Doctronic

Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites: Causes, Problems, and Treatment Options

Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD

Medically reviewed by Oghenefejiro Okifo | MD, Harvard Medical School | Henry Ford Hospital - Detroit, MI on December 10th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

  • Malocclusion affects 74% of people worldwide, ranging from minor crowding to severe jaw misalignment that can cause TMJ disorders and uneven tooth wear.

  • Genetics account for 60-70% of orthodontic problems, but environmental factors like prolonged thumb sucking past age 4 or early tooth loss can worsen alignment issues.

  • Untreated misalignment increases cavity risk by 300% due to difficulty cleaning overlapped teeth, and can cause abnormal wear patterns that lead to tooth fractures.

  • Traditional metal braces typically require 18-24 months for correction, while clear aligners work best for mild to moderate cases and take 12-18 months on average.

  • Early intervention between ages 7-9 can guide jaw growth and reduce treatment time by up to 50%, making the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation for first evaluation crucial.

Many people experience crooked teeth or misaligned bites, which can cause a variety of dental and overall health issues. In this article, we'll explore the causes of these conditions, the problems they can lead to, and the various treatment options available to correct them.

Causes of Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

There are several reasons why some people's teeth grow in crooked or their bites become misaligned:

  • Small mouth size, leading to crowded and shifted teeth

  • Mismatched or malformed upper and lower jaws, resulting in an overbite or underbite

  • Inherited traits, similar to eye color or hand size

  • Early loss of baby or adult teeth

  • Improper fit of dental restorations, such as fillings or crowns

  • Gingivitis (gum disease)

  • Undue pressure on the teeth and gums

  • Jaw misalignment after an injury

  • Tumors of the mouth or jaw

  • Common oral health problems in children, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged pacifier use, or extended bottle use

Problems Associated with Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can lead to several issues, including:

  • Difficulty chewing properly

  • Increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis due to challenges in keeping teeth clean

  • Strain on teeth, jaws, and muscles, which may increase the risk of tooth breakage

  • Self-consciousness about appearance, potentially affecting self-esteem

Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites: Causes, Problems, and Treatment Options

Diagnosing Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

While crooked teeth may be visually apparent, a dentist can determine if treatment is necessary. Signs that a dentist will look for include:

  • Abnormal alignment of teeth

  • Abnormal appearance of the face

  • Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or biting

  • Speech difficulties, such as a lisp

If your dentist suspects a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating these conditions. The orthodontist may perform several tests, including:

  • X-rays to examine the position of teeth and roots, and check for any unerupted teeth

  • Cephalometric or panoramic X-rays to assess the relationship between teeth, jaws, and head

  • Photographs of your face to further analyze the relationship between teeth, jaws, and head

  • Teeth impressions to create an exact copy of your teeth

Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites

Once diagnosed, your orthodontist will determine the best treatment plan for your specific case. Treatment options may include:

  • Removable retainer to stabilize the new position of teeth (for minor cases)

  • Tooth removal, in rare cases of severe overcrowding

  • Braces, which are necessary for most people to correct the issue

  • Surgery, in extremely rare cases of severe overbite or underbite

To learn more about the differences between an overbite and an underbite, as well as treatment options for an overbite without braces, visit Overbite vs. Underbite: What's the Difference? and Correcting an Overbite Without Braces.

If you suspect that you or your child may have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, consult with your dentist or orthodontist to determine the best course of action. Early intervention can help prevent more serious dental and overall health issues in the future.

The Bottom Line

Most orthodontic problems stem from genetics but worsen without intervention, leading to both functional problems and increased dental disease risk. Early evaluation around age 7-9 offers the best outcomes and shortest treatment times. If you're noticing jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or concerns about alignment, Doctronic can help you understand your treatment options quickly.

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