Crooked Teeth

Some people who have crooked teeth feel self-conscious about the way their teeth look. They might be shy about smiling too wide, and they avoid getting their picture taken. Often they begin to seek out ways to get their teeth straightened so that they can have more confidence in their smile and feel better about themselves.

But crooked teeth are not only a cosmetic issue. Crooked teeth can impede proper chewing of food, they can make it difficult to clean in between if there is crowing and overlapping of teeth, and crooked teeth can cause the jaw to become misaligned which can put a strain on the jaw bones, muscles and teeth.

When you visit the dentist for regular cleanings, they can refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in straightening crooked teeth and misaligned bites. After the orthodontist takes a look at your mouth they will decide on the appropriate treatment for your mouth. Solutions can range from a retainer that is removable, some teeth may need to be removed in the case of severe crowding, braces can be used to correct some problems, but in the case of an extreme overbite or an under bite, jaw surgery may be necessary. An orthodontist can help you repair crooked, missing teeth. They can show you crooked teeth before and after pictures to give you an idea of what kinds of changes are possible with braces. Whether for upper or lower crooked teeth, getting then straightened out will solve many problems.

Orthodontic treatment can be done regardless of age, but the best time to do it is when children are between the ages of eight and 15 while the bone in the jaw is still growing. At this age, the dentist can take preventive measures to avoid future problems. Bite disorders can also be more easily addressed at this early age while the adult teeth are still coming in.

Many times people wonder about the cause of crooked teeth, but just as you have inherited the color of your eyes and hair, the alignment of your teeth is something that you are born with. You might call them, crooked teeth genes, but the alignment of our teeth is largely inherited. Other factors in early life such as thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier can have an impact on bite alignment.

Dental Veterinarians can help fix crooked teeth on dogs because crooked teeth in dogs can inhibit their ability to properly chew their food, and a misaligned bite on a dog can cause much discomfort in the animal.