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Why Aren’t Teeth Always Straight?

Live Life Smiling

why-crooked-teeth
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • August 24, 2022

 

THE BENEFITS OF having straight teeth are many. Studies indicate that people with straight teeth are seen as more successful, intelligent, and likely to get dates than people with crooked teeth. So what makes teeth grow in crooked so often?

The Soft Foods Theory and Crooked Teeth

According to the Soft Foods Theory, modern eating habits are a factor. By not eating the same tough, fibrous diet of our hunter-gatherer ancestors, we don’t stimulate as much jaw growth, giving our teeth less room to grow in straight. However, a hunter-gatherer diet will wear out the chewing surfaces much faster than a modern diet, so we don’t recommend it.

Crooked Teeth Genetics

Genes also play a role. Someone who gets Dad’s big teeth and Mom’s small jaws will probably end up with some crowding problems. The children of parents who had braces are also more likely to need braces as well.

Our Daily Habits Can Shift Our Teeth

Another big factor is daily habits, such as thumbsucking or pacifier use past age four, a tongue-thrust reflex, habitual mouth breathing, or even something as simple as frequently resting the jaw on the hand can have a cumulative impact on the position of the teeth, the shape of the dental arch, and the way teeth drift later in adulthood.

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Sara B.
Amazing work so gentle and answers all my questions Play good movies on TV so kind have fun themed months
Sara B.
Amazing work so gentle and answers all my questions Play good movies on TV so kind have fun themed months
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Lola D.
We absolutely love Holmes & Palmer..horrible experience elsewhere, and was leary... they go above and beyond from the moment you step in the door.
Sarah M.
From the first step in the door we were impressed!! Professional, friendly, explained everything thoroughly. So happy we chose Holmes and Palmer. Highly recommend 😀
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Kelley M.
This is my second child to receive orthodontic care with Dr. Holmes. This practice is efficiently run and the staff is always friendly. We’ve never waited more than 10 minutes to be seen. Highly recommend!!
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Ilissa P.
Wonderful and caring staff. My kids don’t mind going to the dentist, which is huge and speaks for itself.
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Carrie B.
We have been very impressed with the staff and orthodontists here. They communicate with us as the parents and treat our daughter well while she is here for treatment. We will definitely choose them again when it’s time for our youngest to get her braces.

Sarah B
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
Lenon H.
This is the best orthodontist office in the tri-state! A very nice and efficient staff! Getting braces was quick and easy!
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  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
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  • 3659 Teays Valley Road Suite 200
    Hurricane, WV 25526
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  • 451 Kinetic Drive Suite 200
    Huntington, WV 25701
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  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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