Smile is an integral part of our appearance. Oftentimes, crooked teeth or teeth with some gap can ruin our smiles, and even our speech or eating habits. Unlike the old times, now we can correct crooked teeth problems with tactful treatment and get our perfect and sweet smiles back.
Issues Caused by Crooked Teeth
One of the things that get affected because of crooked teeth is confidence. A few of us feel a bit hesitant while laughing openly or even while talking because of the less appealing look of crooked teeth. Furthermore, you can get health issues owing to misaligned teeth too.
Periodontal disease
Crooked teeth don’t let you clean your mouth properly. Brushing and rinsing becomes ineffective if you have crooked teeth, and this can result in tooth decay or cavity. If such dental issues remain untreated it can turn into periodontal disease. In such cases, gums get badly affected.
Chewing and digestion
Crooked teeth make it difficult to have an ideal bite to chew properly. Either it will cause an overbite, crossed bite, or open bite. Unchewed or poorly chewed food can deteriorate your digestive system causing stomach issues.
Early loss of primary (baby) teeth:
Premature loss of primary teeth, either due to decay or trauma, can disrupt the natural alignment of permanent teeth. When primary teeth are lost before their permanent successors are ready to erupt, adjacent teeth may shift into the vacant space, leading to crooked teeth.
Genetics:
One of the primary factors contributing to crooked teeth is genetic inheritance. If a person’s parents or close relatives have crooked teeth, there is a higher likelihood that they will also have misaligned teeth.
Thumb sucking and pacifier use:
Prolonged thumb sucking or excessive use of pacifiers can apply pressure to the teeth and jaw, causing them to shift out of alignment over time. This habit is more likely to cause issues if it persists beyond the age of 3 or 4.
Speech difficulties:
Crooked teeth can affect speech patterns and clarity. Misalignment of teeth can interfere with proper tongue placement, leading to lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and improve speech.
Increased risk of tooth injury:
When teeth are misaligned, they may protrude or be positioned in a way that makes them more susceptible to trauma. This can occur during accidents, sports activities, or even while eating certain foods. Correcting the alignment of teeth through orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of dental injuries.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders:
Misaligned teeth can contribute to problems with the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jaw to the skull. Malocclusion can lead to uneven pressure on the joint, causing discomfort, jaw pain, headaches, and even TMJ disorders. Aligning the teeth properly can help alleviate these symptoms.
Solutions for Crooked Teeth
Braces
Braces are a traditional and trusted way of correcting crooked teeth. It can take around 18 months or more to fully complete the braces treatment. At times patients do find it difficult as it can be a bit uncomfortable. Compared to the older times, braces use less metal these days to make them more comfortable. For patients with a more complex design of teeth, metal braces work best.
Veneers
Veneers are for those who want to conceal the appearance of frontal crooked teeth. Veneers are thin largely transparent shells that cover the front teeth to improve appearance.
Aligners
Aligners are preferred by the youth these days compared to braces. Aligners are more lightweight and transparent as they are made from clear plastic-like material. They are a fitting alternative to braces.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy-fresh Mouth
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Many of us find activities like flossing mundane; however, avoiding it can be lethal for oral health. Try having a morning as well as night routine of brushing-flossing-mouthwash. After a point, it won’t take longer than 15 minutes, and your teeth and gums will thank you for this.
Avoid Bad Habits
A good lifestyle contains exercising, healthy eating, and enough sleep while having as least stress as possible. Quit smoking ASAP and minimize alcohol consumption too. To deal with any stress you can choose to turn to meditation.
Watch What You Eat
When it comes to our food choices, better safe than sorry. Considering teeth and gums in mind, it is advisable to stay away from soda-based drinks, too much sugar, and acidic food. Also, make sure you have a two-hour gap between your dinner and sleeping schedule.
These eating habits will help you if you already have braces. Maintaining overall hygiene of teeth will make them strong too, causing them to last longer.
Regular Dental Check-ups:
In addition to practicing good oral hygiene, it is essential to schedule regular visits to your dentist or orthodontist. They can monitor the health of your teeth, identify any early signs of misalignment or other dental issues, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment.
Author Bio:
Creating perfect smiles is what Dr. Satish Pai is committed to. An orthodontist by profession, he believes that a perfect smile is a powerful part of a person’s personality. When he is not working hard on perfecting his patients’ smiles at Putnam Ortho, he is busy writing engaging articles about everything related to healthy and perfect smiles. His other passions include golf, yoga and surfing. Spending time with his family always brings a smile on his face.