Crooked Teeth – Causes and Treatment

It’s no wonder crooked teeth can turn your smile unsightly and make you self-conscious. But do you know crooked or misaligned teeth can impact your oral health if not treated? Yes, when you have misaligned teeth, it’s not just the issue with how you look but also how it affects your oral health. You might be tempted to overlook the orthodontic treatment, but doing so can lead to more expensive dental problems. Read on to find out the effects of crooked teeth on oral health and how to treat them.  

What are Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth are teeth that are not in alignment with each other. They can occur in the upper or lower jaw and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, thumb sucking, injury, or tooth crowding. While crooked teeth are often considered to be a cosmetic issue, they can have a significant impact on your oral health.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

There are a number of reasons why teeth can become crooked, but the most common cause is simply genetics. If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, you’re more likely to have them as well. Other causes include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and pacifier use. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to crooked teeth, as plaque and tartar build-up can cause the teeth to shift out of alignment.

How Can Crooked Teeth Affect Your Oral Health?

Many people don’t realise that having crooked teeth can have an impact on their oral health in a number of ways, including

·         It can be harder to keep your teeth clean when they’re not aligned properly. This can lead to an increased risk of gum disease. While crowded teeth create more hidden spots for bacteria, poor oral hygiene can lead to inflammation and gum bleeding, resulting in gingivitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, leading to tooth loss. Regular cleanings and treating misaligned teeth by your Blacktown dentist can help prevent this problem.

·         Misaligned teeth can result in obstructive sleep apnea leading to jaw pain and headaches as they create extra pressure on the teeth when speaking and swallowing.   

·         Crooked teeth can cause difficulties while chewing food. When teeth aren’t aligned, it increases the risk of breaking, cracking, and fracture.

·         They can also cause you to grind your teeth, which will eventually wear down the enamel on your teeth and put you at risk for toothache.

Treatments for Crooked Teeth

Several treatments are available for crooked teeth, depending on the severity of the issue. In some cases, you may need braces to adjust the teeth' position over time slowly. In other cases, where the teeth are only slightly misaligned, cosmetic bonding or veneers may be used to improve the smile's appearance. Surgery may be necessary for more severe cases to correct the teeth' alignment. Please discuss your treatment options with your Blacktown dentist. Using Microscopic Dentistry Blacktown, the dentist can analyse the cause and suggest the right treatment plan to align the teeth and restore your smile.

Consult an Orthodontist in Blacktown

If you're concerned about the impacts of crooked teeth on your oral health, the best thing to do is consult an orthodontist. They'll be able to assess your teeth and recommend treatment options, such as metal braces or invisible braces, based on the severity of the condition.