Crooked Teeth in Children, Teeth and Adults, Causes and treatments

May 12, 2022

Crooked teeth in children and adult teeth that have been crooked for a while are no laughing matter. They can affect your quality of life, but they may even make it difficult for you to participate socially and academically. The cause of crooked teeth is not always clear, but there are some clues to look for as you explore options for crooked teeth treatment. Although your curved teeth are not a severe health problem in most cases, it’s essential to treat them so that they don’t worsen. Despite the common misconception that uneven teeth develop into adult wisdom teeth, no one knows for sure why children have crooked teeth. There are several theories about developing child and adult crooked teeth.

It’s not always easy to tell if a tooth is crooked, but there are some things that you can do to make the diagnosis easier. When you talk with your dentist about your child’s teeth, keep these ideas in mind. Often preventive dentistry uses complications should you straighten a crooked tooth. Make sure that all of your child’s teeth are in the same stage of development. The period between one tooth erupting and the next is called the “deciduous” period. At this point, permanent teeth are beginning to develop. This means that if, for example, you have two uneven front teeth and also crooked top teeth and straight bottom teeth – or vice versa – your child has a problem caused by something other than wonky teeth.

It would be best to have your child’s teeth examined by a dental professional to ensure they are perfectly straight. Some of the problems that cause curved teeth or crooked bottom teeth in children are related to jaw structure. Sometimes these problems can’t be detected simply by looking at the mouth and jaws. This is particularly the case for children who are just learning to eat and talk.

Table of Contents

The Importance of Teeth in Speech and Language Development

Most experts agree that children with wonky teeth develop slower than other kids. They also usually have speech problems. Doctors at Kennedy Krieger Institute, a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine affiliate, found that youngsters with crooked bottom teeth or front teeth had issues with their overall motor skills during the first two years of life compared to children without crooked or overlapping teeth.

The Importance of Teeth in Eating

If you have deformed teeth, it can be challenging to eat properly. This is because your tongue might not be able to move the food around in your mouth to chew and swallow it. Your food and drink might also become trapped between the teeth, leading to painful tooth decay and other mouth problems.

The Importance of Teeth for Speech Development

If you have twisted teeth, your child may not be able to talk as well as other youngsters his age. He may struggle with speech development such as:

Delayed speech sounds (phonation) and speech intelligibility. If a child has curved teeth, this delay in speech sounds may affect the ability to produce clear voices.
Difficulties with motor skills. Children with uneven teeth have difficulty talking, which can interfere with their ability to coordinate the movements of their mouths and head.

The Importance of Teeth for Social Development

If you have slightly crooked top teeth, your child may start to socialize less often and withdraw from social situations. This is because they might not be able to eat as well as other children or speak enough so that they can participate in conversations.

What are Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are the most common type of dental problem in youngsters. Although the term “crooked” is often used to describe several other dental issues, it’s commonly referred to crooked teeth. There are two types of crooked teeth: primary and secondary.

Primary Crooked Teeth

They occur when you first develop your permanent (adult) teeth. These are the four front teeth, called wisdom or crown teeth, and the four back ones called premolars.

Secondary Crooked Teeth

They are caused by something other than normal tooth development. This could be because they’ve been damaged during the growth process or coming in crooked. Although some people believe that they can become wisdom teeth, no one knows for sure why some children have crooked teeth and others don’t.

What are the symptoms of Primary and Secondary Crooked Teeth?

The most apparent symptom of deformed teeth is that they’re so close. You can usually see this when your child smiles or laughs. You can also see it if you notice that your child has:

Trouble swallowing or choking on food
Speech problems such as lisping, slurping sounds, and/or not being able to pronounce certain words correctly
Another symptom of primary twisted or wonky teeth is that the two uneven front teeth are so close together that they crossbite when the jaw closes and may cause a misaligned bite. This means that one tooth touches another tooth (or the gum) in a way that’s not normal.

Crooked teeth are teeth that are not in the “normal” position. They can be straight, uneven, or slightly off-angle. In the majority of cases, children have slightly crooked teeth. This is because their jaws grow faster than their teeth. The results are uneven and crowded teeth which give the impression of being deformed. However, when youngsters begin to talk, their speech will not be affected by foreign body dental problems like crooked or chipped teeth.

Several disorders and issues can cause slightly crooked teeth, but crowded teeth are the most common or obvious problem. An overgrowth of the tooth causes crowded teeth during development. If this occurred when their jaw was still open, they would have deformed teeth lasting into adulthood.

What causes crooked teeth?

Scientists are not sure why children have wonky teeth or why some youngsters have deformed dental problems. Some are born with deformed teeth, but this most often happens because they were born prematurely. This can lead to dental development issues that cause improper growth of the teeth.

Genetics

Many children with crooked teeth have parents who also have slightly crooked teeth. Inheriting genetics is a probable cause of crooked or deformed teeth, but other factors also play a role. Scientists have discovered that environmental issues such as smoking and drinking during pregnancy, or even malnutrition of the mother, can also cause improper growth or tooth alignment. The treatment for these disorders uses braces to straighten their teeth and bring them into line.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not keeping the teeth clean can cause issues with the alignment of the teeth. This makes them stick out or tilt inwards or outwards. These problems can be alleviated by regular and thorough cleaning of their teeth with a toothbrush and dental floss, along with regular visits to a dentist for preventive dentistry checkups.

Thumb sucking

A lot of children suck their thumbs. The thumb can apply pressure to the front or straight bottom teeth when they do this. If you notice your child is constantly sucking on his or her thumb or another object, you should consider taking him to a dentist. The dentist will be able to evaluate the situation and take necessary action. In the event of various uses complications should you straighten your teeth? Thumb-sucking should be stopped as soon as possible since it can cause permanent teeth problems.

Tongue thrusting

Tongue thrusting is an issue that occurs when children naturally push the tongue forward in their mouth. This can cause the tongue to push against the teeth as well. This is a problem related to the orthodontic treatment of crooked teeth, but it also causes problems with speech development.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea (obstructive sleep apnea) has recently been identified as a possible cause of crooked teeth. The reason for this is that it can interfere with children’s breathing. Youngsters who have trouble breathing at night will have less oxygen in their bloodstream, which means their bodies cannot develop properly. It has also been discovered that oxygen deprivation can cause jaw growth to slow down or even stop. This is one of the reasons why youngsters with crooked teeth often have smaller jaws than other young counterparts.

Malnutrition

Children with crooked and overlapping teeth may also lack other vitamins and minerals in their diets. In cases where the mother is badly malnourished during pregnancy, it may cause problems with the infant’s dental alignment. Malnutrition is a common issue among children worldwide. A lack of nutrients can affect the development of the teeth resulting in crooked teeth. The best way to decrease the risk of malnutrition is by having good eating habits and eating nutritious food.

Tooth Trauma

The most common cause of tooth trauma is when a child falls playfully and collides with their mouth. This can result in broken, chipped, or pushed-out teeth. It is not uncommon for young ones to experience rock bites, which are scratches on the teeth that resemble scratches on a rock. These happen when they fall and hit the edge of their teeth against a rock or hard surface. The treatment plan for crooked teeth caused by trauma can vary depending on the severity of the problem.

Early baby tooth loss

One of the first teeth that children lose is their baby teeth. This is normal. However, if your child loses all their baby teeth before the age of five, some underlying issues may need to be looked into. It can be caused by trauma or eating habits (such as malnutrition) which can cause permanent damage to their mouth and dental alignment. A good way for parents to monitor whether or not there are any problems with the development of the child’s jaws is to visit the Richmond Texas pediatric dentist and speak with one another about their concerns. Can teeth go crooked with age? is another issue that growing youngsters might face if underlying problems are not treated.

Complications related to crooked Teeth

By the time they have received orthodontic treatment and their crooked baby teeth are straightened, children may be missing many healthy and crooked baby teeth. The overgrowth of teeth can lead to dental complications like retained crooked baby teeth, crooked adult teeth, or medical issues such as periodontitis. If a child has had chipped and crooked baby teeth for an extended period, it can be challenging to repair dental fillings and crowns.

Chewing and digestion

The alignment of their teeth can cause problems when chewing food. Food allergies and sensitivity are common in young individuals with wonky teeth. The misalignment of their teeth can prevent them from eating certain types of foods and can lead to malnutrition or poor digestion if they have a hard time chewing their food.

Mouth Breathing

The misalignment of their teeth can also affect kids in their sleep. Children with uneven teeth often breathe through the mouth rather than the nose, which can cause them to suffer from sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

Speech Development

When children have misalignment teeth, it can affect how they speak, and their mouth moves. It can make it difficult for them to pronounce certain sounds or even words hard for other children to say. This crooked teeth treatment is often by pushing their teeth back into place to face forward. This will allow the tongue to move correctly and help with speech development in the long run.

Self-esteem

Having crooked and curved teeth can affect the way kids see themselves. They may not want to smile in photos or even take a picture. This can cause them to have low self-esteem, typical for children with crooked teeth. Many people are reluctant to smile when they are having their photos taken because they do not like how their teeth look. Fixing their teeth will help build up their confidence and allow them to be more outgoing.

Treatment options for straightening my teeth

The decision to treat crooked teeth in children is best made by consulting or treating a dentist. The treatment options can vary depending on dental concerns and issues that need to be corrected.

Options for Kids

There are different options for how to fix crooked teeth for little ones who want their teeth fixed, including:

Braces – Braces can be used to fix their crooked teeth so they are straight and aligned perfectly. Braces are usually worn at night but can also be worn outside of regular hours if necessary. This option is recommended for children between six and ten years old.
Crowns – Crowns can be used to fix chipped and broken teeth. Crowns are caps placed on top of broken teeth to prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding bone. Crowns can either be metal (silver) or porcelain (to make them look natural).
Nightguards – Nightguards can be used to prevent overgrown teeth from grinding together at night, and it also helps with TMJ disorders in some cases. They are often worn for 12 weeks but may need to be worn longer. Nightguards are also known as night-time retainers or nightguards.
Dentures – Dentures are designed to replace missing teeth and make eating easier. They can either be fixed prosthetics (made of metal) or natural dentures (made of porcelain).
Implants – Implants are supporting devices used to hold a tooth in place during the healing process. Dental implants are surgically placed inside the jawbone, where they will stay for the rest of a patient’s life. Implants can be metal or ceramic.
Caps – Caps are used to replace missing teeth and support the remaining teeth. Some caps can be attached to the front teeth with wires. The metal cap that is being worn is screwed onto the mounting base and will stay in place while your child wears them. Metal caps look unnatural, so they should not be used as a permanent solution or crooked front teeth solutions, but only when they must last longer than several years, preferably less than four years.
Oral Rehabilitation Program – The oral Rehabilitation Program is a program that teaches children how to brush their teeth properly and eat more nutritious food. The program is usually done by a speech therapist, physical therapist, or orthodontist.

Options for teens

Teenagers who need their crooked teeth fixed will have many different options available. The options are based on the severity and completeness of the alignment issues.

Braces – Teens with less severe issues can be treated by wearing braces to fix their teeth and align them properly. Teens can also wear a fixed retainer for one year after removing the braces to keep their straight teeth in place.
Dental Implants – Teenagers with more severe issues will be recommended a dental implant option. Dental implants are often used to replace one or more missing teeth and can keep teeth straight for the rest of a patient’s life. Teens usually need to go under anesthesia to have the dental implants placed but are awake during the entire procedure. Dental implants look natural and can be made from metal or ceramic.
Dental Crowns – Crowns can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth and restore their appearance when needed. Dental crowns are placed on top of broken teeth to keep them strong, and a child can usually go under anesthesia to receive the dental crown. A child usually wears dental crowns for less than a year before being removed.

Different types of crowns can be used in teens:

Metal Crowns – Metal crowns look natural and add much-needed strength to damaged or chipped teeth. These crowns are often used to restore a tooth to its regular size and shape.
Porcelain Crowns – These crowns are often used to make a damaged or crooked tooth look more natural. Some porcelain crowns use an adhesive designed to keep the crown in place while it is in the mouth. In some cases, your teenager will have to go under anesthesia so that technicians can place their new artificially-grown tooth on top of the old one.
Porcelain Veneers – These crowns are often used for cosmetic purposes when a patient needs straightened teeth. Teeth can be permanently covered with porcelain veneers to look a certain way. A patient will have to undergo several treatments to properly apply the veneers, but the result is worth it.
Fixed Retainer – This type of crown is explicitly used for teenagers who need their teeth repaired and then kept in place afterward. Teens can wear the fixed retainer at night to stop grinding and clenching habits, or they can wear it during the day as well. This option is a convenient form of treatment for teenagers who need their teeth fixed properly.
Lingual braces – Lingual braces are braces placed behind the teeth on the tongue side instead of on top of the teeth. Lingual braces tend to be more comfortable than traditional types because they are not visible externally, and they can also be used with removable retainers.

Options for Adults

Many adults experiencing crooked teeth or misshapen teeth may need to get their problems fixed. Adults who need their crooked or twisted teeth fixed will have many different options available.

Implants – These supports are placed inside the bone where they can stay forever and not be affected by chewing and other activities. Implants can be made from metal or ceramic, and they should always be placed by an oral surgeon trained in implant-related procedures and materials. Implants can replace missing teeth and support the ones that remain. A patient may need to go through several treatments before seeing the result.
Crowns – Crowns are used to fix chipped or broken teeth and restore their appearance when needed. Crowns can be made from metal or porcelain, and they can be fixed with metal or porcelain. The metal crown is often used to replace the tooth and make it look more natural. A patient may need to go through several treatments before seeing the result.
Caps – Teens who have missing teeth may choose to wear a metal cap for a short period before permanent crooked front teeth solutions are chosen. The metal cap is attached to the teeth with wires and can be kept in place for several years.
Bonding – Bonding is an option for teens and adults who want to fix chips or cracks in their teeth and change the color of their teeth. Depending on what your child or adult wants to be fixed, you may have them go under anesthesia so that a dentist can file down missing pieces of tooth or cover the imperfections with an adhesive material. A patient will have to undergo several treatments before the result is seen.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are often used with adult patients who need their slightly crooked teeth fixed permanently. A patient will have to go under anesthesia to have the dental implants placed, but they usually stay in place until the patient dies. Dental implants look natural and can be made from metal or ceramic.
Dental Crowns – Crowns are used to fix broken teeth and restore their appearance when needed. Crowns are also often used with adult patients who have missing teeth and need them replaced. A crown is placed on top of a broken tooth to keep it strong, and a patient will wear the dental crown for less than a year before it is removed. In some cases, a crown makes a crooked tooth look more natural.

Misaligned Bite

A misaligned bite, also referred to as a crossbite, is a condition characterized by the misalignment of the top jaw and bottom jaw. Typically this is characterized by an overbite of the lower teeth on the upper teeth with respect to both the upper and lower jaws. An overbite of this nature may be caused by an open roof mouth or an underdeveloped chin, but in most cases, no specific cause can be identified for this type of bite. In cases where prominent mandibular ridges are present, it is possible that these ridges could lead to a misaligned bite.

Treatment

Most people with a misaligned bite are unaware that they have it until they get braces.
Unlike other dental issues, a misaligned bite is often caused by problems in the bones in your face or jaw. This may require Orthognathic surgery to correct. It is also possible that you have a gap between your teeth that cannot be corrected without pulling some teeth and moving others.

So as to correct a misaligned bite, two options can be used. The first option is repositioning the upper and lower teeth using appliances and wires. The second option is called clear aligner treatment. In this treatment, thin plastic braces are placed on the teeth to reposition them, making a more natural transition of the upper and lower teeth, usually resulting in a more satisfying smile.

Shall I see a dentist or orthodontist?

To avoid possible problems with any crooked tooth and jaw, parents must discuss the options with their children. Teens often ask questions about how to fix their teeth but should not be given all the answers by a parent or adult. Children who cannot communicate enough about their dental problems on their own will often go untreated until they have issues that need fixing. You can help your child or teen understand what they need to do to get the mouth and teeth they want when they are older if you become involved in this process early on.

You can take age-appropriate steps that will make it easier for your child or teen to have a beautiful smile as soon as possible. Talk to your child about the different steps involved in making a crooked tooth straight, and help them understand how important this is early on. If a teen can understand the importance of good oral care at a young age, they will be more likely to put forth the time and effort it takes to get their teeth straightened.

Why are my teeth not straight?

If your teen feels that their crooked tooth is affecting them socially, you should tell them that it is normal for people not to notice their smile because they are looking at other things first. Even the most perfect smile will not always be detected if a person looks away or at someone else. Help your teenager understand that many people cannot see what they want because they only look away from a situation before it resolves itself.

Do teeth get crooked with age?

This depends on the level of treatment that you get. If you have a serious case of crowding and have time to get proper treatment, then your teeth might become crooked with age, but if you do not have such a serious case, then your teeth will normally not become crooked with age. Can teeth go crooked with age? is an issue that is still in research but ensuring to maintain the best dental health will avoid crooked teeth while aging.

Visiting dentistry clinics starts from early childhood; make your child aware of it at a very young age. It is never too late to go to a dentist, but it is much easier when you start as a young person. At Luna Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond TX pediatric dentistry, we both have pediatric dentists and Orthodontics in our practice. Therefore we recommend visiting us for your consultation. There are many different types of dental procedures but choosing one that meets the needs of your child or teen is essential. This only takes a few visits before any corrections can be made. Make sure to pick out a Richmond Texas pediatric dentist who will listen to your concerns and offer suggestions on how to address their needs.

What Should you expect from the orthodontist?

At the orthodontist appointment, you can expect to be seen by a professional who will review and discuss the information they have gathered on your child or teen. They will make sure that you understand what will be done and answer any questions or concerns you may have. The dentist will also help your child or teen understand what the future holds for them when treatment is completed. If you have more questions about their possible remedies, ask them at this time.

Will my headspace get nervous? Your child’s nervousness over an upcoming procedure should not affect how he or she feels during an appointment at an orthodontic office. You should use this opportunity to discuss the process and determine if there are any other issues or concerns that your teen may not have discussed with you. Ask them why they are nervous and what you can do to help. If you need to leave the office, let them know where you will be and when they should expect you back.

What appointments are involved? Your child’s orthodontic treatment will not happen overnight, so he or she must be prepared for any changes in their day-to-day routine before their appointment at an orthodontic office. Teens who get excited about new looks after surgery might want to break from school activities before making adjustments too quickly.

How long does it take to fix crooked teeth?

It all depends on the dental problems related to your case. Teeth can be damaged in many different ways during your lifetime. If you face issues with your teeth and have not undergone a proper checkup, it might take time to rectify them.

A professional Orthodontist at Luna Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond TX Dentistry will first take a detailed case history and clinical examination of the patient to understand their condition. The dental reports of examinations would include information related to the medical and dental history, medications being taken, food habits, lifestyle patterns, etc.

The following is the list of treatment and their timeline.

Abrasion: 0-2 weeks
Alveolar distraction osteogenesis (ADO): 6-12 months
Bone grafts: 3-6 months
Braces: 6-12 months after appliance removal. (Some cases can take up to 2 years.) Followed by maintenance braces with retainers.
Orthognathic surgery: 6-12 months
Periodontal surgery: 4-6 weeks
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery: 1-7 days
Extractions: 2-8 weeks

You can compare the treatment with other medical treatment options and their time-span here. It will help you get an idea because it is difficult to estimate the time as it is different for every patient. But a dental practitioner can give you information about your specific case and treatment cost accordingly. In this way, you will be easily able to decide whether to go for a particular option or not.

Are there any benefits to straightening my crooked teeth?
There are many benefits to straightening your crooked or twisted teeth, apart from looking good!

You will have a healthy, beautiful smile.
You will find it easier to get and keep a job.
You may experience fewer headaches and migraines.
It may help you perform in sports, such as golfing or horse riding.
It can make you more confident and improve self-esteem.
You may talk more clearly and feel more comfortable speaking.
You will feel more comfortable with eating and drinking.
Braces can help you avoid teeth grinding and clenching.
Some early orthodontics treatments may also help improve breathing problems, such as sleep apnea.

Yes, there are many benefits of straightening your uneven teeth. The primary use will be that you will have a new smile and feel more confident about yourself. Straightening your uneven teeth can make it easier to eat food and speak clearly, increasing your self-esteem. Getting braces when you are young is more manageable than undergoing early orthodontics treatment in adulthood.

If you are looking for a home care post-treatment plan, professionals at Luna Orthodontics will be able to help you with children preventive dentistry. They can provide a post-treatment plan to help you stay healthy and follow the treatment steps correctly. If your braces are removed after the orthodontist has finished with them, follow up with your dentist to ensure that your misaligned bite is corrected and that there are no biting problems left behind from when the braces were in place.