Crooked or misaligned teeth are a common issue nowadays. It is prevalent in a large percentage of the population. A lot of people face embarrassment and insecurity due to their misaligned teeth. If you are unhappy with your teeth alignment, consult a Monterey, CA dentist for teeth straightening.

Causes Of Teeth Misalignment

Both baby teeth, as well as permanent teeth, can develop into misaligned teeth. When young babies do not have sufficient gum spaces for fitting their teeth, it leads to the growth of misaligned teeth. The following issues also cause misalignment

• Jaw size

The modern-day diet contains a lot of processed and soft food items. These foods require less chewing as compared to hard foods. As a result, the food habits lead to changes in jaw size. They have evolved into a smaller size with time and have grown shorter. This leads to misalignment and crowded teeth.

• Malocclusion

Our mouths are created in a way that the upper teeth go slightly above the lower set. The lower and upper molar grooves must fit well to avoid malocclusion. Underbites or overbites are significant factors that are present in teeth misalignment. 

• Bad myofunctional habits

Myofunctional practices involve repetitive actions done by people consistently. It impacts the functioning of facial muscles and the mouth. The practices involve prolonged pacifier usage, breathing by mouth, and constant thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. These habits cause teeth misalignment.

• Improper nutrition and dental care

Insufficient nutrition causes several issues, including tooth decay and misalignment. Young children who do not intake adequate nutrients in their diet suffer from misaligned teeth. It is crucial to eat a proper diet and visit the dentist regularly. The visits help in the timely detection and treatment of dental issues, which could have contributed to misalignment.

Treatment of misaligned teeth

Misaligned teeth can be corrected with the help of orthodontics or surgeries. The best choice for teeth straightening is getting braces. They are suitable for almost all age groups. They may take time but provide efficient results. There are a variety of braces that can fit your requirements and provide the desired outcome. Depending on your preference, you can opt for metal, lingual, or ceramic bases. If you are looking for a less noticeable option, invisible braces are best. They are perfect for young adults and teens.

A less time-consuming option for teeth alignment would be getting teeth straightening surgery. They give outcomes without much delay. The orthodontists suggest minor surgeries for the gums and bones to get the teeth in the required position. It is a perfect option for people with chewing difficulties or speech impairment.