Search results for 'crooked teeth' (2)
5 Reasons That Some People Have Crooked Teeth A crooked tooth can add an endearing quality to your look or throw your whole mouth out of alignment. Crooked teeth occur for many reasons, some of which could require a relatively simple fix. Some situations are more complicated and require months of treatment to have your smile where you want it to be. Genetics can play a part in misaligned teeth. Some of the other reasons to visit an Orlando orthodontist for crooked teeth can include: 1.Thumb Sucking The soothing act of thumb sucking has been a blessing and a curse since dentists realized this could be causing crooked teeth in children. At what point do you use other methods to calm your child, rather than letting them suck their thumb? Many dentists believe that calming your child by prompting them to suck their thumb or use a pacifier and/or feeding them with a bottle after they turn 3 years old can be a contributing factor in their misaligned teeth. 2.Tongue Thrusting Tongue thrusting is similar to thumb sucking in the damage it can do to the roof of the child's mouth and jaw. Tongue thrusting can cause issues later in life due to misaligned teeth, bite problems, and even changing the shape of a person's face. Speech deficits can occur when teeth do not line up as they need to, which can result in difficulties speaking due to tongue placement. 3.Missing Teeth Missing teeth at whatever age is often a reason for crooked teeth. The existing teeth will eventually grow towards the space left by a missing tooth or teeth, and the movement can result in the teeth becoming misaligned. Traumatic loss of teeth or broken teeth need to be repaired as quickly as possible to help ensure that the natural teeth will stay where they belong. 4.Malnutrition Misaligned teeth are common among people in the homeless community due to poor nutrition. Even if you are not homeless, it is possible to be malnourished and not realize it if your diet does not consist of the necessary foods needed to supply vitamins and minerals to keep your body, including your teeth, healthy. Your Orlando orthodontist might ask you about your diet as part of your exam if it seems like malnutrition plays a part in the problems you have with your teeth. 5.Gum Disease Crooked teeth in elderly people are often the result of many years of gum disease. Unhealthy gums can cause teeth to become loose and move around in your mouth when they are not supported by firm, healthy gums. Teeth becoming out of alignment can be one of the symptoms of gum disease if you do not have routine dental checkups. Contact our office today at Baptiste Orthodontics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baptiste or Dr. Morris. Our Orlando orthodontists are experts at dealing with many issues related to misaligned teeth in hopes of giving you a healthy smile you love.
What Causes Misaligned or Crooked Teeth? A misaligned bite, twisted, overlapping, or crooked teeth can have many causes. A smaller-then-average mouth means your teeth may become crowded causing them to twist within the gums or displace each other. If your upper jaw sticks out further than your lower jaw, your upper teeth will protrude beyond your lower teeth, causing an "overbite." If your lower jaw sticks out, you'll have an "underbite." There is often a genetic element to misaligned and crooked teeth, which means you can inherit the condition from a family member. However, losing juvenile "milk teeth" early or excessive thumb-sucking can also lead to dental problems. Dentists recommend that children don't use pacifiers or feeding bottles beyond three years old to avoid misalignment of teeth due to uneven pressures. In adults, gum disease, physical injury, tooth loss through decay, poorly constructed restorations such as crowns and fillings, and cancer of the jaw may cause crooked or misaligned teeth. What Effects Do Misaligned Bites and Crooked Teeth Have? Besides undermining a person's self-esteem because of their appearance, misaligned bites and crooked teeth can make it difficult to chew food and maintain good dental hygiene. If you can't clean your teeth and gums well you may have an increased risk of developing secondary problems such as gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and discoloration. Misaligned and crooked teeth may also put added strain on jaw muscles which can cause discomfort. How Are Misaligned Bites and Crooked Teeth Diagnosed? Most misaligned bites and crooked teeth are visible and need no other diagnosis. However, not all cases need the same treatment. A close examination will help your dentist decide what course of action to take. After assessing the alignment of your teeth, how it affects your appearance, and whether you experience difficulty eating or talking, your dentist may refer you to a specialist orthodontist for further assessment and treatment. What Does the Orthodontist Do? The orthodontist will make a more detailed analysis of your condition. This process is painless and may include taking X-rays and photographs of your face and mouth. Your dental practitioner will make an impression of your teeth in a special material. The orthodontist uses all the information gathered from these tests to devise a personalized treatment program for you. The analysis is not immediate, so you will need to come back for a follow-up appointment and treatment afterward. How Are Misaligned Bites and Crooked Teeth Treated? After diagnosis and development of a treatment plan, your orthodontist may use several treatment techniques to help you. In most cases, your orthodontist will fit you with a "retainer" or "brace," a removable structure which sits on the palate, temporarily bonded to your teeth. While it can take a long time to re-position your teeth with a retainer, it's a simple and effective solution. If overcrowding is the problem, selective removal of one or more teeth before application of a brace may help the others to realign. If the problem lies in a malformed jaw, then a surgical operation may be the only choice. Misaligned bites and crooked teeth are common. While they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, with a professional diagnosis and proper treatment, in most cases they are easily corrected. The earlier a dentist diagnoses a problem, the easier and more effective the treatment. If you or your children have any difficulties with misaligned bites or crooked teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible.