Everyone wishes they could avoid crooked teeth. Often believed to be the result of hereditary factors, crooked teeth can actually be caused by a number of other factors and habits. If crooked teeth can be avoided, wouldn’t you like to know how to prevent them?
Though inherited traits, such as small jaws, can indeed be a factor in crooked and overcrowded teeth, there are other factors that often play a role. At Trapnell Orthodontics, we care about our patients and their smiles. While it’s not always possible to prevent crooked teeth, we’ll inform you of the many factors that contribute to such. But don’t forget, we can fix your crooked teeth too!
Crooked Teeth: An Inherited Trait?
The idea of inherited traits causing crooked and crowded teeth, as well as misaligned bites, is often speculated. In the case of crooked teeth, it’s believed a small jaw can leave less room for teeth to grow in, causing teeth to shift as a result of overcrowding. A plausible yet unavoidable cause, inherited crooked teeth must be corrected with orthodontics. However, there are many other factors that contribute to crooked teeth.
Contributing Factors
Consider this: when teeth are straightened with braces, orthodontic patients must continue to wear a retainer to maintain their teeth. This may prove teeth can indeed shift regardless of inherited traits. This can be the result of several different factors. Take a look at some below:
- Thumb sucking
- Tongue thrusting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Poor-fitting dental restorations (fillings & crowns)
- Gingivitis
- Early loss of baby teeth
Correcting Crooked Teeth
While there are some avoidable factors that affect your teeth, most often, crooked teeth are unavoidable without orthodontic treatment. Even people whose adult teeth grow in straight run the risk of losing their perfect teeth later, typically due to many of the factors above. This makes braces and retainers after orthodontic treatment essential in maintaining straight teeth.
Fortunately, the professionals at Trapnell Orthodontics in Utah County can help patients achieve perfect smiles, and maintain them for life. Proudly serving patients in Provo, Payson, Spanish Fork, and Springville, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments. To schedule an appointment or learn more information, contact us today! We are happy to help.
