When considering straightening their smile, most people contemplate the top row of teeth – as it’s the one that is generally seen the most when we smile, forgoing the bottom teeth in order to save money. If you have relatively straight top teeth, but crooked bottom teeth, you might wonder if it’s even worth having them straightened or if you should leave them as is instead.
However, having orthodontic treatment for crooked bottom teeth will not only help the appearance of them but keep your oral health in top shape, protecting both your teeth and gums for years to come.
Why Your Bottom Teeth Are Crooked
Crooked teeth, both top and bottom, are very common. Most people have at least a few misaligned teeth and are often on the bottom row. There are a number of causes that contribute to crooked bottom teeth, and while some of these are simply a case of genetics, poor dental hygiene can exacerbate crooked teeth.
Factors that impact the alignment of your bottom teeth
- A smaller mouth
- Narrow lower jaw, or if you upper and lower jaws don’t align
- Overcrowding – often if your top teeth are straight, but you have crooked bottom teeth this is the cause
- Loss of adult teeth
- Inherited traits
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Improper dental care, often leading to gum disease
- Thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use as a child
Unfortunately for adults, preventing crooked bottom teeth is mostly done in childhood or even as a baby. However, by practicing good hygiene habits and having your teeth treated with orthodontics, you can help prevent crooked teeth and avoid tooth loss.
Do Teeth Get Crooked with Age?
Your mouth changes as you age just like the rest of your body. Teeth will shift over time naturally, but there are a number of factors that influence how fast and how much teeth change including injury, decay, or preexisting conditions.
Even with treatment, teeth will change as you get older. However, having orthodontic treatments on crooked teeth will help to prevent age-related changes from becoming burdensome.
Why Treat Crooked Bottom Teeth?
Fixing crooked bottom teeth can help create confidence in your smile just as with straightening your top teeth. However, there are many health reasons to see your orthodontist about treatment, including:
- Misaligned teeth can be hard to chew with, causing digestive issues and pain while eating
- Excess wear on teeth, gums, and jaws which can lead to jaw strain, chronic headaches, and cracked teeth
- Crooked teeth may be harder to clean, especially in between the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease
- Speech difficulties can occur from the misalignment of your teeth, affecting articulation.
How to Fix Crooked Bottom Teeth
If you decide that you want to straighten your bottom teeth there are a few treatment options available to discuss with your orthodontist, who will ultimately evaluate your needs and create a customized plan.
- Dental Braces – The first option most people think of when it comes to straightening teeth is dental braces. They are used to address most dental alignment issues
- Invisible Aligners – Clear dental aligners, like Invisalign, are a good option for those with mild crooked teeth. They are a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.
- Oral Surgery – Your orthodontist might suggest a minor surgical procedure to reposition the bones and gums that help hold your teeth in place.
It’s important to listen to your orthodontist’s treatment instructions to ensure the best results, including excellent oral hygiene, going to appointments, and if needed, wearing a retainer after treatment.
Talk to Us About Straightening Your Crooked Bottom Teeth
From helping self-esteem to solving health concerns, there are a lot of reasons to treat crooked bottom teeth. If you are interested in fixing your crooked teeth, we at Corner Dentistry offer several types of braces and will customize your treatment around your needs. Contact us to get started.