Having a straight, beautiful smile can boost your self-confidence and do wonders for your self-esteem.
Unfortunately, many people have crooked teeth that can get in the way of their happy smiles and in some cases, may even cause pain.
Read on to learn about the reasons behind crooked teeth and how to straighten them for a healthy, perfect smile.
Reasons for Crooked Teeth – How to Straighten Them
Crooked Teeth Causes
There can be many reasons why someone may have crooked teeth. For some people, their teeth were naturally misaligned as a baby, and the teeth never organically straightened out.
Others may be dealing with crooked teeth due to bad, repetitive habits as a child such as thumb-sucking or using a pacifier for too long. Others may simply have a genetic or heredity trait that causes their teeth to be misaligned.
Another interesting cause of crooked teeth is inadequate jaw size. As humans evolved, our jaws have gotten smaller which creates a crowded environment for teeth where they become crooked and off-kilter.
A misaligned jaw, also called malocclusion, is another possible cause of crooked teeth. People with this condition typically have either an underbite or an overbite, and their teeth are protruding too far in one direction or another.
Poor dental care may also lead to crooked teeth. If you have gum disease, missing teeth, or cavities, all of these dental problems can cause the teeth to shift, leading them to appear crooked over time. This can also apply to people with a poor diet or those who suffer from malnutrition.
Even a serious injury can cause teeth to become crooked. Sports-related injuries or car accidents can cause damage to the jaw and mouth or may cause some teeth to come out, leading to crooked teeth over time.
The Effects of Crooked Teeth
Having crooked teeth impacts more than just your smile and your self-esteem. For some people, this condition can make it much more difficult to eat and even to speak correctly.
Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew food correctly, which tends to lead to other issues like indigestion. In children or the elderly, this may also lead to choking.
Those with crooked teeth also suffer from excess wear on the teeth. This results in a myriad of issues like chronic headaches, cracked teeth, oral pain, and jaw strain.
Some people may have trouble articulating when they speak if they have crooked teeth. This often leads to low self-esteem, and many others are embarrassed or ashamed to smile, which can have significant effects on your mental well-being.
Bad Teeth Solutions
You may think, “I have crooked teeth what do I do?” If so, you are not alone. Thankfully, there are many different options that can help you straighten and fix misaligned teeth.
There are a few ways that you can straighten your teeth depending on the recommendation of your dentist or orthodontist. Here are some of the most common ways to get your teeth back to a straight, aligned smile.
Fixed Metal Braces
Metal braces have been a common way to fix crooked teeth for decades. The metal braces are attached to the teeth using brackets, flexible wire, and small rubber bands.
These types of braces are typically used for those with complicated dental alignment problems. Some people may also need to wear headgear at night if the problem is severe.
Today’s braces use less metal than they used to, but they’re still quite expensive. Prepare to pay several thousand dollars if you need metal braces to straighten your teeth.
An alternative to metal braces is ceramic braces. They tend to cost the same, but they’re not as obvious as metal. On the other hand, ceramic braces tend to stain more easily and show discoloration over time.
Invisible Braces
If you want to know how to fix crooked teeth for teens and adults, invisible braces are a great option. These braces feature clear plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit your teeth for a comfortable, perfect fit.
You wear invisible braces over each tooth similar to a mouthguard and usually replace them once a month or as needed. While this option is comfortable and discreet, it may not be best for severely crooked teeth.
If you choose to wear invisible braces, it may take longer to straighten your teeth than metal or ceramic braces. Costs can vary depending on the severity of the problem, your age, and what your insurance covers.
Surgery
Many people wondering how to straighten bottom teeth may want to ask about possible surgery. This procedure is also often chosen if you want to limit the amount of time that you’ll need to wear braces.
The process involves repositioning the bones and gums that hold your teeth in place. Through surgery, these areas of the mouth can be realigned to support and straighten your teeth.
Another surgical option is to have your jaw realigned. This is referred to as orthognathic surgery and tends to be recommended for patients whose crooked teeth are affecting things like speech and/or chewing.
Say Hello to Straighter Teeth
If you have crooked teeth, there’s no need to feel defeated. Through a variety of methods including invisible braces, surgery, and more, you can enjoy a beautiful, straight smile with a bit of patience and perseverance.
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