Misshapen Teeth: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
May 22, 2023Your teeth play an essential role in your overall appearance and your ability to chew and speak properly, so having misshapen teeth can affect your self-confidence and lead to serious dental problems.
There are several factors that can lead to crooked teeth. Luckily, there are various treatment options available out there to correct them as well. In this text, we’ll take a closer look at what causes such teeth, how to treat them, and, even better, how to prevent them.
What Are Misshapen Teeth?
Misshapen teeth refer to teeth that are not aligned or shaped correctly. This can occur due to various reasons, such as genetics, injury, and dental conditions. Such crooked teeth can prevent you from having a beautiful smile, and they can also make it difficult to maintain oral hygiene, leading to tooth decay and a wide variety of gum diseases.
Misshapen Teeth: The Root of the Problem
As mentioned, crooked teeth shapes can occur for various reasons. Some of the most common causes of misshapen teeth include the following.
- Genetics: Some people are born with misshapen teeth due to genetic factors. That can include teeth that are too small, too large, or misaligned.
- Trauma: Facial injuries can affect teeth. For example, a fall or a blow to the face can cause serious trauma that will make your teeth crooked.
- Dental conditions: Dental conditions such as bruxism — a condition where people grind their teeth — can also cause misshapen teeth. Other conditions like enamel hypoplasia — where the enamel on the teeth is underdeveloped — can also cause such teeth.
- Aging: As people age, their teeth will eventually become worn down, causing them to become misshapen and unpleasant to look at.
Treating Misshapen Teeth
Luckily for all people with misshapen teeth, there are various correctional treatment options available today. Nevertheless, the treatment that is best for you will depend on the cause and severity of your crooked teeth. Some of the most common treatment options for misshapen teeth include:
- Dental bonding: Dental bonding is a process where a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth to reshape them. This is a non-invasive procedure and can be completed in one visit to the dentist.
- Veneers: Veneers are thin shells that are placed over the teeth to improve their appearance. They are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth, and they can last for many years with adequate care.
- Crowns: Crowns represent a form of dental restoration in which the entirety of the tooth is covered. They are used to improve the appearance of misshapen teeth or to strengthen weak teeth.
- Braces: Braces can be used to correct misaligned teeth. This treatment is typically reserved for people with severe misalignment.
- Cosmetic dentistry: In some cases, surgery may be required to correct misshapen teeth. This is typically only used in severe cases, but it’s still an option.
Preventing Misshapen Teeth
As already mentioned, misshapen teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, injury, or poor dental hygiene. Still, we can always make sure to prevent this condition from occurring. Here are some tips to help prevent misshapen teeth.
- Good oral hygiene: First things first. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent misshapen teeth.
- Avoid hard foods and objects: Chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils, or ice can cause teeth to crack or chip, leading to misshapen teeth. Hence, we suggest you avoid chewing on such objects and eating hard foods like candy that can damage your teeth.
- Mouth protection: If you participate in sports or other physical activities that put your teeth at risk of injury and trauma, wearing a mouth guard can help protect your pearly whites from damage and becoming crooked.
- Avoid grinding your teeth: Teeth grinding can cause your teeth to become misshapen over time. If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard or other treatment options to help prevent further damage.
- Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help detect and address any potential dental issues before they become serious. Your dentist can also recommend treatments or procedures to help prevent misshapen teeth.
The Impact of Misshapen Teeth on Oral Health
Misshapen teeth can have a significant impact on oral health. When teeth are crooked, overlapping, or have gaps, it can be challenging to clean them effectively. As a result, food particles and bacteria can accumulate, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Misaligned teeth can also cause bite problems, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even difficulty chewing or speaking. Additionally, misshapen teeth can affect the overall appearance of the mouth, leading to self-consciousness and a negative impact on self-esteem.
It is essential to address misshapen teeth as early as possible to avoid potential oral health complications and improve overall dental health.
Fix Misshapen Teeth With Dental Crowns at Northwest Dental Group in Arlington Heights, IL
In cases where tooth decay or damage is severe due to crooked teeth, a simple dental filling may not suffice. Fortunately, Northwest Dental Group prioritizes the restoration of natural teeth and offers a range of general and cosmetic dental treatments.
Dental crowns are a solution for strengthening the remaining structure of badly-shaped teeth that have been weakened by decay or accidental damage and which may not be strong enough to withstand daily activities. They can also improve the appearance of misshapen teeth, fix severely cracked or broken pearls, fill in large cavities, or anchor dental bridges or implants.
With a lifespan of over a decade, dental crowns are a wise long-term investment. To maintain oral health and a beautiful smile, we recommend scheduling regular checkups and cleanings every six months and seeking a consultation if experiencing tooth pain or considering a crown.
