Are Crooked Teeth Really That Bad? Actually, Yes

Many people grow up with crooked teeth, so much so, that we start treating our children with braces by the time they’re in middle school. However, some adults actually like their crooked teeth. There’s a huge divide on the subject, but it really boils down to this: are crooked teeth unhealthy?

Are they really that bad?

What causes crooked teeth?

Before we jump into the dental health pitfalls caused by crooked teeth, we need to assess how crooked teeth form.

The most popular reason is genetics. Your jaw is a little overcrowded or your parents had crooked teeth. These factors are out of your control, but you have to deal with the aftermath. It’s frustrating but with the proper dental care, it doesn’t often cause too much of an issue.

You might also suffer from crooked teeth due to an accident or injury. Poor crown fillings or implants might also result in unexpected consequences. Regardless, crooked teeth can result in some serious health consequences if they’re not taken care of.

Your bite is misaligned

Crooked teeth can cause misaligned bites. While that doesn’t sound too harsh, this medical condition can actually affect your life in unseen ways. You may not be able to chew properly, you can get headaches, and you have a higher risk of breaking a tooth. You might even develop an aversion to eating in order to prevent pain in your jaw or mouth.

Hello, bacteria

If your crooked teeth don’t cause you any pain or discomfort, you may still experience health issues. This is because teeth cleaning becomes more of a challenge when your teeth are crooked. Awkward angles, crowded teeth, and gaps can all harbor an excess of bacteria. On top of that, it’s even more difficult to clean because of the shape of your teeth. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and cavities without the proper oral care and your regular dental checkup.

Your self-esteem may fall

Unfortunately, Americans take pride in their healthy, straight teeth; so much so, nearly all of adults — 99.7% — think having a healthy smile is important socially. As such, you might feel crestfallen when your teeth don’t look like the “ideal.” A better-looking smile can help improve confidence, self-image, and self-esteem, whereas crooked teeth can result in the opposite effect.

If you’re looking for a solution for your crooked teeth, contact Loudoun Dental Associates today. Whether you want a routine dental checkup, cosmetic dentistry, or a consultation for our braces alternative, Invisalign, we have the top dentists for the job. Schedule a dental checkup by calling or visiting our website today!