Protecting oral health is very important for the maintenance of general body health. Having crooked teeth is not only an aesthetic problem that affects the smile, but can also lead to many different health problems. Dentist Murat İnce gave information on the subject.
Although genetic predisposition is the biggest factor that can be considered among the causes of crooked teeth, it is known that many other factors can lead to crooked teeth problems that can affect the quality of life. Advanced treatment methods, especially those applied in the early stages, can provide patients with a comfortable recovery experience.
What is crooked tooth?
The crookedness or irregularity that occurs in the teeth that should be in a certain order and sequence on the jawbone is an orthodontic disorder called crooked teeth. This disease, which is classified as mild or advanced depending on the degree of crookedness, can develop in the front or back teeth and as a whole or in a certain area. This situation, which threatens dental health and subsequently body health, can pave the way for tooth loss, decay, jaw problems and even digestive problems, especially gum disease and plaque formation.
Causes of crooked teeth problem
There are many notable factors that cause crooked teeth. These factors, ranging from nail-biting habits that erode tooth enamel to poor oral hygiene, can be related to genetic or environmental factors as well as being a result of medical problems. Accordingly, the conditions that can lead to crooked teeth can be listed as follows: Not having regular oral and dental care, not providing adequate hygiene in the mouth and delaying the treatment of gum diseases can negatively affect the proper alignment of the teeth. The changing jaw size throughout the developmental history of a person is also considered another reason for the formation of crooked teeth, and in addition to genetic inheritance from the family, it is thought that the jaw size that has shrunk from the past to the present in a broader perspective also causes this problem. Some habits developed since infancy can also cause the teeth to become crooked over time. These include nail-biting, thumb-sucking, long-term use of a pacifier or bottle, and constant mouth breathing. Along with these myofunctional habits, early loss of milk teeth can also play a role in misalignment and therefore the development of crookedness.
Malocclusion is the incorrect closing of the jaws and especially during sleep, teeth clenching or grinding can be encountered more frequently. In addition, it is known that the resting position of the tongue can also affect the placement of the teeth and that pressure or pushing movements made during this time can increase the crookedness. Gum diseases and nutritional deficiencies are other factors that cause crooked teeth. This problem can increase especially with the intensive consumption of hard and sticky food items. Moreover, injuries, traumas or infections in the gums are also the main reasons for the formation of crooked teeth. In addition to all these, it is accepted that congenital health problems and aging are also key factors in the formation of crooked teeth. Especially with increasing age, the teeth shift forward and the jawbone wears out over the years and becomes deformed, which can increase the severity of the crookedness.
Crooked teeth can also disrupt general body health.
Crooked teeth, which can make brushing, flossing and similar oral care and hygiene processes difficult, can also cause tooth decay and other dental and gum problems. This means tooth loss over time. The problems caused by crooked teeth are not limited to the inside of the mouth. Chronic gum diseases pose a threat to other organs and increase the risk of heart disease or systemic diseases such as diabetes. Following the occurrence of this problem, it is possible for the digestive system to be negatively affected by the deterioration of the correct chewing function. Foods that are not chewed well reach the stomach less digested, which can lead to stomach problems, intestinal problems and indigestion, reducing the quality of life. Crooked teeth can also cause a person to restrict themselves socially, lack of self-confidence and depression due to these. Headaches and jaw pains, excessive tooth wear and sensitivity caused by this problem in the teeth affecting the jaw structure and function can trigger bigger problems that will become chronic in the long term. Moreover, it is a fact that crooked teeth make it difficult to speak, prevent the correct sounds from being produced and, as a result, negatively affect human relationships.
How are crooked teeth diagnosed?
The diagnosis of crooked teeth can be easily made with observation and physical examination in the first step. For this, it is important to consult a specialist orthodontist. After the diagnosis, some tests may need to be performed in order to plan the necessary treatment. During this time, patients' mouth x-rays are taken and the necessary measurements are taken with appropriate procedures. The position of the teeth and tooth roots can be seen in more detail as a result of the x-ray. In addition, impacted teeth in the gums, if any, can be detected with this method. In addition to the known classical x-ray application, cephalometric or panoramic x-rays can reveal the holistic relationship of the teeth with the jaw and the jaw with the head in detail. Monitoring the dental development process of younger patients may also be an option for diagnosis. However, in some cases, functionality is checked with various applications and the contact, closing form and static structure of the teeth can be examined throughout the period. If necessary, 3D scanning devices, which are more modern methods, can also be used.
Is it too late to have your crooked teeth straightened?
Dentince Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic Manager Dentist Murat İnce said, “There is actually no exact age limit for the treatment of crooked teeth, most of which are corrected at an early age. Especially with the methods developed in recent years, it is possible to obtain satisfactory results for patients of all ages. However, of course, when considered in terms of comfort and convenience, it is recommended by experts to start the treatment at the earliest possible age. However, it is also possible to say that the 'Invisalign' method, which provides superior results for adults who are concerned about aesthetics and health, has broken new ground in the treatment of crooked teeth. In addition to the usual braces and brackets, this technique uses more ergonomic and transparent plates that are not visible in the mouth and do not cause discomfort to the patient, and the treatment can be completed in a much shorter time.”
It is possible to correct crooked teeth with wire-free treatment
Invisalign is a transparent plate that is used to correct crooked teeth and can be removed at any time. In this system, where no wires or brackets are used, the plates are completely custom-designed and perfectly match the teeth. Each plate, prepared using a 3D computer, is suitable for regular use for 2 weeks. At the end of this period, it is important to renew the plates. Invisalign corrective dental treatment is completed in an average of 9 to 15 months, and this period varies depending on the degree of crookedness of the teeth. In each renewal, minor changes may be made to the plates depending on the way the teeth are corrected. While an average of 18-30 transparent plates are used throughout the treatment, the Invisalign system, which is a superior method in terms of aesthetics, provides sustainable comfort to patients. With this technique, which also has a shorter adaptation period compared to classic braces, it is much easier to maintain oral hygiene and does not require compromising on the pleasure of eating. This treatment, which has a high performance in terms of aesthetics, can be successfully applied to every patient from the age of 12.
Other methods used in the treatment of crooked teeth
Dentist Murat İnce said, “In addition to the advanced Invisalign method, today, crooked teeth are still being treated with various braces, fillings and prosthetic procedures. The braces that can be preferred for this can be metal, ceramic or lingual, depending on the patient. Ceramic braces are a type where tooth-colored or transparent brackets are used and although they are less visible than metal brackets, they are much more prone to staining and breaking. Lingual braces are not recommended for people with advanced tooth misalignment, but they provide a hidden appearance by being bonded to the back surface of the teeth. Their cleaning is relatively more difficult. Orthognathic surgery is one of the permanent solutions applied to patients with jaw development problems as well as tooth misalignment. Which one to choose and how to plan should be a joint decision between the patient and a specialist dentist.”
