What Causes Crooked Teeth? Expert Treatment Options for Your Smile

Every human is unique, and that manifests in how your teeth come in. We’ll let you know the various reasons your teeth may be crooked, if any oral health problems could arise as a result, and what options are available for you to straighten them so you can overcome crooked teeth insecurity and feel confident about your smile.

Common Causes of Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth can have a variety of causes, including:

• Genetics: Inherited traits such as jaw size, jaw shape, and hyperdontia (having extra teeth) often determine how your teeth emerge.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting oral care can lead to gingivitis. According to the Journal of Dental Research, nearly half of adults over 30 in the US suffer from some form of gum disease, which can cause teeth to loosen or shift.
• Early Baby Tooth Loss: Losing a primary tooth too early allows adjacent teeth to drift into the gap, crowding the space needed for permanent teeth.
• Childhood Habits: Persistent thumb sucking or tongue thrusting (pressing the tongue against teeth instead of the palate) can push teeth out of alignment.
• Mouth Breathing: Chronic mouth breathing in children can negatively impact proper tooth alignment, potentially leading to a narrowed dental arch.
• Malnutrition: A lack of essential nutrients can hinder the healthy development of the bones and tissues that support your teeth.
• Trauma: Injuries from sports or accidents can physically displace teeth. Red Flag: If you experience sudden tooth mobility or severe pain following an impact, consult a dentist immediately to assess for root damage.

The Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth

Aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces bacterial buildup and lowers the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Proper alignment also ensures your teeth fit together correctly, reducing stress on the jaw and minimizing the risk of chipping or uneven wear. Clinical Note: Malocclusion (the technical term for misaligned teeth) can contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort or a crooked jaw by causing uneven pressure during chewing.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Orthodontists use the body’s natural bone remodeling process—involving osteoclasts for resorption and osteoblasts for ossification—to shift teeth. Common solutions include braces and aligners.

• Braces: Traditional metal brackets and wires remain a highly effective, popular choice for complex alignment needs.
• Clear Aligners: These are discreet, removable, custom-made plastic trays. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, each set is worn for 1-3 weeks, with total treatment often lasting nine months or longer.
• Retainers: While primarily used to maintain results after braces, they can sometimes correct minor overcrowding.
• Palatal Expanders: If your child’s mouth is too small for their future adult teeth, their orthodontist may insert a palatal expander to widen the arch of their upper teeth. The expander will be fastened to your child’s upper molars using dental cement. Over time, the orthodontist will use a special key during visits, placing gradual pressure on the upper jaw’s left and right halves. This causes extra bone to grow between the two halves of the jaw, increasing the width of your child’s mouth so their teeth can shift into the proper position. Expanders are mostly invisible, but your child may experience mild discomfort each time their expander is adjusted.

Important: The American Dental Association discourages the methods described in how to straighten your teeth at home guides, often called Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Orthodontics. Moving teeth is a medical procedure that should be done with the supervision of a licensed professional.