What Causes Crooked Teeth

Genetics

Genetics can play a role, although there’s no single gene that causes dental deformities. Having parents with crooked teeth doesn’t guarantee you’ll have crooked teeth. But it can increase the chances of other dental problems that lead to misaligned teeth. Some studies have found that overbites and underbites are passed down through the family. These can lead to misalignment, tooth crowding, or extra teeth. Your genetics also impact your jaw size, which can also cause overcrowding issues.

Diet

Historians believe that our modern-day diet has led to a reduction in jaw size compared to our ancestors. At the same time, the number of teeth we have has remained the same. This change may be an explanation for overcrowded, crooked teeth. The typical contemporary diet also lacks vitamins A, D, and K2. These are essential for bone development, especially in infancy and childhood. It’s led some researchers to believe that diet plays a big part in how straight your teeth are!

Bad Habits

Childhood habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use can result in crooked teeth. While these are normal behaviours, they can cause protruding front teeth and bite problems if they continue for too long. Even in adulthood, bad habits like nailbiting and lip chewing can affect the straightness of teeth! Over a long period of time, these habits can actually shift adult teeth out of alignment. Not only that, but nailbiting can also chip teeth and cause enamel wear.

Oral Hygiene

Regular brushing, flossing, and dentist checkups are the key to good oral health! But what happens if you skip these essential oral hygiene steps? Periodontal disease can result, causing several problems, including:

• Receding gums
• Jaw changes
• Tooth loss
• Bad breath
• Inflammation

And yes, crooked teeth. Weak gums can cause teeth to shift, misalign, or fall out. Tooth loss can then also result in other teeth moving into empty spaces.

Trauma

Sometimes an accident causes dental problems. Facial trauma can result in tooth loss or jaw problems, depending on the severity of the accident. Any of these issues can provoke teeth to shift from their proper positions.

Oral Health

Maintaining excellent oral health is a top priority, but crooked teeth can greatly impact your ability to do so. Depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth, you might experience problems like:

• Increased cavities
• Injury and breakage of protruding teeth
• Jaw aches
• Teeth grinding and clenching
• Cuts and pain on the gums and lips
• Difficulties chewing and swallowing
• Trouble breathing properly
• Gum disease

Straight teeth can be easier to take care of, resulting in overall better oral health. But it might be difficult to practice proper flossing and brushing techniques with crooked teeth. The effect can be gingivitis, a precursor to gum disease.

Physical Health

One of the most common problems that result from poor oral health is headaches. Crooked teeth and jaw problems often go hand in hand. And pressure on the jaw or jaw aches can progress into consistent headaches. Another surprising connection between oral and physical health is the heart! Studies have found that periodontal disease can increase heart disease risks. Researchers believe that gum disease makes it easier for infections to enter the bloodstream, affecting the heart.

Emotional and Mental Health

Crooked teeth are often the culprit behind a lack of self-esteem. Since smiling is a big part of our culture, your teeth are centre stage all the time. An insecure smile can make it difficult to make friends, interview for jobs, or create romantic relationships.

Metal Braces

Everyone knows these! The metal wires, rubber bands, and brackets method are often a go-to for children and teenagers with crooked teeth. But braces can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and require constant trips to the orthodontist’s office.

Clear Braces

Clear braces gained steam in the 1980s and have become popular in the last few decades. Instead of using metal, clear plastic brackets designed to blend with your teeth are used. Clear braces make the whole ordeal less obvious, but the downsides of constant orthodontist trips and pain are still there.

Clear Aligners

Enter clear aligners, like SmilePath! No orthodontist visits, no pain, and no one will even know you’re wearing them. A new method of correcting crooked teeth that doesn’t scream: I’m wearing invisible braces! SmilePath’s clear aligners are custom created based on impressions of your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for ten days, then switch to the next. These sets gradually realign your teeth by using gentle but precise force. If you prefer not to wear aligners during the day, you can opt for the NightOnly clear aligners. Just pop them on before bed and take them off eight to ten hours later. The perfect solution for people who want to keep their treatment discreet! And the best part? Clear aligners are even less expensive than cheap braces. You can pay in low monthly instalments and have the teeth of your dreams in a few months!