Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are often misaligned, overcrowded, or have issues with malocclusion, including an overbite, underbite, open bite, or cross bite. 

Crooked teeth have a variety of causes, but genetics is usually the culprit. If your parents had crooked teeth, it’s likely that you’ll have similar issues. Irregular spacing between teeth, thumbsucking or pacifier use, and mouth injuries can also be underlying causes of crooked teeth.

A misaligned jaw, otherwise known as malocclusion, is also a common cause for crooked teeth. This occurs when the upper molars do not align correctly with the lower molars, commonly resulting in an overbite or underbite. 

Healthy, crooked teeth can be shifted at any age, says the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). In fact, it’s in your best interests to straighten them. Leaving crooked teeth untreated can result in dental health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and difficulty chewing.

Related: What Is Dental Anxiety, and Can You Overcome Your Fear?

Every mouth is different, so a reputable orthodontist can recommend the best option for your situation. Each approach requires patience, but all of them can make a big difference in your smile. Keep in mind though that you’ll need to commit to wearing a retainer nightly for the rest of your life, to maintain your straight teeth.

Orthodontists and RealSelf members say these are the most effective ways to treat crooked teeth.

	Braces nonsurgical	InBrace nonsurgical	Damon Braces surgical	Invisalign nonsurgical	Porcelain Veneers surgical
Worth It Rating	95%	80%	67%	88%	83%
Average Cost	$4625	$4725	$5528	$5100	$7325
Downtime	No downtime	No downtime	No downtime	No downtime	No downtime
Anesthesia	No anesthesia	No anesthesia	No anesthesia	No anesthesia	Local anesthesia

• Braces are the original teeth straightening treatment methods, and they continue to be one of the most popular. They slowly guide your teeth into place using wires that are adjusted every time you visit the orthodontist, typically every four to eight weeks. In cases of severe overcrowding, some patients will need to have teeth removed, giving the remaining ones room to move into place. People of all ages can get metal braces, though some adults with reduced bone density may not be good candidates. One drawback of braces is that they can take a long time to work—22 months, on average. The lengthy process isn’t a breeze either. Aches are common after every adjustment, certain foods are off-limits, the metal brackets can cut the inside of your mouth, and it can be difficult to keep the braces clean.  However, braces can often deliver root-level changes that some other treatments cannot. And the majority of RealSelf members who’ve reviewed their experience with braces say they were “Worth It.” Find providers who offer braces
• InBrace braces attach to the backs of the teeth, so they can't be seen. They're a recent innovation in hidden braces, developed by the orthodontic and engineering teams at the University of Southern California. Unlike lingual braces, the InBrace wire isn’t straight: it dips down to the gumline between each tooth, so you can brush and floss normally. Made of nickel titanium, known for its superelastic characteristics, the wire is designed to apply light, continuous pressure to gently move teeth into place. Most cases can be treated with as few as two to three wire changes, so you'll have fewer office visits and painful tightening sessions. Patients start to see results within about two weeks.  Find providers who offer InBrace
• Damon braces are similar to conventional braces, except they use a sliding mechanism to hold the titanium wires and don’t require rubber bands. Not only do they look more streamlined, but the company argues that the technology allows teeth to move more freely, for a shorter treatment time and less discomfort. There's no tightening required, so you’ll have fewer office visits. And because there are no elastic bands, it's easier to keep your mouth clean.  Damon braces are available in stainless steel or polycarbonate. You can also opt to have clear ceramic brackets. They can be worn by both children and adults. They can be more expensive than other options, but Damon braces are usually covered, at least in part, by most dental plans that include orthodontic coverage. Find providers who offer Damon braces
• Invisalign takes a “slow and steady” treatment approach similar to that of traditional braces, but instead of having metal brackets and wires affixed to their teeth, patients wear a series of removable clear aligners. Made from a flexible plastic that’s customized for your mouth, the aligner trays must be worn at all times, except when you’re eating, drinking, or brushing and flossing your teeth.  Instead of having wires adjusted by an orthodontist, you switch to a new Invisalign tray every one to two weeks. This process can be similarly achy, but some people prefer Invisalign because the clear trays are less obvious and easier to keep clean. Treatment time with Invisalign is also generally quicker—12 months, on average. Wearing the trays for most of the day and night takes real commitment, but you’ll get to see a digital prediction of your progress and end results before your treatment begins, which can be a strong motivator. Invisalign can be as expensive as braces, but many orthodontic insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost. People with only minor misalignment may be candidates for Invisalign Express treatment, which has a lower cost and a shorter treatment time.  Find providers who offer Invisalign
• Porcelain veneers (sometimes called “instant orthodontics”) can improve the size, shape, and color of your teeth while correcting gaps, chips, or slight misalignment. These thin, customized porcelain covers are bonded to a patient's existing teeth. Some dentists create slight imperfections, to keep them from looking fake. They’re stain-resistant and can last from 10–30 years. Related: What It’s Really Like to Get Veneers Ideal candidates for porcelain veneers have excellent oral health (no gum disease or dental decay), with only mildly crooked teeth.  The biggest drawback to porcelain veneers is the cost. A single veneer can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, and unless it’s to restore a broken or decayed tooth, getting veneers is considered elective—which means it won’t be covered by dental insurance.   Find providers who offer veneers