What Causes Crooked Teeth and How to Treat Them?

There is no doubt that a beautiful smile can light up a room and enhance your personality. Yet, when crooked teeth are part of that smile, it can be hard to feel confident enough to show it off.

While a few crooked teeth here and there are common, significant misalignment can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, discomfort, and even pain. Crooked teeth affect you more than your appearance—they can impact how you speak, chew, and maintain your oral health.

The good news is that you don’t have to settle for a smile that doesn’t make you feel your best. Thanks to modern dental advancements, treatments like braces and Invisalign can correct misaligned teeth, giving you a straight, radiant smile that reflects your true personality.

In this article, we’ll explore the causes of crooked teeth, the various types of misalignment, and the most effective treatments available.

Crooked teeth meaning

This refers to teeth that are misaligned, overcrowded, or improperly spaced within the jaw.

This misalignment can occur in various forms, affecting both the lower and upper teeth.

Crooked teeth can lead to issues with bite, appearance, and oral hygiene. While some degree of misalignment is common, severe cases can cause discomfort and may require orthodontic intervention.

Crooked Teeth

What causes crooked teeth?

Several factors cause crooked teeth. Understanding these helps in treating and avoiding this condition.

  • Genetics: The shape, size, and alignment of your teeth are often inherited from your parents. If your ancestors had crooked teeth, there’s a higher likelihood that you may inherit similar dental traits.
  • Tongue thrusting: Over time, tongue pressure can cause the teeth, particularly the front teeth, to shift out of alignment.
  • Facial injury: Trauma to the jaw or face can disrupt the alignment of teeth. This can either directly damage them or cause shifts in the underlying bone structure.
  • Thumb-sucking: It is a common habit among young children. It can exert pressure on the front teeth, causing them to protrude or become misaligned.
  • Poor dental care: Lack of proper dental hygiene can result in the loss of infant teeth before they are naturally ready to fall out. This causes misalignment in the adult teeth that follow.
  • Jaw size: Modern diets, which often consist of softer foods, have led to smaller jaw sizes in humans. This reduction in jaw size can result in overcrowding of teeth.
  • Misaligned jaw or bite (Malocclusion): This refers to a misalignment between the two jaws (upper and lower ). Misaligned jaws can result in overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites, all of which can eventually lead to crooked teeth.

Crooked teeth in kids

Crooked teeth in children often develop when the infant teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.

Several factors contribute to this, including thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, and even bottle-feeding beyond infancy.

In addition, children with smaller jaws may experience overcrowding, which eventually causes the teeth to become crooked. Thus, early intervention is essential.

Types of crooked teeth and how they look

Crooked teeth can manifest in various forms, each having its unique characteristics and potential impact on oral health.

  • Overcrowding occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate all the teeth. As a result, teeth are forced to overlap or twist to fit within the limited space. This is one of the most common forms of malocclusion and can affect both the upper and lower teeth.
  • Spacing issues: Spacing issues occur when there is too much space between teeth. This can be due to a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jaw, missing teeth, or habits such as thumb-sucking.
  • Misaligned bites: Also known as malocclusion, misaligned bites include conditions such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.

Crooked bottom teeth

This is a common occurrence resulting from overcrowding or a misaligned bite.

The teeth may overlap, twist, or appear unevenly spaced, making proper oral hygiene difficult. It’s important to address this problem as early as possible to prevent further complications, such as gum disease or tooth decay.

Crooked front teeth

Crooked front teeth can significantly impact one’s appearance and self-confidence. These teeth are often the most noticeable and can be caused by factors like genetics, thumb-sucking, or improper jaw development.

How to fix crooked teeth – Treatment

Over the years, many advanced scientific methods have evolved to correct crooked teeth.

These generally range from traditional braces to modern solutions like Invisalign and veneers. However, the best treatment depends upon the severity of your misalignment, your age, and your overall dental health.

Crooked teeth braces and Invisalign

Braces and Invisalign are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments for correcting any issues regarding crooked teeth.

  • Braces: Metal braces most commonly consist of brackets attached to the teeth and interconnected by wires. These wires are periodically tightened to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. Braces are highly effective for treating severe cases of crooked teeth and can correct a wide range of alignment issues. In general, braces are usually worn for 18 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Invisalign: These are a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. These are custom-designed for each patient. Invisalign is usually replaced every two weeks to gradually shift the teeth into place. It’s a well-known choice for adults and teenagers who prefer a more discreet treatment option. It’s effective for mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth and can produce results in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Crooked Teeth

Also read: 

Invisalign vs. Braces: Which is better?

Invisalign Braces: A complete guide

Veneers for crooked teeth

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the teeth’ front region to improve their appearance.

Veneers are crafted from composite resin or porcelain. They are often used to correct minor misalignments, close gaps, or even cover discoloured teeth.

  • Function: Veneers are not orthodontic treatments but rather cosmetic solutions. They do not move teeth but can mask imperfections and create the appearance of a straighter smile.
  • Benefits: Veneers are a quick and effective way to achieve a perfect smile. They are durable, stain-resistant, and can last for many years with proper care.

How to prevent crooked teeth?

Although, in some instances, it is nearly impossible to avoid crooked teeth due to certain issues, such as accidents or genetic problems, several proven steps can minimise the risk of having misaligned teeth. Let us take a closer look at some of the few:

  1. Encourage proper oral habits in children: Discouraging thumb-sucking and prolonged use of pacifiers can help prevent the development of crooked teeth.
  2. Regular dental checkups: This can detect alignment issues early, allowing timely intervention and reducing the severity of crooked teeth.
  3. Good oral hygiene: This can prevent premature loss of baby teeth, which can lead to misalignment.
  4. Proper nutrition: A nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote healthy jaw and tooth development.

Issues with untreated crooked teeth

Leaving crooked teeth untreated can lead to a range of oral health problems. Some of the potential risks include:

  • Gum recession: Crooked teeth can put excessive pressure on the gums, which may lead to recession and expose the teeth’s roots.
  • Increased cavities: Misaligned teeth are harder to clean. This increases the chance of plaque buildup and cavities.
  • Difficulty chewing: Severe misalignment can make it difficult to chew food properly. Improperly chewed food may lead to digestive issues.
  • Speech problems: Crooked teeth can affect speech. This may lead to issues such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words.

Crooked teeth treatment price in Malaysia

The cost of treating crooked teeth in Malaysia varies depending on the severity of the case, the chosen treatment method, and the dental clinic’s location.

  • Braces: Traditional braces can cost between RM 5,000 and RM 20,000. The price varies based on the type of braces (metal, ceramic, or lingual) and the duration of treatment.
  • Invisalign: The cost of Invisalign usually ranges from RM 12,000 to RM 25,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of aligners required.
  • Veneers: The cost of veneers in Malaysia can range from RM 1,500 to RM 3,500 per tooth, depending on the material used and the reputation of the dental clinic.

Crooked Teeth

FAQs

1. Why did my teeth suddenly become crooked?

Teeth can suddenly become crooked due to factors such as tooth loss, tooth shifting as one age, or changes in jawbone structure. It’s essential to consult a certified dentist to determine the underlying cause.

2. What is the best age to fix crooked teeth?

The best age to fix crooked teeth is typically during childhood or adolescence when the jaw is still developing. However, adults can also successfully undergo orthodontic treatment.

3. How long does it take to straighten teeth?

The time required to straighten teeth varies depending on the severity of the problem and the treatment method used. Braces typically take 18 to 24 months, while Invisalign can take 12 to 18 months.

4. Can veneers fix crooked teeth?

Veneers can improve the appearance when you have minor misalignments but do not actually straighten teeth. They are a cosmetic solution rather than an orthodontic treatment.

5. Can Invisalign fix crooked teeth?

Yes, Invisalign can effectively correct mild to moderate cases of crooked teeth by gradually moving them into alignment using clear, removable aligners.

6. Can crooked teeth go back to normal?

Crooked teeth typically do not correct themselves naturally, especially in adults. Once teeth have become misaligned due to some factors such as genetics, habits, or injuries, they generally require orthodontic treatment to move back into their proper position.

7. How long does it take to put braces on for the first time?

The process of getting braces for the first time is relatively straightforward and usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

8. What is the cheapest way to straighten your teeth?

The cheapest way to straighten teeth is typically through traditional metal braces, especially when compared to more modern or specialised options like Invisalign or ceramic braces.

Conclusion

Achieving a straighter smile is possible through various orthodontic treatments which are specifically tailored to your needs.

While traditional braces remain a popular and cost-effective option, treatments like Invisalign and veneers offer alternatives depending on your goals and budget.

If you’re considering treatment for crooked teeth, consult with a dental professional to find out the best options for your unique needs.

Contact us at mydentist® for more information or to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Reviewer Bio

Dr. Foo Chi Chean is a highly esteemed dental surgeon and implantologist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

He holds the position of Pacific Rim Representative of the American Academy of Osseointegration and has served as the first Malaysian President of the Asian Oral Implant Academy. With a Bachelor's degree from the University of Malaya (BDS, 1977), Dr. Foo has developed a profound expertise in oral implantology and cosmetic dentistry.

Dr. Foo's illustrious career includes extensive lecturing on cosmetic dentistry and implantology across the globe. He has been invited to share his knowledge in countries such as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

He has been conferred prestigious Fellowships from the International College of Dentists (Washington), the International Congress of Oral Implantology (USA), and the Asian Oral Implant Academy (Tokyo).

In addition to his clinical and lecturing roles, Dr. Foo has served as the Consultant Cosmetic Dentist for the Miss Tourism International Pageant and the Queen of the Year International Finals.

Recognized for his contributions to dental wellness, he has been honoured as a diplomate of the International Congress of Implantologists (USA).

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Foo, visit mydentist.com.my