Introduction
Crooked teeth are a medical condition known as malocclusion and are common in children and adults. Causes include jaw size, lack of space, poor myofunctional habits, etc. It is easily rectified if one sees the right doctor for it. Yashoda specialises in rectifying dental issues such as crooked teeth.
What are Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion. It is caused when the lower or upper jaw size is smaller than usual. Crooked teeth are common in both children and adults. They may need to be realigned only if they are causing discomfort or health and speech issues. Signs your teeth are crooked are if you have an abnormal alignment of teeth, discomfort when chewing, and speech difficulties such as a lisp.
What are the causes of Crooked Teeth?
Causes of crooked teeth include:
- Space: Baby teeth sometimes move into crooked positions because they are small and cannot fill the gum space.
- Poor myofunctional habits: These include thumb-sucking, pacifier or bottle use, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.
- Heredity: It may play a role. Also, if baby teeth grow crowded together, permanent teeth may do the same.
- Trauma: If trauma or injury to the mouth or tooth decay results in baby teeth falling out sooner than they would naturally, permanent teeth may grow crooked.
- Jaw size: The modern diet of soft, processed food requires less chewing than the foods eaten by early men and has altered the collective jaw size, making it smaller. This evolved jaw may also be a reason for crooked, misaligned teeth.
- Malocclusion: Also known as a misaligned jaw, this occurs when upper teeth and lower teeth do not align correctly. Overbite and underbite are common misalignments.
- Poor dental hygiene: If cavities and tooth decay go untreated, it can result in crooked teeth.
When should you consult a doctor if you have Crooked Teeth?
Consult a doctor if:
- There is trouble chewing as this may lead to digestion problems
- The gums feel worn
- Teeth are cracked
- There is jaw strain
- One has chronic headaches
- There are speech difficulties
Risk factors
Risk factors for crooked teeth include poor myofunctional habits such as thumb-sucking, using a pacifier, and mouth breathing; family history of crooked teeth; trauma or injury to the mouth; and tooth decay.
Possible complications
Possible complications of crooked teeth are chronic headaches, cracked teeth, worn gums, and jaw strain.
What are the diagnosis and treatment options for Crooked Teeth?
Some of the common treatment options for crooked teeth include:
- Braces: Here, small metal brackets are attached to teeth, and small wires are strung between them to push or pull your teeth to align them. Ceramic may also be used.
- Invisalign Aligners: Unlike metal brackets, the trays are removable when needed.
- Headgear: Here, a special piece of equipment is attached inside the mouth but uses the outside of your head to move your teeth.
- Retainers: These are usually suggested when only a slight alignment is required.
- Surgical procedures: This involves surgically removing the tooth or breaking the jaw. It is usually the most painful option and rarely recommended unless it is an extreme case.
- Veneers: These are porcelain covers mounted directly on the teeth.
- Bonding: Here, a special composite resin is applied to the teeth to remove minor gaps.
Conclusion
Crooked teeth may be seen in both adults and children but are treatable. Signs your teeth are crooked are if you have an abnormal alignment of teeth, discomfort when chewing, and speech difficulties such as a lisp. These need to be treated by a medical professional. Treatment involves using retainers, braces, and bonding but may sometimes require surgery.
