According to the American Dental Association, about 50% of kids between the ages of 5 and 7 have at least one decayed, missing, or filled tooth. In addition, more than 25% of kids between the ages of 8 and 11 have at least one decayed, missing, or filled tooth.
While these statistics may seem concerning, it’s important to keep in mind that having crooked teeth is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, many celebrities – including Kim Kardashian, Hugh Jackman, and Zooey Deschanel – have had crooked teeth their whole lives and have never complained about them.
But why do some kids have crooked teeth? And what dental procedures can be availed to correct this issue? If you want to know more, we invite you to continue reading as we’re going to talk about this topic in today’s post.
The Medical Term For Crooked Teeth
Malocclusion is a dental term that refers to any type of misalignment or irregularity in the bite. This can include crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, and gaps between the teeth.
The first recorded case of crooked teeth was in 1908. And during that time, doctors began to take note of the condition and study its causes and effects.
In the early days, it was believed that malocclusion was caused by trapped wind in the stomach. As a result, treatments were focused on relieving this gas build-up. This included things like cupping therapy, purging, and even bloodletting.
It wasn’t until the later that doctors have finally concluded that malocclusion was caused by problems with the teeth and jawbone. This led to the development of new treatments like braces and surgery.
Malocclusion can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, and early childhood habits like thumb sucking.
If left untreated, malocclusion can lead to a number of dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. It can also cause pain and discomfort when chewing or speaking. In severe cases, malocclusion may require surgery to correct.
So Why Do Some Kids Have Crooked Teeth
There are a few possible explanations. First, it could simply be due to genetics. If your parents or grandparents had crooked teeth, there’s a good chance you will too.
Second, it could be due to the way your teeth are growing in. If your top teeth are coming in before your bottom teeth, this can cause your teeth to look crooked.
Third, it could be due to thumb sucking or pacifier use. If you or your child sucks on their thumb or uses a pacifier frequently, this can cause the teeth to become misaligned.
Dental Procedures To Correct Crooked Teeth
If your child has crooked teeth, they may need dental procedures to correct them. One common procedure is braces for kids. Braces are metal brackets that are attached to the teeth with special adhesive. Archwires are then threaded through the brackets and connected to each other, which gradually moves the teeth into the desired position.
There are pros and cons to choosing braces to correct crooked teeth. On the one hand, braces can straighten teeth and improve your smile. They can also help to correct bite problems and make it easier to chew and speak. Braces are also relatively affordable and can last for several years.
On the other hand, braces can be uncomfortable and may cause mouth sores. They can also be difficult to keep clean, which can lead to cavities. And, finally, braces may not be an option for everyone, depending on their dental situation.
Another common procedure is Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The aligners are custom-made for each patient and are changed every two weeks. They are removable, so patients can eat and drink what they like, and they can brush and floss normally.
Aside from that, kids can use Invisalign to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and underbites. Invisalign is comfortable and removable, which makes it a good choice for kids who are still growing.
There are pros and cons to using Invisalign braces. On the one hand, they are much less visible than traditional metal braces and some people find them more comfortable. They can also be helpful in correcting mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth. However, they are more expensive than traditional braces and may not be as effective in severe cases of misalignment.
In addition, some kids also need surgery to correct their crooked teeth. This surgery is called orthognathic surgery. Orthognathic surgery involves moving the bones of the jaw in order to straighten the teeth. This surgery is usually done in conjunction with braces.
Conclusion
If you or your child is concerned about the appearance of their teeth, talk to your dentist. They can give you some tips on how to care for your teeth and help you decide if braces or other dental treatments are necessary. Visit Vista Family Dentistry’s clinic in Waukesha, WI and learn more how they can help correct your kid’s crooked teeth today.