Crooked Teeth

In this type of malocclusion, the jaw alignment is normal but the teeth in one or both jaws are crowded. Problems like crooked teeth may run in the family. Crowding is due to an imbalance between tooth size and jaw size.

Teeth that are crowded affect your bite, make it more difficult to chew your food and can cause abnormal wearing of the teeth. Because the teeth are more difficult to clean, your teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that are out of line and stick out are more easily chipped due to accidental trauma. Teeth that are crooked can make you unhappy with the way you look. You may be shy to smile because of your teeth.

Treatment of crooked teeth can be started before all the adult (permanent) teeth come in. Sometimes the jaws are widened to provide room for your teeth and sometimes the removal of permanent teeth is necessary to fit the remaining teeth within your mouth. Orthodontic treatment with braces will eventually be required to straighten your teeth and provide you with a beautiful smile.