Crooked teeth can cause great discomfort. Far beyond aesthetics, the use of orthodontic devices makes you have more health and well-being.
Crowded and crooked teeth, did you know that this is one of the main causes that make people all over the world visit the dentist in search of treatment? According to a survey by the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), about 66% of the population suffers from a problem related to poor dental positioning.
Many of these people are looking for alternative treatments to align their teeth, so correcting this problem is a very common and fundamental treatment in the search for a more beautiful smile — and for a better quality of life.
In this article, you will see some of the main reasons for crooked teeth alignment and why it is important to seek orthodontic treatment to solve this situation. Follow up!
Table of Contents
What are the main causes of crooked teeth?
Far beyond the aesthetic issue, crooked teeth can cause complications in oral health and in the routine of individuals. Many people use braces during childhood and adolescence, and need to resume treatment after a while, due to tooth movement.
With crooked teeth problem increasing why do we get crooked teeth is one of the most asked question as well.
The problem, clinically called dental crowding, is also known by terms such as “crowded teeth”, “slanted”, “intertwined”, “twisted”, among others. Regardless of the nomenclature, the most important issue surrounding the subject is that all people who go through this must be evaluated by a professional in the field of dentistry.
Before talking about the importance of seeking specialized support, we will answer a very frequent question on the subject: what favors the emergence or development, over time, of teeth misalignment? We list below the main causes. Check out!
Genetic inheritance
Children can inherit malocclusion problems — when teeth do not close properly — from their parents and, as a result, require the use of orthodontic appliances. The genetic issue is very present in the characteristics and shape of the teeth, so crooked teeth can be associated with this issue.
childhood habits
The use of pacifiers and bottles, and the habit of sucking your thumb – especially when extended for long periods – can favor the emergence of problems with dental alignment.
The child should undergo dental follow-up from an early age. The pediatric dentist works preventively, guiding and teaching about oral health care, in addition to contributing to the performance of the necessary treatments.
mouth breathing
When noticing that children breathe constantly through their mouth, it is necessary to seek a specialist doctor (otolaryngologist), as this habit can also favor the development of crooked teeth.
The support of a pediatric dentist should be provided from the first years of life. The professional will monitor any problems, such as mouth breathing or the use of a pacifier, advising parents on the procedures that must be taken to avoid dental malformation.
Pushing the tongue between the teeth
Another problem directly related to crooked teeth is the habit of pushing the tongue between the teeth. When frequent, it can cause significant damage to the dental arch, requiring treatment for alignment — in addition to changing the habit.
It is worth checking, with your orthodontist, what are the main strategies to help in the process of changing habits, as well as identifying the appropriate orthodontic device for your needs.
bruxism
Bruxism is a disorder that is characterized by the act of involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth . What few people know is that, in addition to dental wear, the problem can cause gum inflammation and teeth misalignment.
Generally, misalignment in patients with bruxism is associated with poor quality of supporting tissues. The problem usually appears in the long term, so many people do not associate bruxism with it.
excess teeth
Excess teeth — as well as their dimensions — is another common cause, which directly interferes with the alignment of teeth. Counting on the guidance of a good professional is essential to identify if your case requires extraction due to excess teeth, or if it is just necessary to realign your dental arch.
What happens if I don’t have my teeth straight?
Many people choose not to correct jammed teeth, especially in situations where there is no specific problem with chewing or biting that affects the functionality of the region.
It is important to keep in mind that numerous disorders can arise when teeth are not aligned. In addition to aesthetic issues, here are some of the main problems you can avoid when seeking orthodontic treatment.
Difficulty in cleaning
When you choose not to correct this issue of jammed teeth, you can face challenges in performing oral hygiene. In this way, several problems can arise and compromise your health, such as the appearance of cavities, tartar and serious gum problems.
If you want to prevent these issues from harming your well-being, it’s worth seeing a dentist.
Jaw joint problems
Misalignment and jammed teeth have the potential to cause problems such as crossbite or even temporomandibular joint dysfunction, known as TMJ. This dysfunction leads to headaches, migraines, jaw crackling and a feeling of tiredness in the face after eating. To avoid such problems, it is worth seeking help.
Different annoyances in everyday life
In addition to the possible annoyances mentioned above, it may be that you suffer to close your mouth, breathe, and still have difficulties when speaking. Failing to correct jammed teeth, therefore, is not a good idea.
Dental misalignment also favors the emergence of stomach problems, such as heartburn and gastritis. This is because crooked teeth make it difficult to chew food during meals.
What are the main myths and truths surrounding crooked teeth?
There are many myths surrounding the subject. If you have crooked teeth, before any decision, you should seek the support of a dental professional. He will be responsible for evaluating your case and offering a proper diagnosis.
Next, we list some myths and truths about dental misalignment. Find it out!
The wisdom tooth always surrounds the other teeth — MYTH
This is not a rule. In cases where the patient has space in their dental arch and the wisdom teeth are well positioned, there is no need for removal. It is important to see a dentist to understand your situation.
Through a good evaluation, it is possible to understand if it is necessary to extract a tooth and if the use of orthodontic device is recommended for you. It is worth looking for a trusted dentist.
I’ve already had braces and straightened my teeth; I’ll never need braces again — MYTH
Just because you’ve used braces doesn’t mean you’ll never need it again. Several factors can be associated with bent, and it is not possible to accurately predict how your body will behave in the future.
Most patients who complete dental treatment must undergo a process called tooth retention. In it, the patient uses a mobile device to prevent the aligned teeth from returning to their original position.
Crooked teeth increase the chances of oral problems — TRUTH
Misalignment is associated with difficulty in cleaning teeth. With this, the patient suffers from the accumulation of waste in the mouth, increasing the chances for the emergence of tartar, gingivitis and caries.
It is worth consulting a professional to find out if you need to correct the problem of ingrown teeth and to carry out the relevant treatments, keeping your health up to date.
Misaligned teeth can cause digestion problems — TRUTH
Misalignment of the dental arch makes the process of grinding food difficult. With this, the patient ends up sending poorly crushed food to the stomach. This fact directly interferes with the digestive processes and can cause problems in the long run.
If you have an upset stomach, suffer from bad breath or have any questions about your oral health and how it affects your digestive system, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist.
Crooked teeth are exclusively aesthetic damage — MYTH
Alignment must be done to resolve functional problems, but even patients who do not have chewing difficulties should invest in orthodontic treatment. As we already mentioned, dental misalignment can cause several other health problems.
Is there an age limit for using braces?
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to use braces to correct the problem of jammed teeth at any age? If so, know that you are in the right place to clarify your doubt – which, by the way, is quite common.
The answer is: there is no age limit to use this type of dental treatment. To understand if it is necessary to use braces, it is important to consult a dentist.
The professional will analyze your situation to understand what problems you must face to keep your oral health up to date. In addition, it is worth highlighting the need to make periodic consultations with the dentist to avoid more serious situations.
What types of orthodontic appliances are available on the market?
If you want to have your teeth straightened, be sure to seek an orthodontist as soon as possible – a dentist responsible for correcting problems related to dental alignment – for the beginning of a treatment.
Orthodontic treatments usually involve the use of appliances or aligners, responsible for correcting the malposition of the teeth. See what the main types of devices are available on the market!
Fixed devices
Fixed appliances can be used for aesthetic and functional purposes, being indicated mainly for more complex and long-term treatments. These appliances require monthly maintenance, so that the dentist regulates the movement of the teeth to the correct position.
To obtain a good result, it is important that the patient cooperates with the treatment, taking care of hygiene and making regular visits to the dentist for maintenance. There are two types of fixed devices, as you will see below.
Is it possible to correct crooked teeth without using Fixed Braces?
Yea! Invisible braces brought the possibility of correcting crooked teeth (dental crowding) without the assembly of fixed braces. They are a series of transparent plates, custom-made for each case, which gradually bring the teeth into their correct positions.
Treatment with Invisible braces is as efficient as conventional orthodontics. In addition, it provides much more comfort, as it is removable, allowing you to brush and floss without complications and eating without any restrictions.
Clear Aligners
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the clear aligner is the main innovation for those who want to have straight teeth and a perfect smile. Produced from transparent acetate, the aligner is a plate that covers the teeth and, in addition to being very discreet, offers more comfort to patients.
This is a widely used option for treatments in adults who do not want to use the traditional device. Among the benefits, it is worth highlighting the functionality, as it is removable – this is very practical when feeding or brushing. Treatment with this type of device is usually faster, but this depends on the particularities of each patient.
With all these advantages, clear aligners are indicated for those looking for the most advanced in orthodontic treatments, without changing the appearance of the smile during use.
What are the benefits of using braces?
As you can see, crooked teeth are a very common problem, which can cause functional and aesthetic issues in patients. Those who suffer from it may have effects such as headaches or difficulty in chewing, so you should seek the support of a dental professional.
Continue reading and check out the advantages of performing a treatment through orthodontic device.
Make the smile more beautiful
One of the main advantages of using orthodontic braces is how much it makes the smile more beautiful. Through appropriate strategies, the device is able to correct problems with jammed teeth, adjust the position of the oral tissues and contribute to the lips becoming more voluminous due to this adjustment. Such changes give the smile all the necessary characteristics to make it more beautiful and attractive.
Adjusts oral features
Despite the great transformations in the smile, orthodontic appliances also promote a great internal transformation through the bone positioning of the jaw. Because of this change, there is improvement in breathing, diction, chewing and even the patient’s well-being when treating such imperfections.
avoid pain
Proper orthodontic treatment can correct chewing problems and the position of teeth. Through it, it is possible to resolve headaches or toothaches generated by facial muscle tension.
Even patients who only have aesthetic effects should be aware, as crooked teeth can make brushing difficult, contributing to the emergence of oral health problems.
The tip is that, regardless of the reason, you see a dentist often. The semi-annual visit allows the professional to assess their oral health, carrying out processes such as dental cleaning and, eventually, other interventions necessary to correct problems related to jammed teeth. Health starts with the mouth!
