What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth can occur as a result of overcrowding, genetics, or myofunctional habits in childhood. Straightening crooked teeth and correcting myofunctional habits early on in oral development can help your child’s jaw form correctly and increase their self-confidence.
Crooked teeth can increase a patients risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and complex bite conditions such as TMJ. Straightening crooked teeth at any age provides patients with a more comfortable bite.
What Problems Can Crooked Teeth Cause?
- Chronic Headaches
- Malocclusion, which is the misalignment of your teeth, can lead for uneven wear on your jaws and teeth. This kind of wear can lead to chronic headaches. If you find yourself with chronic headaches and no other health problems, ask Dr. Hendrix if they may be caused by the alignment of your teeth.
- Tooth Decay Leading To Gum Disease
- The same harmful bacteria that causes bad breath can also cause both tooth decay and gum disease. The bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up, especially in the areas that are hard to clean, caused by crooked and overlapping teeth. That lead to an increased risk of cavities and inflammation in the gums.
- Bad Breath
- Bacteria causes bad breath. Crooked teeth cause overlapping teeth to create nooks and crannies. These nooks and crannies become perfect places for bacteria to hide when you brush and floss. Crooked teeth are difficult to navigate with a toothbrush and floss, so this bacteria sticks around in your mouth after you have finished with your oral care routine.
- Damage To Your Teeth
- Misalignment causes uneven wear on certain teeth. It can even cause some teeth to point in the wrong direction or to rub up directly against each other. This kind of friction can leave the teeth with tiny fractures leaving the teeth susceptible to future breakage.
- TMJ Disorder
- Misalignment also causes excessive wear on your jaw and its hinge joint, the temporomandibular joint. Over time, this wear can lead to TMJ disorder, which can cause bruxism, pain in the face, neck, and shoulders, along with jaw popping and locking.
Schedule An Appointment
If you would you like to explore your treatment options for crooked teeth, visit one of our convenient Hendrix Orthodontic locations. To schedule an appointment, contact us or request an appointment online.