Crooked teeth are a common concern, and can be caused by a number of contributing factors.

Teeth are naturally crooked to some degree in most people. In fact, crooked teeth often contribute to a unique smile, and do not always need to be straightened. If, however, you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile because of the alignment of your teeth or are concerned that your oral health is suffering because of the position of your teeth, your orthodontist can help. While mild crookedness is common, there are several factors that can contribute to more severe misalignment of the teeth.

Read on to find out about the possible causes of this orthodontic concern, as well as the range of treatments that are available to address this problem and achieve a straight, healthy smile…

What causes crooked teeth?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the misalignment of the teeth. Sometimes, teeth erupt in a crooked manner, while in other cases, they become crooked over time. Habits like thumb sucking or prolonged use of a pacifier, for example, can cause the baby teeth to become crooked. Genetic factors also play a significant role in the alignment of one’s teeth — the size of one’s jaw, for example, can often lead to misalignment of the teeth, especially when there is not enough space for all of the teeth.

Malocclusion, in which the jaw itself is misaligned, can lead to crooked teeth. When malocclusion occurs, one may experience a range of issues, including an overbite or underbite. Malocclusion can be caused by genetic factors, or by certain myofunctional habits like mouth breathing and tongue thrusting. Fortunately, malocclusion of the jaw and bite-related issues can be addressed with orthodontic treatment.

Other factors that can contribute to crooked teeth include poor oral hygiene; poor dental development in children; and facial trauma.

What issues do crooked teeth cause?

Although crooked teeth do not always cause problems, it is possible for the issue to affect one’s oral health and function.

Health-related concerns that can be caused by crooked teeth include gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene (it can be difficult to thoroughly clean between crooked teeth); difficulty chewing; wear and tear of the teeth; speech problems; and TMJ disorder.

The good news is that crooked teeth can be resolved. There are a range of modern orthodontic solutions available, each of which can be customised to suit the individual patient. Ultimately, the decision to straighten crooked teeth is a personal one, but if you are struggling with an oral health concern or would simply like to improve the appearance of your smile, you could benefit from orthodontic treatment. The treatment that suits you best will depend on your particular concerns, as well as your lifestyle, budget and aesthetic goals. It is advisable that you speak to your orthodontist about the options that are available to you.

How can we help?

At iSmile Orthodontics in Melbourne, we offer a range of treatments designed to straighten crooked teeth. These include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners and orthodontic appliances. We treat patients of all ages and offer orthodontic solutions for both adults and children.

If you have crooked teeth and are concerned about the impact of the issue on the appearance of your smile and/or your oral health, we encourage you to come in and see us to discuss your treatment options. After a thorough examination, we will let you know which course of treatment is most appropriate for you. We will also answer any questions that you have, and provide you with all the information that you need before your treatment of choice begins.

If you would like to find out about the range of orthodontic treatments that we provide at iSmile Orthodontics, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 03 9466 8484 or get in touch with us here.