When are teeth considered malaligned?

Teeth that are irregularly positioned or not straight is maloclussion. Teeth can also be sticking out and crowded.

What causes malaligned teeth?

Malaligned teeth may be due to :

• An inherited predisposition (in your genes).
• A disproportion between size of jaws and tooth size.
• Presence of extra teeth, malformed or impacted teeth
• Early loss of milk or permanent teeth.
• Bad oral habits e.g. thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and lip biting.

Are there any complications with malaligned teeth?

Yes, malaligned teeth are associated with :

• Unattractive appearance.
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Gum disease.
• Jaw joint problems.

Can malaligned teeth be corrected?

Treatment of moderate or severe crowding will improve oral health and appearance. The treatment may involve :

• Extraction of one or more teeth without the need for braces.
• Extraction of one or more teeth followed by using removable or fixed braces.

Is there a right time to start treatment?

Early treatment can encourage good dental development and simplify orthodontic treatment, if required in the future.

Where to go for orthodontic treatment?

Get a referral from a dentist or a medical doctor to see an orthodontist.

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