When you have an insecurity, you tend to notice the same trait in other people. If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, you might see perfect smiles everywhere you look, from actors on TV to your friends and family.
It makes you wonder: Is everyone born with straighter teeth than me?
The answer is: Probably not. Most people go to the dentist or orthodontist to get straighter teeth.
If you have misaligned teeth, that doesn’t mean you’re flawed or abnormal in any way! Crooked teeth are nothing to be insecure about; they’re incredibly common, and plenty of famous models rock a misaligned smile.
However, crooked permanent teeth can be associated with oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. And if you feel insecure about them, misaligned teeth can affect your self-esteem.
Thinking about correcting crooked or crowded teeth? Doing so can prevent dental health problems. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common reasons why crooked teeth develop, the problems they pose, and how to fix them:
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
As we mentioned earlier, crooked teeth are incredibly common. But why is that? A variety of factors can cause it, including:
- Not enough mouth space. You need to fit 28 adult teeth in your mouth (32, including wisdom teeth!). Your teeth may become crooked as you lose your permanent teeth or your wisdom teeth emerge.
- Mouth trauma. If you play contact sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard! Injuries may cause your teeth to get knocked out or shift out of position.
- Thumb sucking. There’s a reason why your parents always told you to quit sucking your thumb. The pressure of your thumb and the suction causes teeth to come in crooked.
- Losing teeth too early. As you age, your baby teeth naturally fall out. But if this happens too early, your other permanent teeth may shift in the open space.
- Malnutrition. Your diet contributes to a strong, healthy smile. If you aren’t getting the nutrients you need to support your oral health, your teeth may become loose and crooked.
- Poor oral hygiene. Plaque build-up can lead to gum disease. Without treatment, the disease can progress to cause tooth shifting or loss.
- Tongue thrusting. When you swallow, where does your tongue sit in your mouth? If it presses against your teeth, you may be moving them out of alignment.
- Genetics. Do other members of your family have crooked teeth? You may have inherited their genetics.
As you can see, any number of things can lead to crooked teeth!
Side Effects of Misaligned Teeth
Crooked teeth can pose problems when it comes to your oral health. If your teeth are overlapping or crowded, you’re at a higher risk of developing the following dental problems:
Tooth decay
Teeth are harder to clean when they’re overlapping and crowded. Think about it: If your teeth are straight, it’s easier to clean the surfaces and the spaces between them. But crooked teeth have hard-to-reach spots where plaque builds up.
If you have crooked teeth, be sure to brush and floss twice a day! On top of that, schedule regular dental visits; your dentist has the tools to remove plaque in those tricky spots.
Gum disease
When your teeth are harder to clean, you’re more prone to developing periodontal disease. This occurs when tartar builds up near the gum line. Eventually, bacteria cause the gums to recess, and an infection develops. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that may result in tooth loss.
Difficulty chewing and speaking
Our teeth are tools. We use them to speak and break down food. If your teeth are out of position, you may have speech difficulties. It can also lead to problems with chewing, which can cause digestion problems.
TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder)
Do you suffer from chronic headaches? Does your jaw feel sore when you wake up? Do you clench your teeth? If so, you might suffer from TMJ disorder, which can be related to having crooked teeth. Here’s how:
Misaligned teeth can make one half of your jaw have a stronger biting force than the other. This puts strain on one side of your face, causing pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues.
The Benefits of Straighter Teeth
Say goodbye to misaligned teeth and hello to a healthier smile. Try a teeth straightening treatment, and you’ll enjoy the following benefits:
- Increased confidence. Never feel shy about flashing your beautiful smile again!
- Fewer cavities. It’s easier to keep your teeth clean when they’re in perfect alignment.
- No issues with speaking or chewing. Have trouble pronouncing certain letters? Find it exhausting to chew tough foods? Straighter teeth will make these things much easier.
How To Straighten Crooked Teeth
You know what causes crooked teeth, and you understand the benefits of straightening them. How do you do it? There are a few ways to go about it:
Traditional metal braces
Braces. We’ve all heard of them. They involve use of brackets that are affixed to teeth and wires that are threaded through slots in the brackets. The brackets are generally made of stainless steel and the wires are metal alloys that deliver constant gentle forces to move teeth.
Sure, braces straighten your teeth. However, some of the concerns with braces are that they involve uncomfortable metal wires that poke into gums, painful adjustments every few weeks and the reluctance to show your smile.
If you don’t want to go this route, there’s a more discreet alternative…
Invisalign
Have you heard of Invisalign? It’s a clear aligner system that gives you a comfortable and convenient alternative to braces. No brackets, no wires, no problem!
With Invisalign in Saskatoon, you can correct:
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, crossbite, and underbite
- Rotated teeth
- Crowded teeth
You can take out your clear retainer while you eat or pose for pictures. And because it’s removable, it’s easier to brush and floss your teeth.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, set up a free consultation at Dental House today!
Correct Crooked Teeth at Dental House Today!
Have you always dreamed of having perfectly straight teeth? If you’re looking for a “dentist near me”, call Dental House! Our dentists can straighten your teeth and resolve any oral health issues you may have, including cavities, tooth loss, and cracked teeth.
If you feel self-conscious about your crooked teeth or you want to prevent dental issues, we can help. At Dental House, we’ll give you a smile that makes you smile! Contact us today.