Having crooked teeth is a problem that can have a negative impact on your life. It can affect your self-esteem and lead to other more serious health issues over time. There are several types of crooked teeth, any of which you could be living with at the moment. You may not even realize your teeth are crooked.
Regardless of what type of crooked teeth you have, Ricci Orthodontics is ready to help you straighten your smile. And it all starts by gaining an understanding of the problem.
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What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are the result of many different causes, several of which are not necessarily your fault.
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Genetics
Your DNA is not something you can control. So, it’s important not to blame yourself or your parents for your crooked teeth. Just about any of the types of crooked teeth can pass down through the generations. Genetics determines tooth and jaw size, strength, shape, and how they develop.
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Thumb Sucking
If you had this habit as a child, it may be the cause of your crooked teeth because thumb sucking puts pressure on the gums and any teeth under the surface. Over time, this pressure will likely cause teeth to grow outward.
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Jaw Misalignment
Jaw misalignment is often to blame for overbite and underbite and is usually the result of genetics or injury.
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Early Baby Tooth Loss
It may not sound like a problem, but losing baby teeth too early can result in remaining teeth shifting over to fill the gap, thus crowding the spot where a permanent tooth should erupt. Instead of erupting normally, it may erupt in a crooked position.
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Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out. Failure to practice good oral hygiene is the most likely culprit of this problem.
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Trauma or Injury
Suffering a sudden impact on your mouth can cause jaw and tooth misalignments.
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Tongue Thrusting
Pressing your tongue on the back of your teeth can shift them over time.
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Mouthbreathing
Breathing through the mouth, particularly as a child, often inadvertently shifts teeth.
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Malnutrition
Not receiving proper nutrients in your diet can result in your teeth not growing and developing properly.
Types Of Crooked Teeth
Some causes of crooked teeth are easily preventable while others are not. Either way, there are several types of crooked teeth that can be the result.
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Crossbite
When your lower teeth overlap your upper teeth, you have a condition known as crossbite that can be the cause of jaw pain and other problems.
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Underbite
The lower jaw extends past the upper jaw, resulting in stress and tooth wear.
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Open Bite
There are two types of open bites. One is the result of back teeth meeting normally but the front upper and lower teeth don’t overlap. The other is when the front teeth meet but the back teeth do not.
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Deep Bite
When the upper front teeth cover the lower front teeth too much, you have a deep bite that can result in higher risk of biting into your gums or the roof of your mouth.
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Overcrowding
If there’s not enough space for your teeth to grow, they will crowd each other, which results in crookedness.
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Spacing
Too much space for teeth to grow results in gaps between teeth that can cause crookedness.
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Protrusion or Overbite
Also known as buck teeth, overbite is when the upper jaw protrudes past the lower jaw. Your upper teeth are more vulnerable to breaking and it can be uncomfortable to close your mouth.
Problems Caused By Crooked Teeth
Some problems caused by crooked teeth can be easy to spot, while others may be harder because they seem normal for you. This is particularly true with chewing and speaking.
- Difficulty Chewing and Speaking
- Low Self-Esteem
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Damage and Jaw Pain
Of course, you don’t have to go through life with low self-esteem. Just as you can fix gum disease by performing a regular daily oral health care routine, you can fix all types of crooked teeth.
Best Ways To Fix Crooked Teeth
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Braces
Traditional metal braces are common for both kids and adults. This method fixes several types of crooked teeth and jaw misalignments. The process involves bonding brackets to each tooth with an adhesive. Wires and elastic bands anchor the brackets. There are several kinds of braces to choose from, including ceramic, lingual, and self-ligating. All braces work by gradually shifting your teeth into proper alignment over time.
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Invisalign®
Invisalign® works basically the same way as braces by gradually shifting your teeth over time. However, unlike braces, Invisalign® is a series of removable aligner trays that you wear for 22 hours a day. You switch to a new set every two weeks to begin the next stage of shifting. They are not only removable so you can eat whatever you want, they are virtually invisible so others may not even know you are wearing them.
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Tooth Extraction
It’s possible that you may need a tooth or two removed to address overcrowding issues. The most common example of this is wisdom tooth removal.
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Cosmetic Repair
Minor crookedness issues can be resolved through the basic cosmetic reshaping of your tooth. You might even opt to have a tooth extracted and replaced with a dental implant.
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Surgery
In more severe cases, surgery may be the best option to fix jaw misalignments.
Contact Ricci Orthodontics Today!
You don’t have to live your life with crooked teeth and jaws. There are several options for you to choose from to address all types of crooked teeth. All you have to do is take the first step by seeking a complimentary consultation with your orthodontist. Together, we will determine what option is best for you. If you have crooked teeth or jaw misalignment, please contact Ricci Orthodontics at 648-417-9848 or visit our website today!
Dr. Steven Ricci has been providing orthodontic treatment for patients since 1998 and proudly serves Johns Creek and surrounding areas in Georgia. Don’t wait to achieve the smile you want. A lifetime of healthy smiles is within reach.
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