Crooked teeth: causes, solutions, and the best straightening options in the UK

Crooked teeth refer to the condition in which teeth appear twisted, bent, or misaligned. Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental issues, affecting nearly half the population globally. A study shows the approximate worldwide prevalence of crooked teeth is as high as 56%.

In this guide, you will get to know what are the causes of crooked teeth, what are the health implications associated with them and what is the best treatment to fix them.

What are the causes of crooked teeth?

Understanding the causes of crooked teeth is the first step toward better dental health. A combination of reasons can cause crooked or misaligned teeth, many of which are rooted in our habits, genetics, or lifestyle. Below are some of them

Genetics and hereditary

Genes play a good role in the size, shape, or nature of your dental structure. Your smile is often a family legacy. If misaligned teeth run in your family, there is a good chance you have inherited them. Moreover, the alignment of the jaw, also a hereditary trait, is another factor that contributes to the alignment of teeth.

Childhood habits

Some childhood habits can significantly affect the growth and alignment of teeth. Habits like prolonged thumb-sucking, excessive pacifier use, or tongue thrusting can disrupt jaw development, pushing teeth out of alignment and causing gaps or overlaps.

Jaw size over time

Like the alignment of teeth, the size of the jaw also comes with your DNA. moreover, it develops over time. As your age increases, your jaw also changes shape and size. If the space in the jaw is not according to the teeth, gaps or overcrowding of teeth are formed

Dental trauma or injury

Dental injuries can happen anytime and to anyone, a fall, an accident or a sports injury can damage the teeth. Damaged teeth often shift or grow in a misaligned position, leading to crooked teeth over time.

Neglecting oral hygiene

Oral hygiene is also one of the most contributing factors to crooked teeth. Cavities, gum diseases, or unattended dental issues can cause the teeth to tilt or deviate from the original alignment.

Why fix crooked teeth?

Crooked teeth can have far-reaching health, psychological, and aesthetic issues. They can create a cascade of challenges that affect your daily life and long-term well-being.

Imbalance smile and facial proportions

Crooked teeth disrupt the symmetry of the smile. Moreover, crooked teeth can alter the alignment of the jaw and overall facial structure. This can create an imbalanced or asymmetrical appearance, which might be perceived as less aesthetically pleasing.

Difficulty in cleaning your teeth

When teeth are misaligned or crooked, it often becomes difficult to clean or floss them. Hard-to-reach areas trap food particles, increasing the risk of cavities and plaque. With crooked teeth, a clean mouth can be a real challenge

Increased risk of gum disease and cavities

Crowded or overlapping teeth are not only harder to clean, but they create the perfect environment for plaque buildup and gum infection. Over time, this could lead to serious health implications including tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Speech or chewing problem

Crooked teeth can interfere with the basic functioning of the mouth. Misalignment of teeth can cause speech issues like lisp or slurring, making it harder to communicate effectively. When it comes to eating, uneven biting can lead to discomfort or inefficient chewing, leading to digestive issues over time.

Jaw pain and discomfort

Severely crooked teeth can put a strain on your jaw and surrounding muscles. This can lead to chronic jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction, causing severe headaches, difficulty in chewing or locking the jaw

Psychological impacts

Other than the health implications, crooked, misaligned teeth also impact the psychological well-being of a person. Having misaligned teeth creates a sense of discomfort and insecurity. Fear of being judged for appearance can lead to heightened anxiety.

Ways to Straighten Crooked Teeth

Fortunately, fixing crooked teeth has become easier than ever before. With the latest technology and advanced methods, there are various ways to achieve a perfect smile

Traditional braces

Braces have been a staple in orthodontics for decades. If you have severe misalignment or crooked teeth, braces are one of the most reliable options to treat them. While they are effective, they come with a few drawbacks. They are highly invisible and uncomfortable, requiring some major lifestyle adjustments. Furthermore, they are non-removable, making it hard for a person to eat or to maintain hygiene properly.

Invisible aligners

For those who are looking for a discreet, convenient, and almost invisible treatment, clear aligners are the best option for them. Gone are the days of uncomfortable old metal wires. With the innovation of technology, you can now straighten your teeth in a way that’s virtually invisible to others. These are custom-fit trays and are easily removable so that you can eat and maintain hygiene comfortably. The best part is they require much less time for treatment as compared to other options. And the good part is, they are less costly as compared to braces.

Surgical options

In some cases, where misalignment is so severe that no other treatment will suffice, surgical options may be necessary. But, procedures like segmental osteotomy and frenectomy can be a real challenge and require a lot of time for recovery.

Over three-quarters (76%) of orthodontists in a new survey report an increase in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment within the past three years in the UK.

Caspersmile Invisible Aligners: the perfect fit for you

Caspersmile is leading the way in innovation, convenience, and affordability, helping you achieve the smile you manifest. Forget the hassle of traditional orthodontics, Caspersmile brings a modern solution to teeth straightening for UK residents, that fits seamlessly into your daily routine. Here is how Caspersmile Invisible Aligners are different from any other clear aligners in the market

Expertly designed aligners

At Caspersmile, precision meets perfection. At the heart of Caspersmile’s success lies the efforts of the experts to make custom-fit and precise clear aligners, ensuring maximum outcomes. With the latest technology like 3D smile projection, Caspersmile ensures not only your crooked teeth get aligned, but also you like the way your smile looks.

Affordable and flexible payment plans

Caspersmile cares for its customers and that’s why it has come up with clear aligners that are not only made up of high-quality material but also accessible and affordable. We understand that cost can be a significant barrier for many people and that’s why we have come up with easy payment plans. We ensure every person achieves his dream smile without financial stress.

Convenient at-home impressions

With Caspersmile, the process starts right at home. We send you a simple, easy-to-use impression kit. You will make the impressions of your teeth with the help of this kit. Once the impressions are created, you will send them back to us and our team of experts will start crafting your treatment plan.

Dedicated customer support

The dedicated customer support team will guide you at every step. Whether you need help with the impression kits or you have questions about aligners or the treatment, our customer support team will make sure your experience is seamless and effortless. They will even check in with you regularly to ensure your treatment goes as planned.

Conclusion

Now, you don’t have to hold yourself back because of the crooked teeth. With much more convenient options available in the UK, like that of Caspersmile, you can have a happier, healthier life. At Caspersmile, we are here to guide you at every step

FAQs

What causes crooked teeth?

many factors cause crooked teeth including genes, childhood habits, jaw size changes, dental injuries, or poor oral hygiene.

Are crooked teeth a health problem?

Having crooked teeth is an oral issue that can lead to many health issues. They make it difficult to maintain oral hygiene which can cause implications like tooth decay or enamel damage. It can also cause other physical or psychological health problems.

What’s the best way to straighten teeth as an adult?

Clear aligners are the ideal choice for an adult having crooked teeth and want a discreet, affordable, and convenient way to straighten them.

How do invisible aligners work?

Invisible aligners are plastic trays that perfectly fit onto your teeth. They gradually and gently exert pressure on your teeth and force them into their ideal aligned position.

How long does it take to straighten crooked teeth with Caspersmile aligners?

it usually takes 4-12 months to straighten your teeth, depending upon the severity of the case and the treatment option you choose.

How much do Caspersmile aligners cost?

Caspersmile clear aligners cost as low as $945. We also offer flexible payment plans to give you relief from financial stress.

References:

Lombardo G, Vena F, Negri P, Pagano S, Barilotti C, Paglia L, Colombo S, Orso M, Cianetti S (June 2020). "Worldwide prevalence of malocclusion in the different stages of dentition: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Eur J Paediatr Dent. 21 (2): 115–22.
doi:10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.02.05. PMID 32567942.

Morley, N. (2023, August 21). New stats from The British Orthodontic Society reveal online working triggers a rise in adults seeking tooth straightening treatment - British Orthodontic Society (BOS). British Orthodontic Society (BOS). https://bos.org.uk/news/new-stats-from-the-british-orthodontic-society-reveal-online-working-triggers-a-rise-in-adults-seeking-tooth-straightening-treatment/