One of the best accessories that anyone can wear is their smile. But there are times when misaligned teeth can get in the way of your confidence, thus resulting in poor self-esteem. Allow us to say that there is nothing wrong with having imperfections. But there are times that misaligned teeth can affect a person’s speech. They can also make dental hygiene a lot difficult, which can increase the risk of bacterial infection. But what causes a person’s teeth to grow crooked or twisted?
The primary causes of malocclusion
Malocclusion commonly occurs because of hereditary conditions. It means that this dental condition gets passed through every generation in the family. There are also some conditions or habits that can affect the shape and structure of a person’s jaw. They include cleft lip and palate, as well as injuries that can affect the jaw’s alignment. Meanwhile, frequent use of pacifiers even after the age of three can also cause a child to develop malocclusion. Furthermore, tumors in the jaw or mouth, as well as abnormally shaped teeth, can result in the same thing.
Common symptoms of malocclusion
Depending on the degree of the condition, the symptoms of malocclusion can vary from subtle to severe symptoms. The most apparent sign of malocclusion is the improper alignment of a person’s teeth. There are also times when alterations can happen to their faces.
People with misaligned teeth can also suffer from speech problems and discomfort when biting or chewing. Some even become a mouth breather, instead of breathing through their noses. Eating can also be a problem when you have teeth misalignment. It can interfere with your chewing and can make keeping teeth clean a lot harder. It also makes some people feel conscious about how they look, which often affects their self-esteem.
Treating crooked and misaligned teeth
Once your orthodontist confirms your condition, they will choose the best treatment for misaligned teeth. In some cases, a removable retainer is enough to correct the problem. But for most people, braces are necessary to help fix the problem. Options such as gold braces are now available to give your smile a more radiant glow. In rare cases, your orthodontist may suggest an operation to resolve extreme overbite.
Preventing malocclusion
Preventing malocclusion can be a challenge, especially since most of these cases are e result of hereditary conditions. But parents can still do something to prevent it from occurring. One way to do it is by limiting the use of pacifiers and bottles. Doing so reduces the changes in their kid’s jaw development. Also, early detection of the condition can help cut down the length of time needed to fix the problem.
Every smile is perfect, no matter what it looks. But if you feel like it is already interfering with your life, then you might want to consider going to an orthodontist to see what solutions they have. Your orthodontist will check your condition and see which treatment can help you best. What is important is that you remain confident about yourself and your appearance.