Functionality and appearance
Crooked and misaligned teeth
Crooked teeth occur when teeth are misaligned or positioned incorrectly, often leading to an improper bite where the upper and lower teeth don’t meet properly. This can affect both your smile and oral health.​
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Common causes of crooked teeth include genetics, jaw underdevelopment, and poor habits such as thumb sucking during childhood.
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Health risks associated with crooked teeth:
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Gum disease: hard-to-clean areas increase the risk of plaque buildup.
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Tooth decay: crowded teeth are more prone to cavities.
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TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction): misaligned teeth can strain the jaw, affect speech and chewing.
Crooked teeth
Treatment
At Whitehorse Smile Care, our expert dentists evaluate misaligned teeth based on three key factors:
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Cosmetic: If crooked teeth don’t affect health or function but impact your smile’s appearance, orthodontic treatments like traditional braces or clear aligners, including Invisalign can help.​
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Health: Crooked or crowded teeth make cleaning difficult, increasing tartar and bacterial buildup, and therefore risks of development dental decay and gum disease. Straightening teeth improves oral hygiene and reduces these risks.
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Function: misaligned teeth can strain other teeth and your jaw, affecting speaking and chewing. Orthodontic treatment may resolve this, while some cases need additional care.
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