What Causes Crooked Teeth?

iStock_000047020160_MediumDo you ever wonder why you’re the only one in class with braces? Are you an adult whose teeth have gotten crooked again even after years of wearing orthodontic appliances? Does your child’s smile make you worry that they will need braces soon?

Like many others, you wonder what causes teeth to go out of alignment. Here are some factors that may contribute to your tooth-alignment woes.

Genetics

If you have a parent or older sibling who had braces, then you shouldn’t be surprised if you need treatment, too.

A lot of tooth problems can be blamed on genetics. It’s possible for someone’s jaw to be “programmed” too small to fit all the adult teeth. Does your father have an underbite? Does your mother have large teeth? You just might inherit such anatomical disadvantages that contribute to an uneven bite.

Oral Habits

Teeth move in response to pressure. Certain oral habits can force teeth out of alignment or affect the way they grow in as they erupt. Such habits include:

  • Tongue-thrusting
  • Thumb sucking
  • Chewing on fingernails or other objects

Missing Teeth

Teeth are constantly on the move. If they can drift forward, they will. Leaving gaps in you smile left behind by missing teeth gives the remaining ones space to move around in.

Wisdom Teeth

Pressure from wisdom teeth can force the others to crowd if there’s just not enough room for everybody. Wisdom teeth can be removed before they cause tooth alignment trouble.

Not Wearing Your Retainer

Getting braces isn’t usually a one-time solution. It’s a long process that gives you results you have to maintain. This means wearing a retainer to keep your teeth from reverting back to their old positions. If you’ve slacked off on wearing your retainer, then you may need re-treatment.

Family Orthodontics In Vista, CA

Determining the cause of a “bad bite” is often the first step in successfully straightening out your smile.

Which of the above reasons applies to your situation? Find out by scheduling an orthodontic assessment for each family member here at Brackets Wires & Smiles.