Crooked Teeth

Common causes of crooked teeth

1. Genetics and inherited Traits

• Jaw size and tooth size are often inherited from parents
• A mismatch can cause crowding, gaps, or misalignment
• Conditions like overbite, underbite, or crossbite may also run in families

2. Childhood habits

• Thumb sucking, dummy use, or tongue thrusting beyond age 3–4 can push teeth out of alignment
• Mouth breathing can affect facial development and jaw positioning

3. Early or late loss of baby teeth

• Losing baby teeth too early can cause neighbouring teeth to shift into the empty space
• Late loss may block adult teeth from erupting in the right place

4. Improper eruption of adult teeth

• Adult teeth may not have enough room, leading to crowding, twisting, or impaction
• Sometimes teeth erupt in the wrong position altogether

5. Jaw size or development issues

• Modern diets (soft, processed foods) may contribute to smaller jaws with less space for teeth
• Discrepancies in upper and lower jaw growth can lead to bite problems

6. Trauma or injury

• A blow to the face or jaw can move teeth out of position or damage tooth roots
• Missing or damaged teeth may also cause surrounding teeth to shift

7. Poor dental habits

• Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay or gum disease, which can loosen and shift teeth
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) can wear down or move teeth over time

8. Tumours or cysts in the jaw

• Though rare, they can put pressure on teeth and displace them

Why treat crooked teeth?

At Geans Clinic we believe treatment of crooked teeth not only improves appearance and confidence, but makes teeth easier to clean, reducing risk of decay and gum disease. It also helps avoid jaw pain, bite problems, and uneven toothwear and supports long-term oral health and function.