Crooked teeth can cause many medical and cosmetic issues. They can make teeth cleaning difficult and make it hard to chew and speak. Fortunately, nowadays, you can choose from many different treatments for misaligned teeth. Still, braces remain the most popular treatment option for crooked teeth. Aside from braces, you can select other orthodontic options to care for your smile with the dentist in Little Falls.
If you’re thinking about getting braces in Flint, MI at Lindenbrook Dental Care, you can be certain that the expertise of the dentists will be unparalleled. Their skilled orthodontists will discuss the treatment alternatives with you and help you decide which path you want to take. Additionally, they will oversee the entire process, paying attention to even the smallest details.
But, before you decide on whether you should straighten your teeth, let’s take a look at what can cause crooked teeth and how they can influence your health.
What Can Cause Crooked Teeth?
Teeth can either come in crooked or become crooked over time. There are a lot of issues that can lead to misaligned teeth. However, if you’re having problems with crooked teeth, one of these five issues is probably the underlying reason:
Genetics
DNA greatly influences how your teeth will align. If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, you likely have them too. Additionally, an underbite and overbite can also be inherited from your ancestors.
Jaw problems
If you have a smaller jaw, you probably also have problems with crooked teeth. Shorter jaws simply don’t have enough space for 32 teeth, resulting in teeth being pushed forward or back. Additionally, your jaw can be misaligned, which can lead to an overbite or an underbite.
Certain myofunctional habits
Myofunctional habits are repetitive behaviors such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or pacifier overuse. Over time, these actions can affect facial muscles, leading to jaw and teeth misalignment.
Poor dental care
Basic dental hygiene includes brushing your teeth daily, flossing, and visiting your dentist for a checkup at least once a year. If you neglect your teeth, it may lead to cavities and gum disease. Additionally, consuming too much sugar can lead to tooth decay, particularly in children. Once the teeth weaken, they will be much more prone to misaligning.
Facial injuries
Injuries to the face often lead to broken or crooked teeth. That’s especially the case if the teeth are already weakened by cavities and decay. A strong hit to the face can result in one or more misaligned teeth that will have to be fixed with braces.
Do Misaligned Teeth Influence Your Health?
Crooked teeth can lead to many problems. Firstly, they may make it difficult to speak properly or chew. Depending on which tooth is crooked and how much, teeth cleaning could be challenging, as well. Floss can’t reach the area of the tooth that’s closely touching another tooth. Bacteria thrive in those hard-to-reach parts of the teeth, and they can cause a lot of damage. The bacteria buildup can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum inflammation.
Secondly, if a crooked tooth is in a visible place, it can lead to lowered self-esteem. Additionally, it may lead to other oral health problems. If a crooked tooth rubs against another tooth while you talk or chew, it can cause friction. In turn, the damage to the enamel can cause tooth cracks, erosion, and other dental problems.
Similarly, a misaligned jaw or a bad bite can also cause many issues. Bad bite symptoms include jaw clicking and pain, difficulty maintaining dental hygiene, and even headaches. A misaligned jaw can also lead to poor digestion because the bad bite makes it difficult to chew food properly.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, consult with your dentist. A bad bite may not be as apparent as you may think. Even a slight overbite or underbite can lead to these issues, and you should look at the treatment options available to you if you want to prevent them.
Should You Straighten Crooked Teeth?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you want to fix your teeth purely for cosmetic reasons, think about who you’re doing it for. If you’re spending your time and money trying to fix your teeth so other people would like them, rethink your decision. However, if you choose to fix misaligned teeth because you want to feel less self-conscious, go for it.
Furthermore, if you start to notice difficulty chewing or brushing your teeth, you should call a dentist before the crooked teeth cause more damage. It’s better to fix your teeth while they are still healthy. You don’t want to wait and risk having to remove a tooth due to decay.
What Should You Expect When You Schedule an Appointment With an Orthodontist?
If you choose to straighten your teeth, you may be wondering what you can expect. Teeth straightening is a non-invasive orthodontic treatment, and it includes various realigning techniques. If you want to learn more about the treatment of misaligned teeth with removable braces, click here. When you visit an orthodontist, they will discuss each option with you. Based on what you want to achieve, how misaligned your teeth are, and what your budget is, you’ll be able to choose one of the following treatments:
- Metal braces
Metal braces are probably the first thing you think of when someone mentions braces. They are usually fixed, meaning they’ll stay on your teeth for the duration of the treatment. Metal braces are a great choice for those with complex alignment issues and won’t mind wearing braces for a prolonged period of time.
- Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal ones, with the only difference being the color. The wires and the brackets are tooth-colored, which makes ceramic braces a lot less visible. However, they also cost a bit more than metal braces.
- Invisible braces
Invisible braces have become quite popular over the last few years. They are a great choice for those who need to wear their braces frequently but don’t want them to be visible. As the name suggests, these braces are nearly invisible, as they are made out of a clear plastic material. However, this option is more expensive, as you’ll need to replace the plastic aligners twice a month. Additionally, they aren’t the best choice for those who need a severe correction, and they can only be worn by adults and teens.
Conclusion
If crooked teeth are causing you problems, contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances are to avoid tooth decay and other dental issues. However, be careful when choosing an orthodontist. Go for a skilled dentist with experience in tooth realignment. Talk to them about which options you have. If you’re unsure, ask them which treatment they recommend.
If you don’t have a dentist yet, you can check out this one who does orthodontics and periodontics in Greeneville.
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