Updated on December 10, 2024
4 min read

Crooked Teeth

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Overlapping or misaligned teeth (crooked teeth) are common and occur for various reasons. It’s typically harmless and doesn’t always need correction. 

However, treatments are available if an unaligned smile affects your self-esteem or puts you at risk for health issues. This article explains the causes of crooked teeth, its potential health risks, and treatment options to help you achieve a straight smile.

3D render illustration of an abnormal crooked teeth position

Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth

Dentistry has advanced so much in the past few decades. Nowadays, there are many treatment options for correcting misaligned teeth besides traditional braces.

These also vary depending on your needs and budget. These treatment options include:

Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular treatment option to correct mild to moderate malocclusion cases. It can even correct some severe issues of crooked teeth thanks to its high-end technology. 

One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign treatment is direct supervision by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Because of this, you can be sure that each tray will be custom-fit for you.

These nearly invisible and removable aligners are an excellent option for people looking for a discreet orthodontic option. They’re also removable, making them convenient for eating and cleaning. 

Braces

Braces are a reliable option to correct crooked teeth. They come in traditional metal and tooth-colored ceramic brackets. 

Close-up 3D illustration of teeth with orthodontic braces, showing metal brackets and wires on an upper dental arch.

Braces help correct mild, moderate, and severe cases of crooked teeth to deliver a perfect smile and bite. The average treatment length for braces is 24 months. But this varies from person to person.

At-Home Clear Aligners 

For minor or mild cases of crooked teeth, at-home aligners can be a convenient direct-to-consumer option.

They’re typically less expensive than braces and Invisalign. They also provide the convenience of completing treatment from your home.

At-home aligners are supervised by a licensed dentist. They provide at-home impressions and deliver all aligner trays at once. Many people opt for at-home aligners to correct crowded teeth because they offer an affordable and discreet way to straighten teeth.

Other Treatment Options 

If traditional orthodontics or at-home aligners are not for you, consider other treatment options that may correct a crooked smile.

These include:

  • Lingual braces — These discreet braces use brackets placed on the inside of your teeth.
  • Dental veneers — Thin shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. Dentists may recommend temporary orthodontics before veneers to properly position the teeth.
  • Crowns — This dental restoration covers the entire surface of a tooth.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix Crooked Teeth?

Orthodontic work is a significant investment in your oral health and overall well-being.  Fees will depend on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose, the dentist, and the location.

For example, you can expect to spend $5,000 to $9,000 for metal braces. The average cost for braces is around $6,000.

Invisalign typically ranges between $3,000 and $5,000. Meanwhile, at-home aligners cost between $1,100 and $2,300.

Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Oftentimes crooked teeth are inherited, if your parents have crooked teeth, chances are you’ll have them too. Even if you take proper care of your teeth.

However, there are other factors that contribute to the misalignment of teeth. These include:

  • Jaw size — A shorter or smaller jaw bone structure can lead to crooked and crowded teeth.  
  • Poor nutrition — Proper nutrition is essential for the health and development of teeth. Not getting enough nutrients, especially in childhood, can result in crooked teeth.
  • Malocclusion — A malocclusion happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t fit together properly, resulting in crowded teeth, overbites, and underbites.
  • Poor oral hygiene — Failure to practice good oral hygiene can result in gingivitis and, eventually, periodontitis. Periodontitis can result in shifting teeth and tooth loss. 
  • Early baby tooth loss — If a baby tooth falls out early, other teeth can shift into its place. This causes overcrowding in areas where permanent teeth will come in.
  • Poor myofunctional habits — Habits like thumb sucking, excessive pacifier use, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting can affect the mouth and facial muscles. 
  • Facial injury — Facial trauma, such as a childhood jaw injury, can result in crooked or displaced teeth. If the jaw shifts from its natural position, teeth can grow in crooked.

Potential Health Risks of Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are typically a cosmetic concern, not an oral health problem. However, there are cases where they can affect your quality of life and self-esteem. 

In some cases, people may have problems pronouncing certain words or chewing properly. Crooked teeth can also put you at risk for specific health issues.

For example, crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean hard-to-reach areas, resulting in gingivitis and potentially leading to tooth decay or advanced gum disease (periodontal disease).

It can also cause damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw muscles. This can often result in chipped or cracked teeth, jaw strain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

When Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

If you feel comfortable with the size and shape of your natural teeth, it’s perfectly fine to leave them as they are. Crooked teeth should be fixed if they negatively affect your self-esteem or threaten your dental health.

A straighter smile can do more than improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence. Teeth straightening may be necessary if periodontitis is a concern.

What’s Next?

Discover the best fit for your smile.

Explore top at-home clear aligner brands.

Last updated on December 10, 2024
7 Sources Cited
Last updated on December 10, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Devi et al. “Malocclusion and occlusal traits among dental and nursing students of Seven North-East states of India.” J Oral Biol Craniofac Res, 2022.
  2. Wang et al. “Initial arch wires for alignment of crooked teeth with fixed orthodontic braces.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2010.
  3. Lin, S. “Crooked Teeth and Nutrition: A Surprising Link.” Orthotown, 2017.
  4. Kaur et al. “Invisalign: Meeting Challenges with Newer Technologies.” International Journal of Health Sciences, 2021.
  5. Militi et al. “Psychological and Social Effects of Oral Health and Dental Aesthetic in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: An Observational Study.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021.
  6. Braces Have Changed, From Metal to Tooth-Colored to Clear.” United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2017.
  7. Azaripour et al. “Braces versus Invisalign®: gingival parameters and patients’ satisfaction during treatment: a cross-sectional study.” BMC Oral Health, 2015.
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