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The common causes of wonky teeth

Wonky teeth

Wonky teeth are unique to you and can add personality and charm to your smile; however, if they’re causing issues or you’re just unhappy with the way they look, you might be looking for a solution.

Wonky teeth are incredibly common in the UK, with studies showing that most people experience some degree of misalignment. Around 15–20% of individuals have noticeable issues where the upper teeth stick out significantly over the lower teeth, often referred to as an overbite. 

Some people experience an underbite, where the lower teeth stick out further than the upper teeth, or a crossbite, where the teeth don’t line up correctly when biting down. Each alignment issue can vary in severity but is treatable with solutions such as clear aligners, fixed braces, or composite bonding for minor aesthetic adjustments.

Keep reading to find out the most common reasons behind wonky teeth, the health problems they can sometimes cause, and the modern dentistry techniques used to align them.


What causes behind wonky teeth?

The role of inherited traits

Just as you inherit the colour of your eyes or the shape of your nose, you can inherit the size and shape of your jaw and teeth thanks to genetics. A mismatch between the size of your teeth and your jaw can lead to overcrowding, gaps, or irregular spacing, all of which contribute to wonky teeth. For example, having a small jaw but large teeth can cause overcrowding, making teeth grow in crooked or overlap each other.

If genetics are the root cause of your wonky teeth, treatments like teeth straightening with clear aligners or fixed braces can help align your smile. Clear aligners are particularly popular for their discreet and convenient approach to straightening teeth.

Poor childhood habits

Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, prolonged use of a dummy, or bottle-feeding beyond the recommended age can all exert pressure on the developing teeth and jaw, leading to wonky teeth. These habits often cause issues like open bites or crossbites, where the upper and lower teeth don’t align correctly.

Parents can help prevent these issues by reducing these habits and scheduling regular dental check-ups for children. If poor habits have already affected alignment, early orthodontic intervention with fixed braces or clear aligners can correct the problem before it becomes severe.

Trauma or injury

Accidents or injuries that impact the mouth and jaw can cause teeth to shift. Whether it’s a sports injury, a fall, damage to the teeth or jaw can result in wonky teeth. For example, losing a tooth can cause adjacent teeth to drift into the empty space, creating misalignment over time.

Treatments such as composite bonding can restore the appearance of damaged teeth, while orthodontic solutions like fixed braces or aligners can reposition teeth that have shifted.

Misaligned jaw or bite issues

An improper bite, known as a malocclusion, can also lead to wonky teeth. Common bite issues include overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, resulting from an uneven jaw alignment, which can cause teeth to grow in crookedly or overlap.

Correcting a misaligned bite usually involves fixed braces or clear aligners, which gradually move the teeth and jaw into proper alignment. For minor aesthetic adjustments, composite bonding can also be used to improve the appearance of wonky front teeth.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to grow in properly. This lack of space can cause teeth to twist, overlap, or grow at odd angles, especially in the front of the mouth. Many people with overcrowded teeth notice the issue more prominently in their bottom teeth.

Clear aligners are an excellent option for addressing overcrowding, as they can gradually shift teeth into better alignment without the need for traditional metal braces. In severe cases, fixed braces may be recommended to create space and straighten the teeth.

Late or early loss of baby teeth

If baby teeth are lost too early due to decay or injury, surrounding teeth are likely to shift into the empty space, leaving less room for adult teeth to grow in. On the other hand, if baby teeth stay for too long, they can block the proper eruption of adult teeth, also leading to wonky teeth.

Dentists often recommend monitoring the development of baby and adult teeth to prevent these alignment issues; regular check-ups are critical. If problems do arise, teeth straightening such as fixed braces or clear aligners can correct them effectively.

Lifestyle factors and habits

Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to wonky teeth. For instance, grinding your teeth (bruxism) can wear down enamel unevenly and lead to shifting over time. Similarly, poor oral hygiene can result in gum disease, which may cause teeth to loosen and become misaligned.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing habits like grinding with a custom mouthguard can help prevent further damage. If your teeth have already shifted, orthodontic treatments or composite bonding can restore alignment and aesthetics.

Natural changes over time

It’s not uncommon for teeth to continue to shift as you age, even if they were straight during your younger years. This is particularly noticeable with wonky bottom teeth, as the lower jaw tends to shrink and change shape over time and teeth that were once aligned may become crowded.

Clear aligners or fixed braces can help reposition teeth that have shifted with age, and composite bonding can enhance the appearance of any minor imperfections.


Why address wonky teeth?

While wonky teeth may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, in some instances, they can affect your quality of life. Some people may feel so self-conscious about their wonky teeth, and stop smiling or they may find it painful every time they eat. Other health issues that crooked teeth may cause include:

  1. It can be hard to clean in between wonky teeth, which can result in oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to periodontitis, a more serious infection that can damage bones and teeth.
  2. Wonky teeth can also interfere with proper chewing, which may cause digestion problems.
  3. Having wonky teeth can result in cracked teeth, jaw strain, temporomandibular joint disorder, and chronic headaches, from excess wear and tear on the teeth, gums, and jaw muscles. 
  4. If your teeth are misaligned, they can affect the way you articulate sound, causing problems with speech.
  5. Unhappiness with your physical appearance can lead to a lack of self-esteem and social avoidance; we see this even more now with the overuse of social media.

Solutions for wonky teeth

At Space Dental, we offer a range of bespoke treatment plans to address wonky teeth, which can include any of the following solutions based on your specific requirements: 

  • Clear aligners: These virtually invisible aligners are a discreet and convenient way to straighten wonky teeth. They are particularly effective for minor to moderate alignment issues, including overcrowding and gaps. At Space Dental, we use Straights clear aligners, which can be paired with our whitening treatments too!
  • Fixed braces: Traditional braces remain a reliable solution for more complex cases, including severe overcrowding or bite issues. However, advances in orthodontic technology mean braces are now more comfortable and less apparent than ever.
  • Composite bonding: For patients looking to improve the appearance of wonky front teeth or minor misalignments, composite bonding is a quick and non-invasive option. It involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to reshape and enhance the appearance of the teeth.
  • Veneers: In cases where cosmetic concerns are the primary issue, veneers, custom-made to fit over the front surface of the teeth, can create a perfectly new aligned smile.
  • Retainers: Retainers are often used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the results and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

Should wonky teeth be straightened?

Deciding whether to straighten wonky teeth is a personal choice that can depend on various factors. For some, wonky teeth may cause self-consciousness, and straightening them could improve confidence. However, it is also worth noting that imperfect teeth can be unique and memorable. Many models embrace their not-so-perfect smiles, and in Japan, slightly crooked canine teeth, known as yaeba, are even considered attractive and desirable. That said, health concerns, such as difficulties with cleaning or chewing, may also influence your decision.

While the NHS offers orthodontic treatment for certain cases, NHS dentist waiting lists are exceeding two years in many regions. 

If you’re seeking a faster solution, private cosmetic dentistry offers a range of options, including clear aligners, fixed braces, and composite bonding. At Space Dental, we make straightening your teeth more accessible with finance plans, including 0% interest options, so you can achieve the smile you want without delay. 

Whatever your reason for straightening your teeth, we’re here to help you explore the best solution for you.