Crooked teeth are more common than you might think. If you’ve wondered, “Why do teeth get crooked?” or “What causes crooked teeth?” you’re not alone. Many parents and adults seek answers about potential causes and solutions for misaligned teeth. Addressing these questions is key when deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child.
At MP Orthodontics, we specialize in creating confident, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. If you’re curious about why people have crooked teeth, read on to uncover the seven most common causes and how they can be corrected.
Key Takeaways
- Crooked teeth can result from various factors, including genetics, oral habits, overcrowding, jaw size discrepancies, and tooth loss.
- Early orthodontic intervention can prevent or minimize misalignment in children, while advanced solutions like braces or Invisalign® effectively address crooked teeth for patients of all ages.
- Untreated crooked teeth can lead to challenges such as oral health issues, difficulty chewing, speech problems, and reduced self-esteem.
- Modern orthodontic treatments are more comfortable, efficient, and discreet, making it easier than ever to address crooked teeth and improve oral health.
What Is the Cause of Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from genetics to lifestyle habits. Some cases are preventable, while others may require orthodontic intervention to correct.
By understanding what causes crooked teeth, you can take proactive steps to maintain or restore oral health.
With that being said, here are 7 reasons why people get crooked teeth.
1. Genetics
Sometimes, misaligned teeth have nothing to do with lifestyle habits but instead stem from genetics. For example, if a parent or grandparent had crowded teeth or a jaw that was too small to fit all their teeth, a child may inherit these traits. Genetic factors often play a significant role in determining one’s oral structure.
What to do: Orthodontics like traditional braces, self-ligating braces, or Damon braces can help align teeth that are naturally crooked due to hereditary factors.
2. Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use
Thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use beyond age four can lead to crooked teeth. These habits apply extra pressure to the teeth and jaw, pushing them out of alignment over time. They often result in an open bite or protruding front teeth, making early intervention crucial.
What to do: Consult an orthodontist early. At MP Orthodontics, we recommend interceptive treatments for children as young as age seven to minimize long-term effects.
3. Facial Trauma or Injuries
Accidents or injuries to the mouth can displace teeth and affect jaw alignment. For growing children, even a small incident can significantly impact the development of permanent teeth, leading to misalignment as they emerge.
What to do: If facial trauma occurs, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist immediately. Braces or other appliances may be needed to guide teeth back into place.
4. Overcrowding
Overcrowding occurs when there’s not enough room in the jaw to fit all the teeth properly. This can cause teeth to overlap, rotate, or shift into improper positions.
What to do: Orthodontic solutions like the Ceramic braces or self-ligating braces address overcrowding effectively by guiding teeth into better alignment.
5. Poor Oral Habits
Poor oral habits, such as tongue thrusting (where the tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing) or mouth breathing, can influence jaw development and tooth alignment. Mouth breathing, in particular, is often linked to a narrow jaw arch, contributing to crooked teeth.
What to do: Advanced tools like the Insignia™ orthodontic system from MP Orthodontics can customize treatment based on your unique needs to correct underlying oral habits.
6. Tooth Loss or Improper Eruption
The premature loss of baby or adult teeth can leave gaps in the mouth, allowing neighboring teeth to shift into the empty space. Similarly, if baby teeth don’t fall out correctly or adult teeth erupt in an improper way, it can lead to irregular alignment.
What to do: Early orthodontic intervention or appliances like space maintainers can prevent teeth from shifting when a tooth is lost prematurely.
7. Jaw Size or Malocclusion
Jaw size discrepancies and misaligned bites (malocclusions) are other common causes of crooked teeth. For example, if the upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size, it can lead to overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
What to do: Orthodontists often use treatments such as metal braces, Invisalign®, or two-phase orthodontic care to guide jaw growth and improve alignment.
Why Addressing Crooked Teeth Is Important
Crooked teeth impact more than just your smile. Left untreated, they can contribute to:
- Difficulty chewing and digesting food properly.
- Speech problems like lisps or difficulty pronouncing certain words.
- Oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease due to difficulty cleaning misaligned teeth.
- Lowered self-esteem, especially in teens and adults who may feel self-conscious about their smiles.
By treating crooked teeth, you can improve not only your oral function but also your confidence and overall health.
Treating Crooked Teeth at MP Orthodontics
At MP Orthodontics, we specialize in providing tailored solutions for patients of all ages with crooked teeth. With advanced tools like our ultra-low dose X-rays, digital impressions, and state-of-the-art braces, we make achieving a straighter smile easier and more comfortable than ever.
Here’s how we can help:
- Free Initial Consultation – Have your teeth or your child’s teeth evaluated to determine the best course of action.
- Customized Solutions – From ceramic braces to Invisalign® and two-phase treatments, we provide a wide range of options to meet your unique needs.
- Family-Centered Care – Our fun and welcoming environment is designed to put kids, teens, and adults at ease during every step of their orthodontic treatment.
Why Choose MP Orthodontics?
At MP Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on combining high-tech solutions with compassionate, personalized care. Our goal is to create functional, beautiful smiles while ensuring that every patient feels relaxed and confident throughout their treatment process.
Visit us at MP Orthodontics to schedule an appointment or call us today to get started!
FAQ
Q: Why do people have crooked teeth?
A: There are several potential factors that may contribute to crooked teeth, including genetics, thumb sucking or pacifier use, facial trauma, overcrowding, poor oral habits, tooth loss or improper eruption, and jaw size discrepancies or malocclusions.
Q: How can I fix my crooked teeth?
A: There are various orthodontic solutions available to correct crooked teeth. These include traditional braces, self-ligating braces like Damon braces or ceramic braces, Invisalign®, two-phase orthodontic care, and other appliances like space maintainers. Consult with an orthodontist for a personalized treatment plan.
Q: Can adults get their crooked teeth fixed?
A: Yes, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth. With advancements in technology and aesthetics, adult braces like ceramic braces or Invisalign® are now more discreet and comfortable than ever.
Q: How long does it take to fix crooked teeth?
A: The length of treatment for crooked teeth depends on the severity of misalignment and the chosen method of correction.
Achieve Your Dream Smile Today
Crooked teeth can affect both your oral health and your confidence, but modern orthodontic treatments offer effective solutions to help you achieve a healthy, straight smile. Understanding what is the cause of crooked teeth—whether it’s genetics, poor oral habits, or other factors—is essential in determining the right treatment plan for you or your child.
At MP Orthodontics, we combine advanced technology with compassionate care to ensure that every patient receives a customized and comfortable experience. Don’t wait to transform your smile—schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward lasting oral health and confidence.