Bottom teeth are often more visible when we speak and hold our mouths at rest, but when it comes to straightening teeth, we usually think about the top teeth. However, as we get older, we start to find that our bottom teeth can become more and more noticeable, as they become more and more crooked.
Many people experience crowding as a child, so it can be surprising when it starts to happen again as an adult. However, this isn’t necessarily a sign that something has gone wrong. Rather, it’s a normal part of getting older.
However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t cause some issues. So let’s take a look at why some find their bottom teeth getting more crooked with age, and what can be done about it.
Why bottom teeth get more crooked with time
Our teeth are far from immune to the passage of time.
Some consider crooked teeth as another sign of ageing.
However, there are several prevailing theories as to why exactly it occurs.
Our teeth and jaw both shrink slowly as we age, for instance.
However, if our jaw shrinks slightly faster than our teeth, then the teeth are crowded closer together
Our teeth also move and shift around throughout life naturally, simply due to the pressure exerted from daily use.
Some stressors can lead to teeth moving more than others, pushing against or past them.
Bruxism (grinding your teeth at night) is an example of one stressor that may contribute to crowding.
Finally, a process called mesial drift happens as we get older, during which our teeth slowly move to the front of our mouth.
For many, it’s an issue of aesthetics.
However, it can also cause functional problems with your bite, which can cause wear and tear on teeth and may even be somewhat uncomfortable.
However, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do about it.
Read on to learn more about both preventing crooked teeth or correcting them if it’s too late for prevention.
How to prevent teeth becoming more crooked with age
There are a few ways to prevent our teeth from becoming more crooked over time.
For instance, adjusting your sleeping habits may help.
It is thought that sleeping on your stomach with your face to the pillow or bed exerts pressure on your teeth over time that causes them to shift, so finding another way to sleep may help you avoid the problem.
Habits, such as biting fingernails causing constant inward pressure on your teeth, can also lead to misalignment.
There has been a case of a tradesman who always placed nails in his mouth prior to nailing them into wood.
This long-term habit resulted in lower crooked teeth due to the constant pressure of a hard surface being pressed against the teeth.
If you have any missing teeth, it’s important to get them replaced as soon as possible, too.
Our teeth are always under some sort of pressure when we chew, sleep, and even when we’re resting.
If there’s a gap in your teeth, the others will look to fill that position.
Getting an implant, crown, or another treatment can help you prevent crowding into that space and general misalignment of your teeth.
How you can correct crooked teeth
If you’ve already noticed that your teeth have become significantly more crooked as you age, then prevention may not be the best strategy anymore.
There are a variety of orthodontic treatments that can help you straighten your teeth.
There are a number of brace options that can be used to assist in realign your teeth over time.
There are even discreet option like braces that can be fitted behind your teeth or Invisalign, which a clear aligners that you can barely see.
Which method work best for you will depend on your aims, budget, and the kind of orthodontic condition you need to be treated for.
As such, arranging a consultation with your local specialist orthodontist is recommended.
We can get a closer look at the issue and recommend a course of treatment.
Do you need help with crooked bottom teeth?
Crooked bottom teeth should be considered as just another sign of ageing.
There’s nothing unnatural about it.
However, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean that it should simply be tolerated.
