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You’re not the only one who has wondered why some people have crooked teeth while others have perfect smiles. There are several reasons someone can have crooked or misaligned teeth growing up. Luckily, East Nashville family dentistry can solve the problem and help correct these imbalances.   

If you want to learn more about misaligned and crooked teeth and how they come to be, here’s a guide to help you.

What Causes Crooked and Misaligned Teeth?  

Thumb-Sucking in Children  

According to studies, children who suck their thumbs as babies are more likely to have crooked teeth than those who don’t. This is because regular thumb-sucking prevents developing teeth from growing properly; when this behavior persists until the eruption of permanent teeth, the likelihood of having crooked teeth increases.  

Accident or Surgery   

Your teeth will grow differently if you suffer a facial injury or undergo surgery when you are young, as it affects your teeth, gums, and jaw. This explanation may apply to some cases of crooked teeth, particularly when the trauma isn’t well managed. In younger patients, facial trauma involving tooth loss can lead to crooked teeth or improper bites.   

Genetics  

Genetic conditions passed down from one family member to the next, repeating the cycle with each generation, can result in misaligned teeth. Some individuals still have crooked teeth due to genetics, even though they have practiced adequate dental hygiene their whole life.  

Overbite or Underbite  

 An overbite or underbite might be behind your misaligned jaw or crooked teeth. Additional causes of a bad bite include genetics and early-life trauma. The good news is that your dentist can address this issue using orthodontics.  

Oral Hygiene Issues  

Gingivitis (the early stages of gum disease) may develop if you don’t maintain appropriate dental hygiene. About half of adults over 30 in the US have gum disease, according to the Journal of Dental Research. Periodontitis can also result from untreated gingivitis. Gum disease is more severe and might make your teeth become loose, move, or even fall out.  

Incorrect Jaw Position  

Your top teeth should naturally go in front of your bottom teeth. When they don’t line up in this way, malocclusion happens. Both an overbite and an underbite can cause your teeth to be out of alignment. When you have an overbite, your upper front teeth protrude much further than your lower front teeth. 

The opposite occurs when you have an underbite; the lower front teeth go over your top front teeth. Malocclusion is the outcome of oral abnormalities.

Are You Looking for a Reliable East Nashville Family Dentistry?   

At Greenwood Local Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer efficient and dependable oral health care solutions to assist you in treating your dental issues. We’ll ensure you receive the best benefits for your dental health and orthodontic problems. Do you have any questions? Our dentist and dental team will be happy to provide the answers you seek. Contact our staff to learn more or to book your next appointment. We can’t wait to help you transform your smile.