So maybe you have a stray tooth or two that happens to be a little bit crooked. Is it a big deal? Is it something that needs to be fixed? Or is it just a slight cosmetic issue?
At Orthodontics of Carson, we do not think that it is a waste of time or money to get your teeth straightened just for cosmetic purposes. Why? Because straighter teeth can have amazing benefits for your career as well as your love life.
That said, we realize that some people might not feel that it’s worth it to get a crooked tooth fixed just for looks. Or perhaps you are one of those people where you’d like to get your wayward tooth fixed, but you just can’t justify it if it is only done for vanity purposes.
Well, we are here to give you a medical reason as to why it is usually better to get your crooked teeth straightened. Read on.
Why Are Crooked Teeth So Common?
When teeth are crooked or misaligned, orthodontists call these issues “malocclusions.” Malocclusions are quite common. And in fact, some estimate that as many as nine out of ten people have at least some teeth that are not fully straight. Many of us also have wisdom teeth that are crowded in the back of the mouth.
Crooked teeth can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes the reason is simply genetics, but other times the culprits are habits that formed in early childhood that can impact tooth development. For example, if you liked to chew on pencils a lot when your permanent teeth were coming in, that might have made some of your teeth a little crooked.
What Is the Problem with Malocclusions (Crooked Teeth)?
The problem with malocclusions is that they can impact the functioning of your teeth and jaw. Crooked teeth can also sometimes crowd out other teeth, causing problems. These problems can range from gum disease to bites that don’t fit properly. This can lead to a cascade effect where an overbite or underbite makes it more difficult to chew food, thus causing stress in the jaw, which can lead to pain in the jaw that could become full-blown TMJ syndrome.
Uneven teeth are more difficult to clean properly and thus, they are more likely to build up plaque and tartar. Plaque and tartar buildup can attract bacteria that secretes acids that inflame gums and wear down tooth enamel. So, your crooked teeth could actually make you more prone to gum disease and cavities.
What Are Some Other Problems Caused By Crooked Teeth?
While it may seem somewhat obvious that crooked teeth might cause or aggravate gum disease and tooth decay, there are actually other issues that crooked teeth can cause that might surprise you.
One issue that misaligned teeth can contribute to is a speech disorder. If your teeth are not fitting together properly, you might be less able to make the types of words that you would like to make. This can be especially problematic for children who are struggling to learn how to speak properly and might feel especially self-conscious about it.
We’ve already talked about how crooked teeth can stress the jaw, and they can also make it more difficult to chew. If your food is not chewed properly, then you might have digestive disturbances or even have some problems swallowing your food.
And did you know that crooked teeth might actually cause sleep apnea?
Can Crooked Teeth Cause Sleep Apnea?
It may seem really surprising that crooked teeth could cause sleep apnea. But think about it, if the teeth are misaligned, this can impact the alignment of the jaw. And if the jaw is not resting together properly, then the tongue and throat might be in a poor position when you try to sleep at night.
Sometimes a misaligned jaw can actually create a situation where the tissues in the mouth block a person’s airway. So if you have obstructive sleep apnea and crooked teeth, it is a good idea to visit your local orthodontist in Carson.
Are All Crooked Teeth a Problem?
The short answer is no, not all teeth that are crooked can cause problems in the mouth. It really depends on where the tooth is and just how crooked it is. A slight slant to a tooth in the front of the mouth might make you feel self-conscious. But if there is enough space for the surrounding teeth and the tooth in question is not negatively impacting your bite, then it is likely not a problem.
However, if you notice that your teeth seem crowded, or your gums are starting to bleed where your misaligned teeth happened to be, then getting the teeth straightened might be well worth it.
How Can You Tell Which Crooked Teeth Are Not a Problem, and Which Are?
If you have crooked teeth that are causing problems in the mouth, then you might already be having symptoms. Some common gum disease symptoms will include inflamed gums, gums that bleed when brushing and flossing, and tenderness in the mouth. Problems chewing or speaking should also be addressed. And if you have obstructive sleep apnea, and you think it might be related to how your jaw is sitting, then this is also something to review with your Carson orthodontist.
However, don’t wait until symptoms present before getting an assessment. You might be developing gum disease and you don’t realize it. At Orthodontist of Carson, we can review the malocclusions in your mouth and let you know if there is any medical need to straighten your crooked teeth.
Straightening Crooked Teeth in Carson, California
Want straighter teeth? Orthodontics of Carson has the expertise to fix your crooked teeth safely and as quickly as possible, using the latest in orthodontic technologies. It’s almost never too late to straighten your teeth, so get started today. Our affordable payment plans will make it easy for you to get the smile of your dreams.
If you have crooked teeth you’d like straightened, contact Orthodontics of Carson today at (424) 391-8941. We help children and adults of all ages get beautiful straight teeth.
