Achieve the Straight Smile You Deserve
Crooked teeth are a common orthodontic problem that affects oral health, making it harder to clean your teeth and leading to other dental problems. They can also negatively impact your self-esteem, making you feel self-conscious about your smile.
Dr. Stephen Grussmark provides personalized orthodontic treatment for patients in Coral Gables, Brickell, and Hialeah, FL. Read on to learn why you’re in good hands with our skilled Miami orthodontist.
What Are Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth are teeth that aren’t aligned properly, resulting in an irregular or uneven appearance. They may be rotated, tilted, or overlapping, and can affect both the appearance and functionality of the teeth. This condition is also known as malocclusion, meaning the teeth don’t fit together properly when the jaws are closed. Crooked teeth can cause difficulty chewing, speaking, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Several factors can cause crooked teeth, including:
- Thumb Sucking or Pacifier Overuse: Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can cause crooked teeth.
- Tongue Thrusting: This is when the tongue pushes against the teeth, causing them to move out of place.
- Dental Trauma: Injuries to the mouth or jaw can cause crooked teeth.
- Poor Dental Habits: Not brushing and flossing can lead to crooked teeth.
Preventing Crooked Teeth
While some causes of crooked teeth, such as genetics, cannot be prevented, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing crooked teeth, including:
- Good Dental Hygiene: Brushing and flossing can help prevent crooked teeth.
- Avoid Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use: If you have children, try to wean them off thumb sucking and pacifier use as early as possible.
- Use a Mouthguard: If you play sports, use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury.
- Visit your Dentist Regularly: Routine dental checkups can help detect and prevent crooked teeth.
- Remove Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth that aren’t removed can cause teeth to come out of alignment or appear crooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can crooked teeth be genetic?
Yes, crooked teeth can be genetic. If a family member has crooked teeth, there’s a higher chance of their children having crooked teeth. In some cases, genetics may cause the jaw to be too small or too large, which can affect how the teeth grow and lead to crookedness.
What are the risks of leaving crooked teeth untreated?
Leaving crooked teeth untreated can lead to various oral health problems, such as difficulty cleaning teeth properly, increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and teeth grinding. Crooked teeth can also cause speech problems, jaw pain, and bite issues, which can affect overall oral health and quality of life.
Can crooked teeth be fixed without braces?
Yes, crooked teeth can be fixed without braces in some cases. Clear aligners such as Invisalign can straighten crooked teeth without braces. However, the severity of the crookedness and the individual’s unique situation will determine whether clear aligners are a suitable option.
Does insurance cover the cost of orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth?
In most cases, dental insurance will partially cover the cost of orthodontic treatment for crooked teeth. However, the amount of coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan and individual policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered and what’s not.
Don’t Settle for Crooked Teeth. Schedule a Consultation Today!
Crooked teeth can harm your oral health and self-esteem. Several treatment options are available, including braces, Invisalign, and retainers. If you have crooked teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Grussmark by calling our Miami, FL, office at (305) 441-1200. You can also book an appointment online by filling out our convenient contact form.
