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Crooked teeth are a common concern for patients of all ages and backgrounds. When we think of straightening our teeth, we tend to think of the cosmetic benefits of having a symmetrical smile. But crooked teeth are often a more complicated problem than we’re led to believe. Crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth can be caused by a number of factors, and can lead to negative health problems.

Straight teeth are often a sign of a healthy smile. Treating your crooked teeth will not only help you prevent unpleasant dental-health conditions, but will also help you walk out the door everyday feeling confident in your smile.

What causes crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth are among the most commonly cited dental concerns from patients. This is, in part, because a crooked smile can be caused by several different factors. Here are just a few of the most likely causes of crooked teeth:

Genetics

Like with eye color, hair color, or height, certain traits simply occur due to your genetics. If crooked teeth are common in your family, then it’s very possible that it’s an inherited trait.

Missing teeth

Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to an injury, extraction, or another factor, it can result in misalignment. A missing tooth will cause a gap in your smile, which can cause your other teeth to move around in order to try and fill that gap. This is one of the main reasons adult teeth may grow crooked if you lose your baby teeth early.

Repetitive myofunctional behaviors 

Crooked teeth can also be caused by certain myofunctional habits, which are characterized by repeated facial and oral movements. Behaviors such as sucking your thumb, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, or grinding your teeth can all contribute to your teeth shifting and result in a crooked smile. This is especially common if these behaviors are chronically repeated during childhood without correction.

Small or misaligned jaw

The health of the jaw and teeth are often distinctly intertwined. If you have a small jaw or larger teeth, this can cause your teeth to overlap to accommodate the small space. Teeth can also become crooked if your bite is misaligned due to an overbite, underbite, or crossbite.

Injury

If you’ve suffered a facial injury, it’s not unusual for physical trauma to loosen your teeth or shift the alignment of your jaw. This can lead to an abundance of potential dental issues, including crooked teeth.

These are just a few of the possible causes. In order to get a better understanding of the source of your crooked teeth, it’s a good idea to come to our offices so we can help you determine the cause.

Can crooked teeth lead to other health problems?

What comes to mind when you think about crooked teeth? You might initially think about the cosmetic effects of having an asymmetrical smile, which can be extremely life-affecting. But did you know that crooked teeth are also associated with a number of other physical health-related problems. Here are a few of the most common related conditions:

Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Having crooked teeth can contribute to serious oral health concerns including gum disease and cavities. This is because having misaligned teeth makes it far more difficult to properly care for your smile. Daily dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are vital to healthy teeth and gums. If your teeth are slanted or overcrowded, it becomes far more difficult to reach all the areas of your mouth, which leads to a number of oral conditions. 

TMJ pain

It’s no secret that your teeth can have a major impact on your jaw health and comfort. Misalignment of your teeth can put significant strain on your jaw. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be described as the hinge that connects your lower and upper jaw. Crooked teeth can cause tension to this joint and result in pain as well as other jaw-related problems including:

  • Clicking
  • Locking
  • Difficulty chewing and talking

Headaches

Because of the strain it puts on your jaw, the pain you’re experiencing can travel upwards into your skull. Many people experience painful headaches without realizing that the position of their teeth is the main culprit.

What are some of the benefits of treating crooked teeth?

There are many reasons to consider treating your crooked teeth. From personal preference to necessary medical intervention, you might be surprised at just how many benefits you’ll see from seeking treatment. These include:

Increased confidence

Cosmetic concerns are often overlooked as minor problems. But for millions of people, their smile can be the source of serious social discomfort and can have a major impact on their self-esteem. If your smile is a source of pain or frustration, then treating your crooked teeth can create a world of new opportunities. Not only will you feel better about yourself, but you may find that your newfound confidence will allow you to take on new opportunities and explore new passions without worrying about your smile.

Reduced jaw pain

As mentioned before, misaligned teeth can cause serious strain on your jaw. By seeking treatment for your crooked smile, you may also notice a significant improvement in your general comfort. You’ll likely find that you experience fewer headaches and less general pain, and have an easier time chewing and talking.

Healthier mouth

With straight teeth, it will be far easier to implement proper dental care both at home and at your dentist’s office. Both you and your dentist will have easier access to every part of your mouth, leading to quicker and more effective cleaning, as well as more accurate examinations and screenings.

How do you treat crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth can be frustrating and painful. Luckily, Sedation Dentistry of Sunny Isles has a number of effective treatments to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Veneers or Lumineers

Veneers and Lumineers are minimally invasive options for people looking for a straighter and brighter smile. While our Veneer and Lumineer treatments differ in a few ways, they both involve installing a thin shell over your teeth to create a long-lasting and beautiful smile. Veneers, unlike Lumineers, require that you remove a certain amount of tooth enamel before the protective shell is inserted.

These options are most effective in the case of small or minor gaps and overlapping. If your condition is more severe, it may be worth looking into other options.

Invisalign

Invisalign is the most effective treatment for the vast majority of patients. The treatment gives you the results of traditional braces, without the hassle, discomfort, or appearance. Invisalign doesn’t require the use of brackets or metal wires. Instead, you’ll be provided a series of completely clear aligners that will reposition your teeth over the course of several months. They’re easy to clean, removable, and virtually undetectable.

The efficacy, convenience, and discretion of Invisalign make it one of the best and most popular treatments for people looking to improve their smiles.

Complete smile makeover

We also offer a more intensive treatment for people with extreme or extensive dental problems. 

Our complete smile makeovers involve several treatments for a variety of conditions, including crooked teeth, decay, gum disease, stained or yellow teeth, and more. No matter how extensive your needs may be, our team is eager to help you achieve a healthy and attractive smile.

Comprehensive and Compassionate Care at Sedation Dentistry of Sunny Isles.

Whether you’re suffering from crooked teeth, TMJ pain, or any other cosmetic or oral health concerns, our experienced and empathetic team is here to provide you with the best in dental care!

Call us at (786) 629-1503 or book your appointment online today!