What Causes Alignment Issues for Your Teeth?

Smiling woman holding a clear aligner.

There are many things that can mess with the alignment of your teeth. Some you can control. But others, like genetics you can’t control. Malocclusion (a fancy word for imperfect positioning of the teeth) can take a toll on your smile. Fortunately, with the help of advanced dental technology, our experienced team can detect causes of alignment issues and resolve them to get you back to smiling!

Causes of Misaligned Teeth

There are a variety of misalignment issues that can impact your teeth. These are some of the most common types of alignment problems and their causes.

  • Overcrowding

  • Large teeth, wisdom teeth, or an underdeveloped jaw bone can contribute to overcrowding of teeth. Crowded teeth are a common problem and usually require orthodontic treatment.

  • Spacing

  • Poor spacing is caused by various factors like thumb sucking or smaller teeth. It’s always best to seek a professional opinion about spacing to avoid conditions like gum disease.

  • Overbite or Underbite

  • Both of these alignment issues are typically caused by genetics. It’s important to get treatment to correct bite problems to avoid gum disease, tooth damage, jaw pain, and headaches.

  • Gum Disease

  • It’s very important to maintain healthy gums. Even patients with no prior misalignment issues can have trouble with spacing issues if they develop gum disease. Gum disease leads to loosened gums, therefore, an increased chance of tooth movement and misalignment.

  • Trauma to the Jaw

  • The jaw is home to your teeth and their roots. Minor fractures or major injuries can knock your jaw out of alignment and place your teeth at risk for misalignment.

Effects of Misaligned Teeth

Though most patients visit our office to discuss their misalignment for cosmetic purposes, treatments like Invisalign® clear aligners go beyond correcting the appearance of teeth. Misaligned teeth can negatively affect your oral health and may create the need for more dental care in the future. Patients with crooked teeth often have difficulty keeping them clean which puts their oral health at risk. Practically speaking, it’s also easier to eat and speak clearly with straight teeth.

Treatment for Misaligned Teeth in Cypress, TX

Are you suffering from one of the above alignment issues? The Alder Trails Dental team has successfully treated many types of malocclusion. We would be happy to work on a personalized treatment plan with you. Contact our team to get started on a straighter smile!

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Alder Trails Dental