Many individuals wonder why their teeth may become crooked if they never experienced any significant changes to their oral health However, minor alterations that you may not expect, will result in the shifting or crookedness of your teeth.
Genetics play a significant role in the placement of your teeth. The most occurring case is when both parents have crooked teeth, it will be passed down to the child. As a result an irregular bite takes place allowing either an overbite, underbite, open or cross bite to happen. The shape of your jaw will also determine the rotation and shift of your teeth.
Oral habits are very common as we may not realize we are doing them. Thumb sucking and excessive pacifier use for long periods of time, tongue posturing and mouth breathing are prime examples of this. Thumb sucking creates pressure behind the top front teeth which leads to an overjet or open bite. Orofacial (mouth & face)and Myofunctional (muscle function) disorders are present as well. Breathing through your mouth for long periods of time causes issues with face development allowing an irregular bite and crooked teeth to take place. Tongue posturing is when your tongue hits against protrudes in between the front teeth. This starts from talking or swallowing. When your tongue rests in a forward position, the outside of your mouth puts pressure against the teeth while your facial muscles exert pressure that interferes with craniofacial development (poor bite).
The loss of baby teeth is a recurring issue that seems to be dismissed quite often. Baby teeth aid in speech development and chewing while saving space for your incoming permanent teeth. If they are lost before the appropriate time, remaining teeth will move towards the gap and permanent teeth will not go up and they will become impacted (stuck under tissues or bone which leads to crowding).
Trauma resulting in dental injury such as displacement of teeth, or a soccer ball to the mouth cause shifting of the teeth to help make up with the loss of the ‘lost’ tooth.
Not replacing permanent teeth can lead to various complications. It is essential to replace them with a dental implant or restoration as similar issues will happen as losing baby teeth early. The most common problem is your teeth shifting into the available space.
Changes with age are sadly an unavoidable concern. Your bite will deepen and your teeth will start moving naturally. To help prevent this from becoming serious, it is important to wear your retainer or invisalign after treatment.
Improper restorations at the dentist lead to crooked teeth whether it is poor fillings, bridges or crowns. All have a negative influence on the bite and lead to pain, misaligned teeth and reduced function in the mouth.