- Genetics – Family history of crowding, jaw size, overbite, underbite, or extra teeth.
- Jaw size changes – Modern diets of softer, processed foods require less chewing, potentially contributing to smaller jaws and crowding.
- Myofunctional habits – Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing in childhood.
- Early loss of baby teeth – Can allow surrounding teeth to shift into gaps, affecting how permanent teeth come in.
- Poor oral hygiene – Gum disease can cause teeth to loosen, shift, or fall out.
- Poor nutrition – Especially during childhood, can affect tooth and jaw development.
- Bite problems – Overbite, underbite, or crossbite can worsen crookedness over time.
- Injury or trauma – Accidents to the mouth or jaw may displace teeth.
If you're noticing any of these symptoms, it's time to book a dental check-up. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems like gum recession or tooth loss.
- Oral hygiene challenges – Overlapping teeth are harder to clean, increasing plaque build-up and risk of decay or gum disease.
- Excessive wear – Uneven contact can cause certain teeth to wear faster or crack.
- Jaw strain – Misalignment may contribute to jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, or headaches.
- Speech difficulties – Some bites affect pronunciation and articulation.
- Chewing and digestion issues – Misaligned teeth can make chewing less effective.
- Reduced self-confidence – Discomfort with appearance can affect social interactions.
- Metal braces – Durable, effective for complex cases, and often the most cost-efficient option.
- Ceramic braces – Work like metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets for a less noticeable look.
- Lingual braces – Attached to the back of teeth, making them invisible from the front; may take time to adjust to.
- Clear aligners – Removable, nearly invisible trays ideal for mild to moderate corrections.
- Surgical options – For severe jaw alignment issues, orthognathic surgery may be recommended alongside braces.
Treatments can take 6–24 months, depending on case complexity. For lasting results, retainers are needed after treatment to prevent relapse.
Note: at Granite Belt Dental, we can assess your situation and provide a referral to an orthodontist, but we do not provide orthodontic services in-house.
