Crooked teeth are more than a cosmetic problem. Misaligned teeth, also called malocclusion, make it difficult to brush and floss, which can lead to serious oral health concerns if left untreated. While braces are the most common treatment for crooked teeth, there are other options available depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Although teeth-straightening treatments are most commonly pursued for cosmetic reasons, fixing crooked teeth is crucial to maintaining good oral health. Dental concerns that can result from crooked teeth include:
Patients also ask:
Malocclusion is a general term that encompasses several different types of crooked teeth:
There are several options available for addressing misaligned teeth, and the treatment that’s right for you will depend on the severity of your malocclusion, your budget, and other considerations.
While most crooked teeth issues are the result of genetics, there are habits in both childhood and adulthood that can lead to malocclusion.
For kids, stopping thumbsucking early and encouraging daily oral hygiene routines can lead to positive dental outcomes later in life.
But even with teeth that are relatively aligned, adults can experience gradual misalignment due to certain habits such as sleeping on your stomach, which can cause teeth to shift out of place over time.
Also, gaps caused by missing teeth can lead to other teeth moving to fill the space, so if you lose a tooth due to injury or decay, it’s important to replace it with a dental implant, crown, or bridge to maintain proper alignment. Other bad habits that can lead to misalignment include chewing on pens, biting your nails, and frequently blowing bubbles with chewing gum.
If you have misalignment issues and would like to show off a bright, straight smile, University Dental can help. For more information about crooked teeth treatment or to schedule a consultation, call us at (619) 582-4224.