Crooked teeth
For a variety of reasons, you may have crooked or slanted teeth. Crooked teeth can be mild, where one or two teeth are slanted, or severe, where most of your teeth are misaligned.
Can crooked teeth cause oral health problems?
One of the main reasons people choose to have crooked teeth straightened is because of their appearance. If you feel self-conscious about your smile because of crooked teeth, you may want to consider having them corrected.
The risk of oral health problems depends on how severe the problem is. Typically, people with crooked teeth will have some overlapping issues, making it difficult to brush and floss the teeth properly. Without proper oral hygiene, harmful bacteria can build up, causing tooth decay, gum disease and sometimes tooth pain.
Crooked teeth can also make it hard to eat and speak properly. When teeth don’t align properly, they can wear down your other teeth and cause strain in your jaw muscles. In the long term, this can result in TMJ disorder – a condition which causes jaw pain and sometimes chronic headaches.
What causes crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth can be caused by several factors, including:
- If you have too much or too little space in your mouth for your teeth
- Sucking a dummy or sucking your thumb for too long
- If a baby tooth falls out too soon, the permanent tooth that replaces it can grow at an angle
- Genetics: crooked teeth can be hereditary
- Trauma to the mouth caused by a serious injury or accident
How can you fix crooked teeth?
Teeth straightening can help fix crooked teeth by gradually pushing them into the desired position. The length of treatment will depend on how complex your needs are – it could be as little as six months, or more than two years.
Which type of braces can fix crooked teeth?
Your orthodontist may discuss the following options with you.
Invisalign treatment: The Invisalign system uses clear, removable aligners that you can take out to eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Lingual braces: Lingual braces are attached behind your teeth and are a discreet option that allow you to eat, smile, and talk with confidence while you’re having treatment.
Fixed metal braces: Fixed metal braces use brackets and wires to straighten the teeth. They produce predictable and reliable results.
Six Month Smiles: If you have very minor, cosmetic issues with crooked teeth, you may be suitable for Six Month Smiles, also known as cosmetic teeth straightening.
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
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Find out more
More about teeth straightening, including types of braces and cost of braces.
Do I need braces?
See more common orthodontic problems that may mean you want to consider braces.
Types of braces
Discover our teeth straightening treatments available to fix crooked teeth, from fixed braces to removable options.
About Total Orthodontics
Find out more about us and why you should consider Total Orthodontics for your treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Terms and conditions:
1.Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2.Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
