If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your teeth didn’t grow in straight, you’re not alone. Crooked teeth are a common concern and can result from various factors, some of which are beyond your control. At Brunswick Valley Orthodontics, we aim to help you understand why teeth grow in crooked and how orthodontic care can help you achieve a healthy, aligned smile.
Genetics: The Role of Family History
Genetics play a significant role in the development of crooked teeth. If your parents or grandparents had misaligned teeth, you might inherit similar traits. These traits include:
Jaw size and shape
Tooth size and spacing
Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
Jaw Size and Modern Diets
Believe it or not, the size of your jaw can influence how your teeth grow in. Over time, human jaws have become smaller due to softer diets and changes in chewing habits. A smaller jaw can mean less room for teeth to grow in properly, leading to crowding or misalignment.
Thumb-Sucking and Oral Habits
Certain childhood habits, like thumb-sucking, prolonged pacifier use, or tongue thrusting, can impact how teeth develop. These habits may exert pressure on the teeth and jaw, potentially causing them to shift out of alignment over time.
Early Loss of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. Losing them too early, whether due to decay or trauma, can cause neighboring teeth to shift into the empty space, leaving less room for the adult teeth to grow in straight.
Injuries or Trauma
Accidents or trauma to the mouth can disrupt the alignment of your teeth. A fall or impact can cause teeth to shift, leading to crooked growth patterns or spacing issues.
Misaligned Jaw Growth
The upper and lower jaws may not grow at the same rate, causing bite issues such as overbites, underbites, or open bites. These discrepancies can also lead to misaligned teeth.
Impacted Teeth
Sometimes, a tooth may not fully emerge from the gums, known as an impacted tooth. This condition often affects wisdom teeth but can also occur with other teeth, causing them to grow in crooked or push neighboring teeth out of alignment.
Why Crooked Teeth Matter
While crooked teeth can give your smile character, they can also lead to oral health challenges, such as:
Difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease
Excessive wear on certain teeth due to uneven bite pressure
Jaw pain or discomfort from misaligned bites
How Orthodontics Can Help
At Brunswick Valley Orthodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating crooked teeth and misaligned bites. With personalized treatment plans, we can address your unique needs using advanced orthodontic solutions, such as:
Traditional braces for precise, effective alignment.
Clear aligners for a discreet way to straighten your smile.
Interceptive orthodontics to guide teeth alignment in children and teens.
Take the First Step Toward a Straighter Smile
If you’re concerned about crooked teeth, know that help is just a call away. At Brunswick Valley Orthodontics, our team is here to guide you on your journey to a confident, healthy smile.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about what’s causing your teeth to grow in crooked and how we can help!