Have you ever noticed that some people’s teeth are crooked? If you’ve looked closely, you might have seen that it isn’t just one tooth that appears to be off, but many of them—and in different ways! What causes crooked teeth? Are they easily corrected? Are they permanent or do they continue to worsen with age? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind crooked teeth and the available treatments available.
How To Fix Crooked Teeth?
Some orthodontists believe that problems in early childhood like thumb sucking or even sleeping on your side can cause crooked teeth, but researchers aren’t sure. What we do know is that crooked teeth are a common problem, and most of us have them to some degree. The good news is that many people with mild malocclusions can treat their crooked teeth at home with orthodontic toothpaste or other treatments available over-the-counter. If you have severe malocclusion (overbite or underbite), you might need to see an orthodontist for treatment; they can use braces to slowly straighten your teeth and bring back a healthy smile! It’s also important to note that there are several myths about what causes crooked teeth—but those myths don’t hold up when examined by medical professionals.
There are three main factors which determine whether or not someone has malocclusion: genetics, environment, and development of facial structures. Genetics play a big role in determining whether someone will be born with straight teeth or not—there’s just no way around it! Research has shown that roughly 30% of children who develop crooked teeth have parents who also had bad bites as children, which makes sense when you think about it.
If your genetic makeup is to blame for your crooked teeth, there’s nothing you can do to fix them on your own; however, if your genes aren’t to blame for your crooked teeth (and most people don’t fall into that category), there are plenty of things you can do at home to treat them. In fact, if your bite isn’t too severe (mild overbite or underbite), orthodontic toothpaste may be all you need to get rid of those pesky gaps between your teeth! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends using products like Colgate® Ortho® BalancedTM Daily Protection Toothpaste because they contain ingredients like fluoride and xylitol which help strengthen enamel and prevent cavities while also gently moving misaligned teeth back into place.
How Much Will It Cost To Fix A Crooked Tooth?
The cost of fixing a crooked tooth can vary from dentist to dentist, depending on where you live and what type of treatment you need. When shopping around for an orthodontist near you, ask them how much they’ll charge for certain types of treatments. By knowing what to expect, you’ll be better prepared for your final bill. In general, it may cost about $4,000 to fix a crooked tooth. While that might seem like a lot of money—and it is—that’s only a fraction of what some people spend in order to get their teeth straightened out. You could also consider getting braces instead of having surgery done. Braces are less expensive than surgery but take longer to work.
If you have children who will require braces in a few years, then go ahead and get them fitted now. That way, when they do need braces (or if they just want straighter teeth), they won’t have to pay as much as someone who needs them right away would have to pay. And keep in mind that many dental insurance plans cover part or all of these costs so check with your provider before going through with any procedures! They might not cover every expense but it never hurts to ask.
Also, there are financing options available if you don’t have enough cash on hand to pay for everything at once. With monthly payments, even costly dental procedures can become more affordable. Just make sure you read over all paperwork carefully before signing anything and understand exactly what kind of payments you’re agreeing to make.
How Crooked Teeth Can Impact Your Health?
When your teeth are crooked, it can make brushing and flossing difficult. Your mouth might not be able to close properly and if your gums are irritated or you have gum disease, food particles and plaque can build up in those hard-to-reach places. This can lead to infection and tooth decay, which could cause more problems. Since many of us consume more than 30 grams of sugar per day, these substances are at risk for causing tooth decay—and that’s regardless of how straight your teeth are. (And even if they aren’t straight!) It is possible to lose weight without affecting your teeth. However, as with any other health goal, there are ways to eat better while still enjoying sweets every now and then. To prevent cavities from occurring, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day too! If you do want to reduce cavities further, avoid eating sugary foods or drinks between meals. If you must indulge in something sweet after dinner but before bedtime. Try sucking on sugarless mints instead of chewing on regular ones. Chewing will keep your mouth busy so there’s less time for bacteria to form on your teeth! At night, use a mouth guard when you sleep. In addition to helping maintain healthy teeth and gums. It can also stop snoring and sleep apnea by keeping your jaw from dropping open during sleep.
And finally, if dental care isn’t included in your healthcare plan or affordable due to insurance costs. Ask about what options are available for paying out of pocket. The Affordable Care Act requires most plans sold on state exchanges to cover preventive services like annual checkups. Screenings and vaccinations free of charge! There may also be sliding scale programs available through community. Clinics that offer discounted dental services based on income level or financial need. Just ask around!
What Happens When You Ignore Crooked Teeth?
Sometimes, people don’t notice that their teeth are crooked until they’re older. This is a problem because it can lead to dental issues like cavities and gum disease. A dentist can usually straighten your teeth without much fuss (which is why it’s important to schedule regular checkups). In some instances, though, you might need braces for crooked teeth. When you have these metal tools strapped around your mouth, it might seem tough to eat or talk properly. However, dentists will typically give you instructions on how to care for your braces and keep them clean.
Also, over time, you should notice fewer issues with misaligned teeth as they get used to their new alignment! If you feel like your teeth aren’t perfectly aligned, visit our office in Columbia today. We can help determine if braces are right for you! There Are Two Main Types of Braces: Your treatment plan depends on what type of braces you receive. One common option is traditional metal braces. These types of braces are sturdy and rigid but sometimes hard to adjust at home. The other option is clear aligners, which use plastic brackets instead. Of metal wires to move your teeth into place more easily. Both options are great choices—the main thing is to find one that works best for you! For more information about types of orthodontic treatments we offer, call or email us today! You’ll be glad you did—and so will everyone who sees your beautiful smile!
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