Crooked teeth, also known as malocclusion, is one of the most common dental problems. In this condition, the upper and lower teeth are not aligned properly, which can result in teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or too far from each other. A study found that nine in ten people have at least slightly crooked teeth
Crooked teeth are not considered a desirable feature. They can affect the appearance of the smile, Which may impact your social or personal interactions. Crooked teeth are also considered bad for your oral health, They can cause several problems including
- Gum diseases
- Difficulty cleaning your teeth
- Jaw Pain
- Increased risk of teeth damage
Causes of crooked teeth
Crooked teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, such as
- Genetics: Genes are the most common cause of crooked teeth. If the parents have small or misaligned teeth, It's very likely that their children will also inherit these traits.
- Incorrect tongue posture:Tongue not pressed to the palate does not provide the necessary support. This leads to a narrowing of the upper jaw, leaving less room for the teeth and making them crooked.
- Injury: Trauma to the face or the jaw can knock teeth out of their place and cause them to be crooked.
- Tooth loss: If a tooth is lost and not replaced, The surrounding teeth may shift to fill the gap, causing them to be crooked.
How to Prevent Crooked Teeth.
Some causes of Crooked teeth, such as genetics, cannot be prevented, While others like bad oral habits can be prevented. Here are some steps that you can take to reduce the risk of developing crooked teeth or worsening an already existing condition.
- Avoid mouth breathing: Studies have shown that breathing through your mouth can cause crooked teeth and other dental problems.
- Avoid bad habits: Habits such as thumbsucking, nail-biting, and grinding your teeth can all contribute to misaligned teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice and floss once daily, this will keep your teeth healthy and reduce the risk of tooth decay or other diseases which can contribute to crooked teeth.
- Get them treated: If you have an existing condition that risks crooked teeth, It is better to consult a doctor before they become more severe.
Are straight teeth important?
Straight teeth are aesthetically pleasing and considered attractive. They are also important in maintaining good oral health and overall well-being.
Some more pros of straight teeth are:
- Better digestion.
- Reduced risk of injury
- Improved speech
- Feeling more confident
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How To Straighten Your Teeth Naturally
Slightly Crooked teeth are not necessarily bad for your health, but still, they can affect your smile and as a result, can cause you to feel self-conscious. That's why many people prefer straight teeth over crooked teeth. Straightening your teeth naturally is not always an easy task, especially for those with severe dental problems.
Tips On How to Straighten Teeth Naturally
Here are a few things that are worth trying if you want to straighten your teeth naturally.
Incorrect tongue posture if left untreated can lead to narrowing of the palate, which results in teeth being crowded. Mewing can help widen your palate so it provides more space for your teeth and makes them less crowded.
You can learn more about mewing technique in our mobile mewing app.
How Can I Help My Child Get Straight Teeth?
Helping your child achieve straight teeth involves a combination of good oral hygiene and professional dental care. Here are some steps that you can take to help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile
- Taking Care: Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two to three minutes each time. This can help prevent tooth decay or other dental issues that can lead to crooked teeth or worsen slightly misaligned teeth.
- Get Them Treated: If your child already has slightly or significantly crooked teeth, it’s better to consider orthodontic treatment. The dentist or orthodontist can help the condition before it becomes too severe.
- Discouraging bad habits: Habits such as Thumbsucking, Lip biting, and Chewing on objects are very common in children, These habits can lead to crooked teeth.
When should I straighten my child’s teeth?
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children should get an orthodontist checkup before they are seven. This allows the orthodontist to evaluate the child’s dental development and identify any potential issues. Early intervention can prevent more severe dental issues from developing and can make treatment more effective. Children as young as seven can get braces, which are the most common treatment for crooked teeth.
Does my child need to have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid crowding?
Not necessarily. In some cases, wisdom teeth can grow without causing crowding or other dental issues, and thus do not need to be removed. But in other cases, it can cause problems such as infection, crowding, and pain. It is important to have your child’s wisdom teeth evaluated by a doctor so he/she can determine whether it will cause any problems in the future or not, and if it will, it is better to remove it.
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Alternatives to traditional braces
Some of alternatives to traditional braces:
- Palatal expander: Also known as an orthodontic expander, is an oral device that is used to widen the upper jaw. They can help create more space in the mouth, making it easier for teeth to be straight. This is mostly used by children while their bones are still growing
- Ceramic braces: Are similar to traditional metal braces, but instead of metallic or gray, they are made of tooth-colored brackets and wire, which makes them easy to blend in
- Headgear: This is an orthodontic device that consists of a strap that goes around the head and it has metal braces that are attached to the front teeth. It is typically worn for a few hours each day and is considered a very effective treatment, however, it has its own drawbacks such as discomfort, feeling self-conscious and speech difficulties
How can teeth straightening be done?
There are several methods for teeth straightening, Including
Fixed braces
Fixed braces, also known as train tracks, are the most common and one of the most effective ways for teeth straightening. In this method, brackets are glued to the front of each tooth, and metal wires are threaded through them and tightened to apply a constant gentle pressure on the teeth so that they gradually move into the correct positions. This treatment usually takes 12 to 24 months depending on the severity of the condition.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers, sometimes called dental porcelain, are thin custom-made shells made of porcelain or resin material that fit over the surface of your teeth. They are used to treat misaligned, discolored, or damaged teeth. They are very durable, as a matter of fact, they are considered as strong as your real teeth. They can last many years with proper care.
Invisalign
Invisalign also known as clear aligners These are a set of two plastic trays that are worn on the teeth. They apply a gentle and controlled pressure on the teeth that can gradually move them into the desired position. Aligners are virtually invisible, which makes them a popular choice for teenagers, who are concerned about the appearance of traditional metal braces. They can be removed for eating and brushing.
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Lingual braces
These are similar to traditional braces but instead of being worn on the front, they are worn on the back of the teeth. This makes them virtually hidden from the front. However, they are difficult to clean and can cause more discomfort than traditional braces
At-home Braces
At-home braces refer to the self-treatment of the patient without the supervision of an expert. This involves setting-up aligners or braces by yourself and monitoring your progress. All the necessary materials such as brackets are delivered to you in the form of Teeth straightening kits. At-home braces are marketed as a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional braces or aligners, However American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Association of Orthodontists strongly advise against it. Due to a lack of supervision and guidance, there is a risk of mistreatment, which can lead to more severe oral problems and can cause irreversible damage.
March 13, 2023