Crooked teeth, also known as misaligned teeth, can be a source of embarrassment for many people. They can also make it difficult to eat and speak properly. If you are self-conscious about your crooked teeth, don’t worry – there is hope! In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, concerns and ways that you can fix your misaligned teeth. So, if you are ready to have a beautiful smile and improved dental health, keep reading!
What causes crooked teeth?
There are a few different things that can cause crooked teeth.
- Genetics: One of the most common causes of misaligned teeth is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, there is a good chance that you will have them as well.
- Thumb sucking: This habit that may arise in childhood can last a long period of time so it may impact both the child’s teeth and adult teeth. Thumb sucking can put pressure on the front teeth and cause them to become misaligned.
- Injury: An injury to the mouth can also cause crooked teeth. If you have had a tooth knocked out, it can cause the other teeth to shift and become crooked.
- Poor Oral Health: Poor oral health can also lead to crooked teeth. If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. This can cause the teeth to become misaligned and result in other health problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
Should I be concerned about my crooked teeth?
While crooked teeth can be a source of embarrassment and negatively affect your self esteem, they are usually not a cause for concern. In most cases, crooked teeth are purely cosmetic. However, there are some exceptions in extreme cases. These can include:
- Pain and discomfort: If your crooked teeth are causing you pain or making it difficult to eat properly, you should see a dentist.
- Speech problems: If your crooked teeth are affecting your speech, you should also see a dentist.
- Infection: If you have an infection in your mouth, it can cause the teeth to become misaligned. This is usually the case with wisdom teeth.
- Gum disease: Crooked teeth can cause gum disease as crooked teeth inhibit your ability to properly clean between your teeth enabling the bacteria that cause gum disease to grow and increasing the risk of tooth decay.
How can I fix my crooked teeth?
There are a few different ways that you can go about fixing your crooked teeth. You should contact your dentist or orthodontist, so they can assess your situation and provide the best dental care.
- Braces: This is usually the most effective option, but it can be expensive and time-consuming.
- Invisalign: This is a newer option that uses clear aligners to gradually straighten the teeth and are less noticeable.
- Dental veneers: This is an option for people who only have a few crooked teeth. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are glued to the front of the teeth.
- Dental crowns: This is an option for people who have one tooth that is significantly crooked. A crown is a porcelain cap that is placed over the entire tooth.
Concerned about your crooked teeth? Contact Kangaroo Point Dental today!
At Kangaroo Point Dental, we are here to help! We offer a variety of services that can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Contact us today to make an appointment! We look forward to hearing from you!