Crooked teeth can happen because of many reasons. Some reasons can affect your alignment before your permanent teeth erupt, and others happen later in life. For example, if your teeth are too small as a baby, it’s possible for them to come in crooked.
Additionally, prolonged use of a pacifier or baby bottle can influence the way your teeth grow. In fact, sucking your thumb or fingers can alter your teeth’s alignment. As a result, your adult teeth may come in crooked.
Issues with nutrition, jaw size and alignment, and dental trauma can cause your teeth to become crooked. For example, if your jaw is too small or misaligned, your teeth won’t have enough room to come in properly. Having a misaligned jaw will cause your teeth to develop in alternative positions.
If you have poor nutrition, especially as a child, your teeth may not develop correctly. Your teeth need specific vitamins and minerals to grow. Otherwise, they can become dysfunctional. Not only do crooked teeth affect your confidence, but they can also impact your oral and overall health.
Digestion Issues
Your teeth need to come together where the flat surfaces touch each other. This isn’t only more comfortable, but it’s also important for eating and digestion. When you eat, your teeth work together to chew and grind your foot.
If your teeth are crooked, it can affect your ability to chew your food efficiently. While we may never think of it if it’s not an issue, chewing is important for more than just easy swallowing. You need to chew your food enough so that you can absorb the nutrients. If your teeth make chewing difficult, you may not be able to grind your food enough. Over time, you can experience nutrition issues.
Poor Oral Health
Crooked teeth can impact your oral health. When your teeth are not aligned, it can be hard to remove plaque. It’s vital to remove as much plaque as possible. Otherwise, you can develop serious dental problems. As plaque builds, it begins to erode your enamel and inflame your gum tissue. These are the beginning stages of tooth decay and gum disease.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, crooked teeth can impair your ability to get rid of plaque. It’s possible to have a thorough and dedicated routine. However, it’s more likely that you will have difficulty cleaning your teeth. For example, crooked teeth can make it nearly impossible to floss your teeth. Some patients have issues with their teeth cutting the floss before it can remove the plaque. Additionally, crooked teeth can make it hard to get the floss between their teeth at all.
Therefore, it’s extremely important to talk to your dentist about your options. Straightening your teeth isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about keeping your teeth and your body healthy.
Speech Difficulties
Crooked teeth might also make it harder to speak clearly. Your teeth play an important role in forming sounds when you talk. If they’re out of place, you might struggle with pronouncing certain words, especially those with “s,” “t,” or “th” sounds.
Some people develop a lisp or have to adjust their tongue position to compensate for misaligned teeth. Over time, this can cause muscle strain in your jaw and mouth. Straightening your teeth can help improve your speech and make communication easier.
Jaw Pain and Headaches
When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it can put extra stress on your jaw joints and muscles. This misalignment, often called a “bad bite” or malocclusion, can cause frequent headaches, jaw pain, and even earaches. Some people clench or grind their teeth at night (bruxism) because their bite is off, which can cause even more discomfort.
If you often wake up with a sore jaw or notice popping sounds when you chew, crooked teeth might be the reason. Orthodontic treatment can help align your bite and relieve these painful symptoms.
Self-Confidence and Social Impact
It’s no secret that a straight smile can boost your confidence. Crooked or crowded teeth might make you feel self-conscious about laughing, talking, or even taking photos. Many people with misaligned teeth avoid smiling altogether. This can affect social interactions and first impressions.
Modern orthodontics offers solutions for all ages. Teens and adults can benefit from discreet clear aligners. Fixing crooked teeth isn’t just about looks; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Long-Term Wear and Tear on Teeth
Crooked teeth can also cause long-term damage. When teeth are misaligned, some may rub against others unevenly when you chew. Over time, this uneven pressure can wear down enamel and cause chips, cracks, or even tooth fractures.
In severe cases, it might cause teeth to loosen or shift further. Protecting your teeth with braces or aligners now can prevent costly dental work later. Our dentists can help you decide the best way to straighten your teeth and protect your smile. Give Frederick Center for Dentistry a call at 301-264-5680 and schedule a dental exam today.