What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are a problem we see a lot at Walker Orthodontics. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that many patients in Douglas County choose to undergo orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth can look undesirable or feel uncomfortable, and may even put patients at risk of health problems. So, it is very important to fix a crooked smile. But before taking that step, many patients want to know more about why their teeth are this way. What causes crooked teeth to happen in the first place? Is it preventable? What are treatment options? Dr. Walker and the team at Walker Orthodontics are here to help answer these questions.
Some of the Causes
Every patient’s mouth is different, just like every patient’s reason for having crooked teeth may be different. There are a lot of causes for crooked teeth, and any one or combination of these reasons may trigger patients to seek orthodontic treatment in Worcester County. For example, crooked teeth can be caused by:
Genetics
Gingivitis
Premature loss of baby teeth
Thumb sucking
Disproportionate jaw and teeth (jaw is too small to accommodate teeth properly)
Pressure on teeth or gums
These factors will result in teeth that are misaligned, overlapping, angled, or growing in improperly. In addition to being visually unappealing, teeth that grow in this way may be putting patients at risk for oral health problems in Worcester county, as bacteria, sugar, and food can get trapped in the misshapen spaces between teeth, and proper brushing and flossing becomes difficult or even impossible.
Can crooked teeth be prevented?
Dr. Walker says simply, sometimes they can, and sometimes they cannot. It all depends on what is causing the problem. For instance, if the crooked teeth are going to be inherited, there is no way to avoid them growing in this way. However, if they may be caused as a result of thumb sucking or gingivitis, there are steps patients can take to hopefully keep teeth straighter. So, Walker Orthodontics recommends that all patients take preventive measures to minimize the possibility of crooked teeth. Patients should practice good oral hygiene, being sure to brush and floss every morning and evening. Additionally, parents should be wary of kids’ thumb sucking or putting undue pressure on the teeth and gums, and try to help them kick these habits early on. It is also recommended to begin visiting the Walker Orthodontics office near Worcester County early on, so crooked teeth can be monitored closely and necessary action can be taken before problems become worse.
What are the treatment options?
Crooked teeth can be caused, and fixed, in many ways. If you are a patient near the Worcester County area suffering from misaligned teeth, contact Walker Orthodontics today. We can’t wait to help you get a straight, glowing smile.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Walker Orthodontics, with convenient orthodontic offices in Harvard & Lunenburg, by calling 978.345.7988 or clicking here to request your complimentary, no-obligation Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment.
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