooked teeth, depending on the severity, could be causing you to feel self-conscious about your smile. This can result in you being less confident in yourself and withdrawing from a healthy social life.
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Tooth Damage and Jaw Pain
Crooked teeth in adults can harm your permanent teeth as any misalignment can result in them rubbing against or impacting each other with every misaligned bite. Over time, teeth can wear down more than normal or jaw issues can develop.
Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth in Adults
The best option to fix crooked teeth in adults or misalignments is through using treatments such as traditional braces and Invisalign.
Both treatments work by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment over time, which usually lasts around 12 to 18 months. Both also cost roughly the same at $3,000 to $8,000, and payment plans are available.
But there are differences to consider. Braces feature brackets that are bonded to each tooth with wires and elastic bands as anchors.
You can’t remove braces, therefore, cleaning them is more challenging, and you will have to adhere to dietary restrictions. However, your treatment will continue without interruption.
Invisalign® is a series of virtually invisible aligners that you can remove to clean whenever you eat. Other than becoming a major part of your daily oral health care routine, Invisalign® won’t change your lifestyle. Because the aligners are removable, you could forget or choose not to wear your aligners 22 hours a day as recommended, which will only delay the completion of treatment.
More minor crookedness can be dealt with by wearing a retainer.
Contact Us
Crooked teeth are a common problem for adults worldwide. However, there are solutions available to help address this issue. Our orthodontist can assist in determining the best treatment options for you, which may include metal braces or Invisalign in John Creek. If you’re interested in fixing your crooked teeth, please contact us at 678-417-9848 or visit our website for more information.
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