All About Crooked Teeth: Causes and Treatment

The team at Morita Orthodontics knows their stuff when it comes to orthodontic care for Aiea and Honolulu, HI community. Our goal is to provide individualized treatment plans that leave patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. Crooked teeth are common, affecting a large portion of the population. Most people would love to improve the look of their teeth, but we’re here to give it to you straight – the importance of adjusting teeth isn’t all about appearance. Crooked teeth can cause a variety of problems, and stem from a variety of reasons. We’re here to tell you the how, the why and the what – as in what can we do about it?

What Causes Crooked Teeth – And How Can We Fix It?

Crooked teeth – also known as malocclusion – are a blanket way to describe a multitude of dental problems relating to a misaligned bite. The different types include:

• Overbite: Upper teeth overlap the lower teeth more than they should.
• Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth. 
• Crossbite: Upper teeth and lower teeth do not align properly, creating a situation where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth.
• Crowding: The jaw is too small for all the teeth, causing them to overlap or turn. 
• Spacing: Missing teeth, jaw size or uneven tooth sizes create noticeable gaps between teeth. 

Most causes of crooked teeth are beyond our control. Reasons you might have ended up with crooked teeth include:

• Genetics: Just like eye color or nose shape, dental issues can also be inherited. It’s not uncommon to recognize a trend through multiple generations of family members, including alignment issues, jaw size and even teeth size. 
• Habits: When you’re a child, certain habits can create dental problems if they go on too long. Excessive thumb-sucking, pacifier use or tongue thrusting can affect jaw development and teeth alignment as you grow. 
• Jaw Size: The size of your jaw can create teeth alignment issues. Interestingly, as modern food has become softer and easier to consume, human jaws have shrunk in size, leading experts to believe it can play a part in crooked and crowded teeth.
• Nutrition: Having poor nutrition as a child can lead to poor dental development, including crooked teeth.
• Injury: An injury to the mouth that leads to loosened or knocked out teeth can result in shifting teeth leading to crookedness. 

In this case, the cause isn’t necessarily as impactful as the effect. Crooked teeth can create issues with self-esteem, chewing, speaking, sleeping and more. Fortunately, Morita Orthodontics can help! There are plenty of treatment options available to alleviate issues stemming from malocclusion:

• Braces: Traditional braces use a series of brackets and wires to shift the teeth to their optimal positioning. Morita Orthodontics offers the latest and greatest in braces technology, giving options to suit any need. Choose from metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Harmony braces that fit on the back of the teeth.
• Invisalign: For a more subtle approach, Invisalign consists of clear removable aligners to transform teeth. A popular choice among adults, this is a great option for those with less severe issues.
• Surgery: For more advanced orthodontic problems, corrective jaw surgery might be the necessary route to take. 
• Orthodontic Appliances: Depending on your specific needs, a variety of orthodontic appliances may be used prior to or in conjunction with braces to fix the problems most effectively.
• Retainers: Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll want to ensure your teeth don’t shift back to their original position. This is done through a retainer. Maintaining consistent retainer use will guarantee a lifetime with a smile you’re proud of. 

Treatment is available for all ages, including adults. There are advantages, though, to scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation for children. It’s recommended your child visits our office by age 7 for a thorough examination to recognize emerging issues before they advance. Early treatment can allow problems to be fixed while the jaw and mouth is still developing with the intent of avoiding more complex treatment later down the road. 

Contact Morita Orthodontics To Take The Next Step Toward A Straighter Smile

The benefits of correcting crooked teeth go beyond just an improved appearance, and include:

• Improved Bite: Straightening teeth can improve bite function by reducing jaw strain and allowing more efficient chewing. 
• Better Oral Hygiene: With better access to reach teeth and gums, oral hygiene will be easier to maintain. This reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, paving the way for better overall health. 
• Confidence Boost: A smile you’re proud of boosts confidence, improving social interactions and the way you see yourself. 

There’s no reason to live another day feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable with your crooked teeth. Morita Orthodontics would be happy to bring our expertise and experience to the table to straighten things out for you – literally. Schedule an appointment today for a free new patient consultation to find out what treatment options are available to you!