Considering Orthodontics

Crooked Teeth More Than a Cosmetic Issue

Most children don’t think twice about their smiles until they are at least 10 years old, and hopefully much older. Hopefully what they know is that their smiles are dear to those who love them, but, dear or not, there are a few issues presented by crooked teeth.

What You Should Know About Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are common. In fact, if either parent had crooked teeth, it’s likely the children will have crooked teeth. This is because there are many factors involved in what makes teeth crooked, like the size of the jaw, the shape of the palate and the way teeth are positioned in the jaw.

What to Do About Crooked Teeth

First of all, ask your dentist how serious the crooked teeth are. He’ll let you know if the issue is merely cosmetic, or if it’s something that must be addressed and when. He can also make a recommendation for an orthodontist.

If your child has crooked teeth, she should see an orthodontist by the time she is 10 years old. At that time, the orthodontist will determine the cause of the crooked teeth and develop a strategy for straightening things out. This could include palate expanders, removing molars to make more room for other teeth and, eventually,  braces.

What Are the Drawbacks to Leaving Teeth Crooked?

Crooked teeth can cause a variety of problems, depending on where they are and the severity of the condition. At the very least, crooked teeth can make it harder to get teeth properly cleaned by just brushing and flossing. Depending on the position of the teeth, there can be an increased buildup of plaque which can eventually lead to tooth decay.

Crooked teeth can also cause painful problems with your “bite,” making it difficult to chew properly and sometimes making teeth knock together when you bite down on crunch foods. This can also place a strain on the muscles of the jaw.

Certain speech impediments can also be attributed to crooked teeth. If this is the case, it’s likely that your child’s dentist will recognize it and discuss it with you when the child is young, before the problem becomes cemented for your child.

The Unseen Challenge of Crooked Teeth

Even if your child’s crooked teeth pose no potential for increased risk of tooth decay, speech impediments or painful problems with her bite, many children – and, eventually, adults – suffer with self-esteem issues that stem from having crooked teeth.

If your child has crooked teeth, it’s a good idea to approach the subject with your family dentist the next time your child is having her teeth cleaned. Your dentist will tell you what you need to know about your child’s crooked teeth, whether it’s necessary to have them fixed or whether, like so many other things in life, having them will simply add character.