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What Causes Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites?

Published by Smile orth on

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites are usually caused by a mix of genetics, childhood habits and natural jaw growth, rather than anything a person has done wrong. Understanding why they develop can help you feel informed before seeing an orthodontist. 

Is It in My Genes? 

Genetics is a common reason for crooked teeth. The size and shape of your jaw and teeth are largely inherited. If your teeth are too large for the available space, they may come through crowded, overlapping or rotated. Likewise, a smaller jaw combined with larger teeth can leave less room for everything to line up properly.  Genetics can also affect how the upper and lower jaws develop, which may contribute to an overbite, underbite or crossbite. 

Do Childhood Habits Affect Tooth Position? 

Some childhood habits can affect the way the teeth and jaws develop, particularly when they continue for a long time. These include: 
  • Prolonged thumb or finger sucking 
  • Extended dummy or bottle use 
  • Tongue thrusting against the front teeth 
  • Long-term mouth breathing 
This doesn’t mean every child with these habits will develop crooked teeth. A persistent habit can affect the position of the front teeth or the shape of the palate.

Can Losing a Tooth Cause Misalignment? 

Losing a tooth earlier than expected, whether a baby tooth or an adult one, can allow neighbouring teeth to drift into the gap. This can follow an injury, decay or extraction, and it may gradually shift the surrounding teeth and bite. Dentists pay particular attention to early tooth loss in children because baby teeth help hold space for adult teeth developing underneath.  

Why Understanding the Cause Matters 

Knowing what may be behind the misalignment can help your dentist or orthodontist decide whether treatment is needed and when it should be considered. An ongoing childhood habit may need monitoring, while a mismatch between tooth and jaw size may need orthodontic treatment.  

How Is Misalignment Assessed and Treated? 

An orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaw and bite, sometimes with x-rays, to identify the cause before recommending options such as fixed braces or clear aligners. NHS treatment is assessed by clinical need and mainly available to under 18s, so most adults seeking treatment do so privately. Suitability is only confirmed after an assessment by a GDC-registered clinician. 

Ready to Understand Your Smile Better? 

If you are curious about what is causing your crooked teeth or misaligned bite, a consultation with one of our GDC-registered orthodontists is a good next step. Whether you need dental alignment treatment in Norwich, Spalding or Scarborough, our team at Smile Orthodontics can assess your teeth and talk through suitable options. Contact us to find out more or to book your appointment at any of our three practices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are crooked teeth always inherited?  

    No, not always. Genetics is a common factor, but jaw growth, childhood habits, and tooth loss can also affect alignment. 

    Can adults develop crooked teeth later in life?  

    Yes, teeth can shift in adulthood due to tooth loss, gum disease or natural changes in the jaw, even if they were straight before. 

    Do I need to fix crooked teeth if they are not causing problems?  

    Not necessarily. Many people with mild misalignment do not need treatment unless it affects their bite, speech or ability to clean their teeth properly, but a dental check-up can confirm this. 

    When should my child have an orthodontic assessment?  

    There is no single set age. If you are concerned about your child’s teeth, your dentist can advise whether or when a referral to an orthodontist may be helpful, and most people begin treatment once more of their adult teeth have come through. 

    Can I get NHS treatment for crooked teeth?  

    NHS orthodontic treatment is generally assessed by clinical need and mainly available to those under 18. Adults usually need to seek treatment privately. Your dentist can advise on your eligibility. 

    What is the first step if I think my teeth are misaligned?  

    Book a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist, who can examine your teeth and bite and advise on whether treatment would be beneficial. 
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      Dr Haren Patel

      BDS(Lond), MFDS RCS(Eng), MSc(Lond), M.Orth RCS(Eng)

      Dr Sonal Patel

      BDS(Lond), MFDS RCS(Edin), MSc(Lond), M.Orth RCS(Eng)

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