Advertisements to Reality: Embracing Your Unique Smile
What are the different causes of crooked teeth and how do I embrace my unique smile?
In a world filled with flawless white smiles on commercials, magazines, billboards, and movie screens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if your own teeth don’t match up to this ideal. But take a moment to observe the people around you in your daily life – you’ll notice that the all-American, picture-perfect smile is far from the norm!
The truth is, our teeth are designed for function, not perfection. It’s more common than you think to have crooked teeth. But have you ever wondered what leads to crowded, twisted, or overlapping teeth? And can Berkman & Shapiro offer solutions to help you achieve your desired smile?
Genetics
The primary culprit behind crooked teeth is genetics. Our dental characteristics, much like our hair or eye color, often come from our parents. The development of our teeth is not entirely under our control.
Mouth Size and Jaw Alignment
Teeth crowding can also be influenced by the size of our mouths. Smaller mouths can lead to crowded teeth, causing other teeth to shift. Additionally, misaligned jaws can result in underbites or overbites, where upper or lower teeth extend beyond each other.
Bad Habits
Seemingly innocent habits like thumb-sucking or pacifier use during infancy can have long-lasting effects. These behaviors, if extended into toddler years, can contribute to crooked teeth later on. Other unconscious habits, like mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and reverse swallowing, also play a role in misaligned jaws and teeth crowding.
Illness or Injury
Facial trauma, such as jaw or mouth injuries, can displace teeth and lead to severe cases of crooked teeth. When teeth are lost or the jaw shifts due to illness or injury, the remaining teeth adjust over time to compensate for the open space. Seeking treatment from an experienced orthodontist is crucial in such cases.
Illness or Injury
Orthodontic treatment is suitable for all ages, and early intervention is key. Berkman & Shapiro, following the guidance of the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Timely intervention can address problems like crooked or crowded teeth more effectively.
The recommended treatment varies based on individual cases. After a comprehensive examination, experienced orthodontists like Dr. Berkman or Dr. Shapiro will diagnose the issue and devise a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options range from retainers for milder cases to braces or even surgery for more severe situations.
Conclusion
In a world inundated with a standardized notion of a perfect smile, it’s important to remember that our teeth are diverse, just like us. Berkman & Shapiro offer tailored solutions to help you achieve a confident and healthy smile that’s uniquely yours.We encourage you to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to help you achieve the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted, and hope to see you soon!
