Reasons Why Your Teeth Misalign

The Prevalence of Misaligned Teeth

If your teeth are misaligned, you are not alone. In fact, about 90 percent of people have at least a little bit of misalignment. Your crooked teeth could be the result of genetics, childhood habits, injuries, tooth loss, or poor oral hygiene. Understanding the causes of misalignment is the first step towards finding a solution for your misaligned teeth, and possibly averting dental complications.

Identifying Misalignment

Misalignment can manifest in a number of different ways. The teeth may be crowded or crooked, especially if the jaw does not have enough space to accommodate all of them. An overbite is a type of misalignment in which the front teeth in the upper jaw overlap the lower teeth, while an underbite involves the lower teeth overlapping the upper front teeth when the jaw is closed. An open bite occurs when an overbite involves a gap in the front teeth. A crossbite is a condition in which the jaw is misaligned sideways. This results in the upper molars touching inside the lower molars.

Why Misalignment Happens

Sometimes, teeth are misaligned because the jaw is misaligned. This can happen because of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, birth defects, or trauma. TMJ disorders happen when there is a problem with the joint itself, or with the muscles or ligaments surrounding it.  Arthritis of the jaw and teeth grinding can also cause TMJ issues. Aside from jaw misalignment, misaligned teeth can be caused by:

• Genetics: If you have inherited a small mouth or jaw, you may develop crowded or crooked teeth. Poor palate or tooth development can also be genetic, and can lead to misalignment.
• Birth Defects: Birth defects affecting the symmetry of the face can lead to misaligned teeth. A cleft palate or lip, another type of birth defect, can also affect the alignment of the jaw, leading to misaligned teeth.
• Losing Baby Teeth Prematurely: There is an appropriate time for children to lose their primary teeth, in order to create space for permanent teeth. If the teeth are lost too early, because of tooth decay or dental trauma, it can cause the teeth next to the gap to become slanted and shift to a new position. This leads to misaligned permanent teeth.
• Poor Childhood Habits: Thumb-sucking or pacifier use after age three can interfere with the developing jaws and teeth. Tongue thrusting also interferes with proper development, leading to crowding, an open bite, or an overbite.
• Injury or Trauma: A hit to the face, often sustained in an accident or during active sports, can cause the teeth to be misaligned.
• Malnutrition: The right diet can help teeth and bones grow healthy and strong. Poor nutrition, on the other hand, can lead to poor dental development, tooth decay, gingivitis, and misaligned teeth.
• Lack of Dental Care: Skipped dental appointments and poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. These can cause teeth to shift, resulting in misalignment.

Consequences and Treatment of Misalignment

Misaligned teeth affect more than just the aesthetics of a person’s mouth. They can lead to difficulty chewing and speaking, pain, sleep apnea, and an increased risk of dental problems. Fortunately, there are solutions for misalignment. Sometimes, a palate expander will be used to increase the width of the mouth, allowing the teeth to shift into their proper positions. Braces and clear aligners can be used to straighten teeth, and veneers can be used for slightly misaligned teeth, in order to disguise the crooked look.

Address Your Dental Issues with Park 56 Dental Group

Take the first step to straighter, healthier teeth by scheduling an appointment with an expert, knowledgeable dental practice with a sterling reputation. At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.