Crooked Bottom Teeth: Why They Happen and How to Fix Them
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.