Crooked teeth are very common and have many causes.

The shape of your teeth is unique to you, and your teeth are what give your smile its distinctive personality. Most people have crooked teeth — to some degree or another — and the range of possible causes is varied.

Read on to learn more about the causes of crooked teeth, as well as the benefits of having straight teeth, and what you can do if you would like to straighten your crooked teeth.

What are the causes of crooked teeth?

Often, crooked teeth are handed down genetically. This is because genetic factors determine the size and shape of your jaw, as well as tooth development and the spacing of teeth within the mouth. Palate issues, overbites and underbites, all of which can lead to crooked teeth, also have genetic origins.

Bad habits can also lead to the development of crooked teeth, and these bad habits can begin early in life. There are, for example, established links between thumb-sucking in infancy and the development of crooked teeth. Other bad habits include mouth breathing, reverse swallowing, and tongue thrusting (pressing your tongue against your teeth when you swallow, instead of against your palate), all of which can lead to the development of crooked teeth.

Injury or trauma to the mouth or jaw can result in crooked teeth (if they are ‘knocked out of place’), and another often-overlooked cause of crooked teeth is gum disease. When left untreated, gum issues can develop into periodontitis, a condition where your teeth can become loose in your mouth and shift their positions.

What are the benefits of straight teeth?

Straight teeth don’t just translate into a better-looking smile: there are also numerous oral hygiene benefits to having straight teeth.

When your teeth are aligned, they are easier to clean effectively. This means they will ‘trap’ fewer germs, and reduce your risk of tooth cavities and gum disease. Furthermore, having straight teeth decreases the risk of chipping or wearing away your teeth through normal, everyday use. This is because, when teeth are professionally aligned, there are fewer ‘friction’ points in the mouth to negotiate.

Finally, if you are experiencing stress in your jaw, speak to your dentist, as this may also be related to having misaligned teeth.

How can I straighten my teeth?

Professional teeth alignment — known as orthodontistry — works on scientific principles. Your bones have two kinds of cells, ones that break down old bone and deliver it into your bloodstream (resorption), and ones that build your bone where it needs to be reinforced (ossification). By using alignment devices, an orthodontist can encourage movement and strengthening of your teeth in straightened positions.

There are two main options available for straightening crooked teeth: traditional braces, and clear plastic aligners.

Traditional orthodontic braces are made of wires, metal brackets and rubber bands. They are commonly used because they are effective — especially in younger patients with still-growing mouths — but have faded from popularity due to the arrival of new, invisible dental alignment technologies, such as Invisalign.

Clear plastic aligners provide all the benefits of traditional bracing, minus the metallic appearance and the associated oral hygiene issues related to keeping braces clean. Because they are highly effective, low maintenance, and practically invisible, clear plastic aligners are especially popular with older patients. They are an excellent choice for professionals looking to straighten their teeth, but without drawing unwanted attention to themselves.

How can we help?

Blue Star Dental offers high-quality dental services with a team of experts renowned for providing complete and compassionate care. A beautiful smile with properly aligned teeth is a dream for many people. It is possible to treat crooked or gapped teeth with modern technology like Invisalign, which is the ideal solution for creating a straighter smile with no wires, bands or brackets. For more information about Invisalign treatment options, please read more here.

At Blue Star Dental, we are passionate about welcoming patients into our cutting-edge clinic, where you will find the latest dental technologies in a relaxing environment. To book an appointment, please complete the form here.

The team at Blue Star Dental is focused on providing you and your family with the very best in holistic oral health care treatment. We offer an array of treatments, from preventative, to cosmetic and restorative dentistry. For more information about our range of dental treatments, please consult this page.