Every human being who has ever lived has been different from every other human being, and our differences are what make being human so interesting. This is even evident in the way your teeth come in. Some teeth are bigger, some are smaller, some have different shapes, some are more aligned, and most of the teeth are even crooked. But what causes some teeth to be misaligned? In this article, we will tell you the different reasons why your teeth may be crooked, in case of any oral and dental health problems, and what options there are for straightening them and orthodontics. What causes crooked teeth? Misalignment of teeth can have various reasons, including: - **Genetics** Crooked teeth can be genetic. Crowding, jaw size, jaw shape, having too many teeth (hyperdentia), overbite, underbite and poor tooth or palate development are among the conditions that can be passed down in your family. - **poor oral hygiene** If you do not maintain good oral hygiene, you may get gingivitis (early stages of gum disease). According to dental research, almost half of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease can cause your teeth to loosen, shift, or even fall out. - **Premature loss of milk teeth** If you lose a baby tooth in early childhood, it may cause other teeth to move into the lost area, crowding the area where the permanent tooth will eventually come in. - **thumb sucking** If you used to suck your thumb (or toys, etc.) as a child, this could be the reason for your crooked teeth. - **pressing the tongue** When you swallow, your tongue presses against the roof of your mouth behind your front teeth. If you press your tongue against your teeth instead, it's called tongue thrusting. This habit can lead to crooked teeth over time. - **malnutrition** Getting enough nutrients in your diet is important for the health and growth of your muscles, bones, and body tissues. If your body doesn't get what it needs, it can lead to crooked teeth, among other health problems. - **breathe** Mouth breathing in children may affect the alignment of the teeth. - **Injuries** Sports and other accidents can cause your teeth to become disorganized. What are the benefits of straight teeth for oral health? When your teeth are aligned, they harbor less bacteria because they are easier for you to clean. Better oral hygiene reduces the risk of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and gums may better support your teeth when they are not overlapping. You may also reduce the risk of your teeth chipping, breaking, or wearing down if they fit together correctly. You may even experience less pressure on your jaw due to the alignment of the teeth. How do orthodontics fix misaligned teeth? Your bones have two types of cells that do all the work to rebuild your skeleton when needed. Osteoclasts break down old bone and release it into the bloodstream (resorption), and osteoblasts build your bone where it needs to be strengthened (ossification). When you're a child, you build bone faster, and as you age, the process slows down. In fact, according to research, by the time you're in your first year of life, almost 100% of your skeleton is replaced, and as an adult, your bones regenerate at a rate of about 10% per year. When orthodontists align your teeth with the following appliances, resorption and ossification is what allows your teeth to move and become stronger in their new position. - **Braces** You're probably familiar with the wires, metal brackets, and rubber bands that make up traditional orthodontic hardware. This option is still a popular choice for teeth straightening because they work well. However, their beauty, the fact that they complicate oral hygiene, and the need to see an orthodontist every six weeks for adjustments have led many people to choose clear aligners. - **transparent alignments** Clear aligners are discreet and removable alternatives to metal braces. When you get these custom clear plastic aligners, you receive them several months in advance and change them at regular intervals to get your teeth in the right position. According to dentists, each set of aligners is usually worn for 1 to 3 weeks. Depending on the amount of alignment required, the entire series of aligners may take up to nine months or more. It is important to note that the Dental Association discourages obtaining aligners directly from manufacturers and this is called do-it-yourself (DIY) orthodontics. Moving teeth is a medical procedure that must be performed under the supervision of a licensed professional. - **Keeper** If your teeth are slightly crooked due to minor crowding, you may be able to straighten your teeth with retainers. Retainers are usually used to keep teeth aligned after braces are on, but for minor adjustments, a retainer may be able to do the job. - **Mouth dilator** If your child's mouth is too small for his future adult teeth, his orthodontist may insert a palatal expander to widen the arch of his upper teeth. The expander is attached to your child's upper molars using dental cement. Over time, the orthodontist uses a special key during the visit and gradually puts pressure on the left and right halves of the upper jaw. This causes extra bone to grow between the two halves of the jaw and widen your baby's mouth so that his teeth are in the right position. Expanders are often invisible, but your child may experience mild discomfort each time they adjust their expander. There is a long list of famous and highly successful people who are considered beautiful or weird because of their misaligned teeth. But even if you love the unique beauty that comes with your crooked teeth, it's important to note that they can cause problems for your oral health. Talk to your dentist, and he or she will help you determine if any of the above straightening options are right for you. Whatever you decide, we hope it makes you smile.