Have you noticed a tooth that sticks out from your bottom row? When you show your smile at a job interview, on a date, or in a family photo, worrying about a crooked bottom tooth is the last thing you want. Studies show that people perceive others with straight teeth as more attractive, successful, and even intelligent.
Straight teeth are also easier to brush and floss, meaning they boost your dental health for the long term. When your face is often your first impression, it’s no wonder that so many people are asking how to keep their smile in great shape.
There are a variety of reasons why a crooked bottom tooth can appear. Whether you’ve always had a crooked tooth, or it’s something you’ve recently noticed because of ageing or an injury, there are options out there for getting straight teeth. Popular solutions include hidden braces, clear aligners, and veneers. Find the option that fits your life and smile best, and get ready to show off teeth that impress.
What Can Cause a Crooked Tooth
Some crooked teeth develop during childhood. Habits like sucking on a thumb or pacifier can affect how baby teeth and permanent teeth grow into the mouth. Genetics also impact how our teeth grow in: many people naturally inherit overbites, underbites, and small jaw sizes, which are all factors in developing crooked teeth. Wisdom teeth are a common culprit of crowded mouths and will disrupt straight smiles as they grow in.
For both children and adults, dental care is essential to keep our smiles straight. Cavities and tooth decay can lead to a crooked bottom tooth. Accidents and injuries to the mouth can also cause crookedness. Even for adults who wore braces in the past, crooked teeth can return if they don’t wear dental devices like retainers. The human jaw changes and softens as we age, and people with naturally straight teeth may notice crowding and crooked smiles later in life.
Crooked Tooth Treatment Options
Fortunately, the treatment options for crooked teeth are getting more advanced every year. Many people choose clear aligner treatments that are barely noticeable when worn over the bottom teeth. Lingual braces are another discreet option that targets the inside of the teeth. These options allow you to treat your crooked bottom tooth without having to hide your smile. A retainer can also move some crooked teeth. Depending on how your bite looks, you may only need to wear it at night.
Veneers are another option for improving the look of teeth. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that fits over your tooth. It can mask one crooked bottom tooth or several, and create a perfectly straight smile.
A dentist or orthodontist will be able to tell whether clear aligners, braces, retainers, or veneers are the best option for your teeth. Whichever option you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefits of teeth that are easy to clean and a smile that succeeds.