Crooked Teeth can lead to Health Problems

As bad as crooked teeth looks, there are other worst dental and overall health hazards posed by these misaligned teeth. Let’s look at some of them so you can have reason to seek professional help sooner than later.

Developing periodontal disease is a common consequence of crooked or misaligned teeth. Your gums are very vulnerable to bacterial invasion caused by tartar for gums do not fit tightly around the affected crooked tooth. In like manner, because these teeth are difficult to clean with brushing and flossing, they allow bacteria to grow in those hard-to-reach spaces. Still another ramification of this condition, bad breath may be a result from food debris left behind.

You also risk injuries to teeth that are crooked. If an upper tooth is misaligned, protruding as it were, it can suffer a crack in case of an accident. Lower protruding teeth are similarly prone to breakage should you bite on a hard object or food as these teeth do not have strong bone support. If there is crowding in the lower jaw, they rub against the upper teeth causing enamel wear. There are chewing, biting and even speaking difficulties; sometimes jaw pain is felt. They will also pose problems should you need dental work on your non-crooked dentition.

Don’t Need to Live with Crooked Teeth

With all the potential health hazards of misaligned teeth, one shouldn’t tarry seeing a specialist for this condition. Here at Overlake Dental, our orthodontist can transform your mile with dental braces, if that is the best option for you. If braces upset you, you can opt for Invisalign, a six-month straightening technology offered only by certified specialist. To find out if you are an Invisalign candidate, drop by for a visit.

What Causes Teeth to Grow Crooked?

The most common cause for crooked teeth is genetics. One or both of your parents may have misaligned dentition and chances are, you will, too. Some people are born with a smaller mouth or jaw where there is not enough space for the full complement of teeth to take their places properly. Your lower and upper jaws are not identical in size, or may not have formed well during your time in the womb. This can result to an overbite or under bite which the particular crooked tooth causes.

And timing – the earlier than usual loss of baby teeth may trigger the early eruption of permanent teeth which might erupt crooked. This can also happen if you lose any permanent tooth earlier than expected and may cause drifting of other teeth or elongation of an opposing tooth. Using the pacifier after three years of age, thumb-sucking, or prolonged bottle use, may also lead to crooked teeth.

You can also cause your teeth to become crooked, factors that have nothing to do with genetics or malformations in the oral cavity. Gingivitis, improper fit of dental restorations, accidental injury or trauma to the jaw or face, and presence of mouth tumors can also lead to crooked teeth.

Crooked teeth pose many dental problems, apart from the fact that they jeopardize aesthetics and cause low self-esteem. You can get professional help from an orthodontist.

Professional Help for Crooked Teeth

Set an appointment with our orthodontist at Overlake Dental here in Bellevue. Dr. Yu can work wonders for crooked teeth in just as little as six months. It’s an affordable, teeth-straightening technology that is mild on the gums. See if this treatment is for you.