Everyone would like to have straight teeth, but the truth is, only about 30-40% of the population has a naturally picture-perfect smile. What causes crooked teeth? An informative article from Medline Plus listed some of the common reasons:
Malocclusion is most often hereditary. This mean the condition is passed down through families. It may be caused by a difference between the size of the upper and lower jaws or between jaw and tooth size, which results in overcrowding or abnormal bite patterns. The shape of the jaws or birth defects such as cleft lip and palate may also be reasons for malocclusion.
Other causes include:
-Childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond age 3, and prolonged use of a bottle
-Extra teeth, lost teeth, impacted teeth, or abnormally shaped teeth
-Ill-fitting dental fillings, crowns, appliances, retainers, or braces
-Misalignment of jaw fractures after a severe injury
-Tumors of the mouth and jaw
Established dentists in Indianapolis continue to caution patients about the grave disadvantages of not correcting this dental problem. More food tend to be trapped between crooked teeth due to their awkward position. Since they are also harder to brush and floss, issues such as plaque buildup, cavities, and gum disease are more likely to occur, as well.
While braces can restore teeth to their ideal alignment, many people—especially adults—are put off by the prospect of wearing them for two or more years. Fortunately, there are now orthodontic options that can achieve the same results in far less time.
One such option is called the “Six Month Smile”. If the patient has a normal bite and their molars are not crooked, then braces will be attached only to the front teeth where the malocclusion is present. Since the front teeth shift much faster than the other teeth, the realignment can be completed in as little as six to nine months, hence the name of the procedure.
Of course, you need to consult first with a trusted Indianapolis dentist like Dr. Richard Gillum to know if this procedure is right for you. If you’re a candidate for the Six Month Smile treatment, then you can avoid dental problems while enjoying a more presentable smile—all achieved in record time.
(Source: Malocclusion of teethShare on facebookShare on twitterBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly version, MedlinePlus)