Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so when you have crooked teeth it really impacts the way you feel about yourself. You may not even allow yourself to smile at all! Have you ever wondered why your teeth are crooked in the first place?

Genetics
Experts say the most common reason behind misaligned or crooked teeth is that it’s an inherited trait. Just like the color of your eyes or hair, you may be predisposed to having teeth that aren’t in straight alignment. Some genetic conditions can influence your bite, making top and bottom teeth improperly meet when you close your mouth. The pressure on your teeth from a misaligned bite can produce crooked teeth.

Mouth and jaw shape
Another reason for teeth being out of place is that your mouth may be too small. Your teeth become crowded and shift in order to make space for all your teeth to fit. Also, it’s possible your upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size or didn’t form correctly.

Timing
Early loss of baby or adult teeth can both result in making the teeth left behind become crooked. Tooth overcrowding can occur when permanent teeth replace the baby teeth. Misalignment of teeth can happen when adult teeth shift to take over the spots where adult teeth have fallen out.

Trauma
Jaw or facial trauma often shifts your teeth out of place. Your jaw may also become misaligned due to an injury. In fact, traumas can cause some of the most severe cases of crooked teeth.

Bad habits
Common oral health issues during childhood may cause overlapping and twisted teeth. These include habits like thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier or bottle, and tongue thrusting. These behaviors may apply force to the teeth and cause them to shift into improper positions.

Disease
Gum disease can impact the position of your teeth, especially when you lose teeth due to advanced gum disease called periodontitis. Your remaining teeth may shift with the extra space in your mouth. Also, diseases such as cancer can result in mouth or jaw tumors that alter the location of your teeth and jaw.

Toronto Dentist – Dr. Cruz