Hundreds of years ago, over 90% of people had naturally straight teeth, often with extra space in their jaws. Fast forward to today, and it’s rare to find a kid or adult with perfect alignment. At our dentist NW Calgary practice, we see this all the time. Most new Dental Now Panorama patients have some degree of crowding or bite problems, and many don’t even have room for their wisdom teeth. So, what’s changed?
You might think crooked teeth are just something you inherit, like your eye color or height. But the truth is, it’s not all about genetics. Modern research, including insights from experts like James Nestor, points to environmental factors as a big reason why so many people today have misaligned teeth. Here’s the deal: our mouths are getting smaller. Smaller mouths mean less room for teeth to grow straight, which leads to crowding, crookedness, and bite issues. This isn’t just a dental problem—it can also shrink airways, contributing to things like snoring or sleep apnea.
Historical skulls show wider jaw structures—upper molars were often over 40 millimeters apart. In our dental clinic, we measure intermolar widths (the distance between your upper molars), and it’s rare to see anyone with an arch wider than 35 millimeters. Most folks are in the low 30s, and those with severe crooked teeth can be as narrow as 30 millimeters or less. We’ve even seen a teenager with a jaw width of just 23 millimeters, caused by a tongue tie that restricted her palate’s growth.
Why are our jaws shrinking? It’s largely about how we live today. Our diets, habits, and even the way we swallow play a huge role. Let’s look at the main culprits.
1. Diet: Soft Foods, Weak Jaws
Our modern diet is a lot softer than what our ancestors ate. Think about it—most of us aren’t chomping on tough, unprocessed foods like whole grains, raw veggies, or chewy meats. Instead, we eat a lot of processed, easy-to-chew foods like smoothies, mashed potatoes, or pre-cut fruit. While these are convenient, they don’t give our jaws the workout they need to grow strong and wide.
Experts like John and Mike Mew point out that chewing hard, crunchy foods helps develop facial muscles and encourages proper jaw growth. Without that resistance, our jaws don’t expand as much as they should, leaving less room for teeth. This is especially true for kids, whose jaws are still developing.
What you can do: If you’re a parent, encourage your kids to eat whole, unprocessed foods. Let them munch on a whole apple instead of cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Skip the super-soft snacks and go for things that require real chewing. It’s a simple way to support healthy jaw development.
2. Swallowing Habits: Sippy Cups and Straws
Here’s something you might not think about: how we swallow affects our teeth. Historically, people went from breastfeeding to drinking from cups—no bottles, sippy cups, or straws. These modern tools can change how kids swallow, often causing them to purse their lips or use their tongue incorrectly. Over time, this repeated muscle movement can push teeth out of alignment.
At Dental Now, we see a lot of kids who’ve developed bite issues from improper swallowing habits. Sippy cups and straws might be convenient, but they can train kids to use their mouth muscles in ways that aren’t natural. This can lead to crooked teeth or even jaw misalignment.
What you can do: Try to skip the sippy cups and straws when possible. Teach your kids to drink from a regular cup or glass as early as they can. It might be messy at first, but it’s better for their dental health in the long run.
3. Tongue Ties and Other Issues
Sometimes, crooked teeth are caused by physical conditions like tongue ties. A tongue tie happens when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight, limiting tongue movement. This can restrict how the palate (the roof of your mouth) expands, leading to a narrower jaw and crowded teeth. We’ve seen this in patients of all ages at our dental clinic in Panorama.
Tongue ties can also affect swallowing and even speech, so it’s something we check for during exams. While tongue ties have a genetic component, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. The environment—how we eat, breathe, and grow—plays a bigger role than genetics in most cases.
4. Mouth Breathing vs. Nasal Breathing
Another factor is how we breathe. Mouth breathing, often caused by allergies, a stuffy nose, or habits, can change the way your jaw and teeth develop. When you breathe through your mouth, your tongue doesn’t rest against the roof of your mouth, which is where it helps expand the palate. This can lead to a narrower jaw and—you guessed it—crooked teeth.
Nasal breathing, on the other hand, supports proper jaw growth and keeps your tongue in the right position. If you or your child are chronic mouth breathers, it’s worth talking to a dentist at Dental Now Panorama to see if there’s an underlying issue we can address.
Whether you’re in Panorama or elsewhere in NW Calgary, our team is here to help with personalized care. Here’s how we can make a difference:
Comprehensive Exams to Find the Cause
When you visit our dental clinic, we don’t just look at your teeth—we look at the big picture. We measure things like your intermolar width, check for tongue ties, and assess your bite and breathing habits. This helps us figure out what’s causing your crooked teeth and how to fix them. Whether it’s a narrow palate, improper swallowing, or something else, we’ll get to the root of it.
How We Straighten Your Teeth
For many of our Calgary patients, Invisalign is a game-changer. These clear aligners are a discreet, comfortable way to straighten teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. Invisalign is perfect for teens and adults who want a straighter smile without metal wires. Plus, it’s removable, so you can eat your favorite foods and keep your teeth clean without extra effort.
At Dental Now, we’re experts in Invisalign and tailor each treatment plan to your needs. Whether you have mild crowding or more complex alignment issues, we’ll guide you through the process with clear steps and regular check-ins.
Braces are also a highly effective way to straighten teeth. They work by attaching brackets to each tooth, connected by a memory wire that gradually shifts the teeth into place.
Myofunctional Therapy and More
Sometimes, straightening teeth isn’t enough—you need to address the habits or conditions causing the problem. That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in. This therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of your mouth and face to support proper swallowing, breathing, and jaw growth. It’s especially helpful for kids who are still developing or adults with bite issues tied to muscle habits.
We also offer treatments for tongue ties and other structural issues, working with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle. Our goal is to not just fix smiles but improve overall health.
Tips for Parents in Panorama
If you’re a parent in NW Calgary, you can take steps now to help your kids avoid crooked teeth or reduce their severity:
- Encourage hard, chewy foods: Whole apples, carrots, or tough breads are great for jaw development. Avoid pre-cut or overly soft foods when possible.
- Ditch the sippy cups: Transition your kids to regular cups early to promote natural swallowing patterns.
- Watch for mouth breathing: If your child breathes through their mouth a lot, especially at night, talk to us. It could be a sign of allergies, a tongue tie, or another issue.
- Get regular dental check-ups: Early visits to a dentist NW Calgary can catch problems before they get worse. We recommend starting by age 2 or 3.
We know you have options when it comes to dental care in Panorama and NW Calgary. Here’s why Dental Now stands out:
- Personalized care: We take the time to understand your unique needs and create a plan that works for you.
- Expert team: Our dentists are skilled in everything from Invisalign to myofunctional therapy, so you’re in good hands.
- Community focus: We’re proud to serve Panorama and NW Calgary, and we’re committed to helping our neighbors smile with confidence.
- Modern solutions: From Invisalign in Calgary to advanced diagnostics, we use the latest tools to get results.
Ready to Straighten Your Smile?
Crooked teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they can affect your health, confidence, and quality of life. At Dental Now, we’re here to help you understand why your teeth are misaligned and find the best solution, whether it’s Invisalign in Calgary, braces, myofunctional therapy, or something else. If you’re in Panorama or anywhere in NW Calgary, we’d love to meet you and get started on your journey to a healthier, straighter smile.
Book an appointment with our dental clinic today or check out our dental fee guide online. Let’s work together to fix those crooked teeth and boost your confidence. We can’t wait to see you smile!
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