Crooked teeth are a common concern for many people, with up to a fifth of the American population dealing with this issue to a significant extent. If you are self-conscious about it, remember that even celebrities and movie stars get a little orthodontic help in achieving their "perfect" smiles—and that, with treatment, you can have even, straight teeth, too. The guide below explores some of the reasons why crooked teeth occur in the first place.

What Contributes to Crooked Teeth?

1. Genetics

Genetics usually play the biggest role in crooked teeth. Tooth misalignment results from overcrowding, from disparities in upper and lower jaw shapes and sizes, and from inadequate development of the palette, which can all be inherited from one's parents. Evolution figures into this cause as well. As humans have evolved, jaws have gotten smaller—but the number of teeth a person has remains the same. There are often too many teeth and not enough room, and the teeth must compete for space by growing in at angles.

2. Bad Habits

Some of the self-soothing habits a person has as a child can be detrimental to the healthy alignment of the teeth. Sucking one's thumb or other fingers or sucking a pacifier can force the teeth to grow in irregularly. There are also unconscious bad habits that can impact how the teeth grow, such as breathing primarily through the mouth or thrusting the tongue forward when swallowing.

3. Injury

Orthodontic injury stemming from facial trauma can also produce crooked teeth. If there is physical impact against the face, the jaw may get knocked out of place, resulting in less space in the mouth. Over time, the teeth grow in such a way as to compensate for this lack of space. Even a subtle shift in jaw placement can have a major effect on how the teeth grow in.

While there are many potential causes of crooked teeth, there are also orthodontic solutions that can be tailored to meet the exact needs of your oral health. Orthodontist Dr. Michael Delgado and his team at Delgado Orthodontics serve patients throughout the North Richland Hills and Tarrant County region of Texas. They provide a variety of teeth straightening options, including braces, Invisalign®, and retainers. Schedule a free consultation by calling (817) 282-1821 or visiting their website today.