Will My Crooked Teeth Cause Other Problems?

I’m in my early twenties and have never had braces because I thought it was better to leave my teeth naturally crooked. People around me have also told me that I don’t need braces because they think my smile looks cute the way it is.

I’m wondering if leaving my teeth crooked could cause dental problems in the future. My upper wisdom teeth are also starting to come in. They don’t hurt, but I’ve read that wisdom teeth can sometimes cause other teeth to shift. Should I be concerned about my alignment or my wisdom teeth? – Thanks. Thomas

 

Thomas,

We wouldn’t consider crooked teeth their ideal natural position. Crooked teeth can increase your risk of dental problems. Crowded and overlapping teeth often create areas that trap food and are difficult to brush and floss thoroughly.

Alignment can affect your oral health in several ways:

• Crooked teeth may be more susceptible to decay.
• Difficult-to-clean areas can increase the risk of gum disease.
• An uneven bite can place excessive stress on certain teeth.
• Food can become trapped more easily between crowded teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can move teeth into positions that are easier to clean and allow your bite to function more naturally.

Will Your Wisdom Teeth Shift Your Teeth Out of Alignment?

The evidence does not support the idea that wisdom teeth push the other teeth forward and cause crowding. Studies have found that wisdom teeth don’t produce enough forward pressure to move the teeth in front of them.

One study by Dr. Tom Southard at the University of Iowa measured pressure between teeth with sensors. The researchers found no difference in that pressure based on whether wisdom teeth were present. Other studies have reached similar conclusions.

Also, the traditional theory about wisdom teeth causing crowding has generally focused on the lower wisdom teeth, not the upper wisdom teeth you mentioned. Your upper wisdom teeth may need evaluation for other reasons, but their eruption alone doesn’t mean they will make your other teeth more crooked.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post.