Crooked teeth impact many people throughout their lives. While many see it as a cosmetic condition, crooked teeth are a dental concern that can also impact oral health. At Stone Creek Dental, we help patients understand crooked teeth and offer solutions to straighten their smiles.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
One of the primary causes of crooked teeth is genetics. If a person’s parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, there is a higher likelihood that they will also develop misaligned teeth. Some people may simply be born with smaller jaws or larger teeth, resulting in overcrowding and misalignment.
Another common cause of crooked teeth is poor oral habits. Habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and using a pacifier or bottle for an extended period of time can contribute to misalignment of the teeth. These habits can pressure the teeth and jaw, causing them to shift out of place. Additionally, habits such as clenching or grinding the teeth can also lead to misalignment over time.
The natural growth and development of the jaw and teeth can also contribute to crooked teeth. As a person’s jaw grows, the size and shape of their mouth may change, leading to overcrowding or spacing issues. This can result in teeth becoming misaligned as they come in. Factors such as missing teeth or extra teeth can also contribute to crooked teeth, as they can disrupt the alignment of the teeth.
In some cases, injuries or trauma to the mouth can also cause crooked teeth. If a person experiences a blow to the face or mouth, it can disrupt the alignment of the teeth and jaw, resulting in crooked teeth or other issues such as a misaligned bite.
Certain habits or conditions during childhood can also contribute to crooked teeth. For example, prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle past a certain age can affect teeth and jaw development. Additionally, early loss of baby teeth or improper care of baby teeth can also lead to misalignment of the permanent teeth as they come in.
Straightening Crooked Teeth in Denton, TX
If you have trouble with crooked teeth, we’ll bring you into our office for a consultation. We perform a thorough oral exam and utilize imaging services to fully understand your bite. This allows us to see the severity of your crooked teeth and bite problems. If you have severe orthodontic issues, we may need to refer you to an orthodontist for more extensive treatment.
Our primary method of straightening teeth is Invisalign. It’s a system of clear aligners that slowly moves teeth into correct alignment. You change out aligner sets about once every two weeks. Patients consider it a favorite because it’s a subtle, less visible solution than metal braces. You don’t have to come into the office as often because you change out the aligners yourselves. Also, you don’t have to change your diet because the aligners are removable for eating.
For mild cases, we can use techniques like porcelain veneers to balance the bite and give you a straighter smile. Since they completely cover the front and sides of your teeth, the crooked teeth are no longer visible. They also become the surface you bite down with, helping to correct the other problems with crooked teeth or an uneven bite.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
One of the main reasons to correct crooked teeth is to improve your smile. A straight smile can boost self-confidence and make you feel more attractive. Crooked teeth can often make people feel self-conscious about their appearance, leading them to avoid smiling or hiding their teeth when they do. By correcting crooked teeth, you can achieve a more confident smile that you can be proud to show off.
In addition to the cosmetic benefits, correcting crooked teeth can also positively impact overall oral health. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to properly clean your teeth, leading to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. This can increase your risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By straightening your teeth, you can make it easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing your risk of developing dental problems in the future.
Correcting crooked teeth can also improve your bite and jaw alignment. Crooked teeth can cause uneven wear on your teeth and put extra strain on your jaw muscles. This can lead to headaches, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. By straightening your teeth, you can improve your bite alignment, reduce jaw pain, and prevent potential issues with your TMJ.
Furthermore, correcting crooked teeth can also improve your speech and pronunciation. Crooked teeth can affect the way your tongue and lips interact with your teeth when speaking, leading to speech impediments or difficulties with certain sounds. By straightening your teeth, you can improve your speech clarity and make it easier to communicate effectively.
Straighten Your Crooked Teeth
Straightening crooked teeth helps both your confidence and your oral health. Schedule a consultation online or call our office to get started.
