Do you know people in your life with straight smiles and feel a little envious? At Hawley Orthodontics, we get it. It’s totally normal to wonder how fixing your crooked teeth can enhance your life. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common questions about crooked teeth so you can take a well-informed jump into your smile transformation journey.
1. What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Overcrowding
- Prolonged thumb-sucking and tongue thrust
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Improper jaw development
- Poor dental hygiene
- Accidents or injuries to the mouth
2. Are Crooked Teeth Genetic?
Yes, genetics can play a role in the development of crooked teeth. If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, there’s a higher likelihood you’ll experience similar orthodontic issues. For example, you can inherit a small upper or lower jaw, (which can contribute to crowding,) or you can inherit being more prone to cavities, which, if left untreated, can lead to gum disease, and consequently tooth loss, gaps, and crooked teeth.
3. Does It Matter If My Child’s Baby Teeth Are Coming In Crooked?
Yes and no. Slightly crooked baby teeth that still leave an appropriate space for their adult counterparts to erupt aren’t typically a cause for concern. However, crooked baby teeth that block adult teeth from erupting straight can cause them to come in crooked.
Early intervention by a dentist or orthodontist can help address problematic crooked baby teeth and prevent future alignment problems. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests taking your child to their first orthodontic appointment around age seven. At this age, an orthodontist can assess your child’s oral development and, if needed, provide early orthodontic treatment, such as limited braces or a palatal expander to make way for the proper eruption of adult teeth.
4. Can Using A Pacifier Make Teeth Crooked?
We mentioned earlier that prolonged thumb-sucking or tongue thrust can contribute to crooked teeth. But can using a pacifier make teeth crooked, too? Yes, using a pacifier into the later toddler years can contribute to extra pressure on the teeth, causing malocclusions like an open bite or crossbite. It can even change the shape of your child’s palate. In fact, a 2001 study found that crooked teeth or jaws existed in nearly 71% of the participating children who continued to use a pacifier or suck their thumbs past age four.
5. Is It Ok That Permanent Teeth Are Coming In Crooked?
Adult teeth that come in slightly crooked sometimes straighten out naturally as other adult teeth come in. On the other hand, significant misalignments might become an issue and should be evaluated by an orthodontist. They can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, breathing, or an increased risk of tooth decay.
6. What Can The Orthodontist Do To Fix Crooked Teeth?
Skilled orthodontists like Dr. Hawley and Dr. Brace provide personalized treatment options with modern braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early interceptive orthodontics to fix crooked teeth and misaligned bites. As your Papillion orthodontists, we pair high-tech tools with an upbeat, patient-centered approach for advanced, enjoyable care.
7. What Are My Options For Fixing Crooked Teeth?
Answering the question, “What are my options for fixing my crooked teeth?” requires looking at it from a case-by-case perspective. Think of it this way: the best option for treating your unique orthodontic issues depends on the severity of your misalignment and your personal preferences. We offer Invisalign clear aligners, and self-ligating metal and ceramic braces — all without upcharges so you can truly choose the option that suits you best.
8. What Do Braces Do For Crooked Teeth?
Braces are a tried-and-true method for straightening crooked teeth, aligning the bite, and fixing gaps. They apply constant pressure on teeth to shift them into the desired positions gradually. Consisting of brackets and wires, your orthodontist will periodically adjust the wire to fine-tune your tooth movements for a beautiful, straight, and functional smile result.
9. How About Invisalign For Crooked Teeth?
Invisalign is a custom-made system that fits snugly over your teeth like a mouthguard, gradually shifting your teeth as you progress from set to set. These clear aligners are a popular choice for straightening crooked teeth because they’re nearly invisible. Plus, Invisalign is removable, so some patients find it easier to eat, brush, and floss compared to traditional metal braces.
10. Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?
Veneers can improve the appearance of crooked teeth by covering them with a thin layer of porcelain or composite material, but they don’t straighten your real teeth. They’re more suitable for correcting minor cosmetic imperfections than addressing alignment issues.
11. Can You Fix Crooked Teeth Without Braces?
Braces are the most common method for straightening crooked teeth and fixing a misaligned bite. However, if you’re hesitant about the look of braces, discreet clear aligner treatment like Invisalign may be a better option for fixing crooked teeth, especially in the hands of a highly experienced 2024 Invisalign Platinum+ Provider like your Hawley Orthodontics team.
Got More Questions? Your Papillion Orthodontists Has Your Answers
Hopefully, we’ve answered many of your questions about crooked teeth and how to fix them. So, what’s the first step towards a straight smile? Consulting experienced orthodontists like Dr. Hawley and Dr. Brace. We approach smile transformations as a life-changing step that enhances our patients’ teeth and has a ripple effect of positive vibes and doing good.
Have more questions? We’d be more than happy to answer them! Schedule an in-depth initial appointment with your Papillion, NE, orthodontist today!.
