Every person has unique physical characteristics that set them apart from others. One of these characteristics is how one’s teeth are aligned. While some people have straight teeth, others have crooked ones. Thankfully, crooked teeth can be straightened. Straightening crooked teeth is important, as poor teeth alignment can affect oral health and self-esteem. A family dentist in Northwest Albuquerque, NM, can offer different solutions to straighten crooked teeth and improve your oral health. 

Causes of Crooked Teeth

Tooth alignment starts in the womb. However, your habits at a young age also influence the alignment of your teeth when you become an adult. Your teeth can become crooked due to the following:

• Genetics. The genes you got from your parents can influence your tooth alignment. Thus, if one of your parents has crooked teeth, there is a high chance you may also have this characteristic. Also, genetics form your jaw size. When you inherited a gap between your lower and upper jaw, you may have crowded teeth or an improper bite. 
• Early childhood oral habits. Bottle feeding, thumb sucking, and using a pacifier beyond the age of three may cause teeth misalignment. Early-age oral hygiene also plays a role. When baby teeth are seriously decayed, they may fall out earlier than expected, causing crookedness in permanent teeth. Children must be taken to a dentist once they turn 1. 
• Gum disease. This oral health problem results from poor oral hygiene and can happen at any age. When your gums are inflamed, they won’t be able to keep your teeth in place, causing them to fall out over time. Tooth loss can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of lace, filling the gap the lost tooth left. This results in misalignment. 
• Dental injury. A blow to your face or a sports injury can knock your teeth out of place. Sometimes, it may know your teeth altogether. When this happens, the remaining teeth will shift out of place to fill the created gap. 

Straightening Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. They are tough to clean, increasing your risk of dental cavities and gum disease. Also, they can result in jaw pain and difficulty chewing or speaking. However, this can change with the right treatment. Your dentist may recommend traditional braces, retainers, Invisalign, and surgery to address crooked teeth. They will walk you through the pros and cons of each treatment option and help you choose the right one for you.