Learn More About Crooked Teeth

Misalignment of the teeth is probably a common sign of having crooked teeth. But your dentist will evaluate your mouth further to determine if your case needs treatment. Here are the other signs to look out for:

• Rotated teeth.
  If you notice that your teeth are positioned awkwardly, this could be a sign that they are crooked.
  
  
• Nooks and crevices.
  While it’s common to have hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, crooked teeth create more uneven spaces and crowding, making brushing your teeth difficult.
  
  
• Plaque and tartar buildup.
  Crooked teeth make it easy for debris to accumulate and result in plaque, particularly in crowded areas in your mouth.
  
  
• Chewing difficulties.
  You may be having trouble chewing or biting food properly.
  
  
• Misaligned dentition.
  Your dentition or the arrangement of your teeth in your mouth is rotated or does not create a “U” shape.

If you do not address your crooked teeth, it can increase your risk of the following oral health problems:

• Gum disease.
  Difficulty cleaning between crooked teeth can lead to bacteria growth, irritating and inflaming the gums. However, this problem can progress to gum disease if left unaddressed.
  
  
• Tooth decay.
  When you overlook crooked teeth, you can become more prone to tooth decay and cavities. This is because, as we’ve mentioned, plaque can easily collect between the teeth and crowded areas in the mouth.
  
  
• Tooth wear.
  Crowding can often cause one or more teeth to protrude, which can make your upper and lower teeth rub against each other. When this friction occurs, there is a chance that the tooth enamel will begin to wear out.

The duration of straightening your crooked teeth depends on the type of treatment you will have. In most cases, it can take two to three years to realign the positions of the teeth with traditional dental braces. In contrast, Invisalign can improve teeth alignment within twelve to eighteen months. Of course, this can vary depending on the severity of your crooked teeth and other factors. It can be a good idea to consult the dentist to learn more about the estimated length of your treatment so you can prepare.

Teeth that are crooked or overlapping can change the position of the tongue. This can allow excess air to pass between your teeth and tend you to speak with a lisp. When this happens, you may have trouble pronouncing certain words affecting how you communicate.

There is no way to prevent crooked teeth in adults, but there are ways to keep yourself away from the potential damage that misalignment can cause. Visiting your dentist for a regular checkup can allow you to look for signs of crowded teeth and provide the appropriate treatment plan.

For children, it may be possible to provide early intervention to prevent developing crooked teeth. Parents should check and help their children avoid oral habits, such as thumb sucking, pacifiers, and bottle feeding at a late age. These activities can apply constant pressure to their kids’ gums and affect their teeth and jaw development. Bringing children to a dental appointment at an early age can allow the dentist to monitor the growth of their primary teeth.