Crooked Teeth in Lancaster, PA

Crooked teeth are teeth that are misaligned or not set correctly in your mouth. This dental issue can affect children and adults and could cause other dental disorders if left unaddressed. If your child is experiencing symptoms of crooked teeth, it could be time to book an appointment at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA. Our experienced team will be able to evaluate the issue and advise you of the optimal treatment strategy to help you restore your child's oral wellness. With individualized care and professional guidance, you can help ensure your child has a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a long time.

At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, identifying the symptoms of crooked teeth early is crucial for effective treatment. The most common signs that may indicate a need for an orthodontic evaluation include:

• Overlapping or crowding of teeth
• Visible gaps between teeth
• Misaligned bite (upper and lower teeth do not line up)
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Speech difficulties
• Frequent biting of the inner cheeks or tongue

These symptoms can affect both the functionality and aesthetics of your child's smile. If you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to schedule a consultation with our practice to explore the appropriate treatment options to correct the alignment and enhance your child’s oral health.

The causes of crooked teeth are multifaceted and often begin early in life. Genetic predispositions can play a significant role, as children may inherit jaw size or tooth shapes that don't align well from their parents. Beyond heredity, early childhood habits such as thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, or extended bottle feeding can exert pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to misalignment. Premature loss of baby teeth can also cause neighboring teeth to shift into the empty space, resulting in crooked teeth as permanent teeth emerge. Environmental factors and individual developmental variations also contribute to the formation of crooked teeth, necessitating professional assessment, and intervention to correct the alignment and prevent further dental complications.

Several factors can contribute to crooked teeth in children, including genetics, jaw size, thumb-sucking habits, prolonged pacifier use, and early loss of baby teeth. A small or misaligned jaw can cause teeth to grow in crowded or unevenly, while habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting can shift teeth out of alignment over time. If baby teeth are lost too soon due to injury or decay, surrounding teeth may shift, leading to spacing issues when permanent teeth emerge. The Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates team monitors your child’s dental development and provides early intervention options to help prevent or correct alignment concerns.

There are several different treatment options for crooked teeth, such as braces, aligner trays, or other types of oral appliances. In certain cases, your child's dentist could recommend tooth removal or surgical treatments to improve extreme cases of malocclusion. Treatment commonly lasts a few months to several years, depending on the level of concern.

If your child has misaligned teeth or you have begun to notice symptoms of improper alignment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with the Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates team to review treatment options for your child. Our team offers an individualized treatment plan that works for your child's specific needs and goals. Call our practice in Lancaster, PA today to book an appointment and start the journey to vibrant, more beautiful teeth.