Crooked teeth are a problem we see a lot at Milestone Orthodontics. In fact, this is one of the main reasons that many patients in West Orange choose to speak to an orthodontist and get advice about orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth can look undesirable or feel uncomfortable, and may even put patients at risk of health problems. So, it is very important to fix crooked teeth. But before taking that step, many patients want to know more about why their teeth are this way. What causes crooked teeth to happen in the first place? Is it preventable? What are the orthodontic treatment options? Dr. Milestone and the team at Milestone Orthodontics are here to help answer these questions
What causes crooked teeth?
Every patient’s mouth is different which is why it important to go to a skilled orthodontist like Dr. Milestone. There are a lot of causes for crooked teeth, and any one or combination of these reasons may trigger patients to seek orthodontic treatment in West Orange. For example, crooked teeth can be caused by:
• Genetics
• Gingivitis
• Premature loss of baby teeth
• Thumb sucking
• Disproportionate jaw and teeth (jaw is too small to accommodate teeth properly)
• Pressure on teeth or gums
These factors will result in teeth that are misaligned, overlapping, angled, or growing in improperly. In addition to being visually unappealing, teeth that grow in this way may be putting patients at risk for oral health problems, as bacteria, sugar, and food can get trapped in the misshapen spaces between teeth, and proper brushing and flossing becomes difficult or even impossible.
Can crooked teeth be prevented?
Dr. Milestone says simply, sometimes they can, and sometimes they cannot. It all depends on what is causing the problem. For instance, if the crooked teeth are going to be inherited, there is no way to avoid them growing in this way. However, if they may be caused as a result of thumb sucking or gingivitis, there are steps patients can take to hopefully keep teeth straighter. So, Milestone Orthodontics recommends that all patients take preventive measures to minimize the possibility of crooked teeth. Patients should practice good oral hygiene, being sure to brush and floss every morning and evening. Additionally, parents should be wary of kids’ thumb sucking or putting undue pressure on the teeth and gums, and try to help them kick these habits early on. It is also recommended to begin visiting the Milestone Orthodontics office near West Orange early on, so crooked teeth can be monitored closely by the orthodontist and necessary action can be taken before problems become worse.
What are the treatment options?
Luckily, crooked teeth can be easily fixed, and health problems associated with them can be avoided. If you are interested in correcting your crooked teeth for any reason, Milestone Orthodontics has many treatments available. Braces in West Orange can be a perfect solution, as their design applies pressure to the teeth and bones, moving and spacing them to better align the teeth. Milestone Orthodontics is also proud to offer Invisalign, which is a clear alternative to metal braces that works to also move and align the teeth better. To figure out which treatment option is the best for you, set up a consultation with Milestone Orthodontics. Dr. Milestone is a skilled orthodontist who will analyze your mouth and teeth, and work with you to find a treatment plan that is right for you. Then, your crooked teeth will be straight and beautiful in no time.
Crooked teeth can be caused, and fixed, in many ways. If you are a patient near the West Orange area suffering from misaligned teeth, contact Milestone Orthodontics today at 973-325-1777. We can’t wait to help you get a straight, glowing smile.
