It’s natural for parents to worry when they notice their child’s teeth aren’t coming in straight. If you’re wondering, “What to do if my child’s teeth are coming in crooked?”, it’s important to understand that this may be due to genetics, oral habits, or jaw growth issues. Pediatric orthodontics plays a crucial role in correcting these problems early to prevent future complications.
Types of Malocclusions in Children
Crooked teeth can indicate different types of malocclusions:
Crossbite – Upper and lower teeth do not align correctly.
Open bite – A gap remains between upper and lower teeth when the child bites down.
Deep bite – Upper teeth excessively cover lower teeth.
Crowding – Lack of space causes teeth to overlap.
Diastemas – Large gaps between teeth.
Causes of Crooked Teeth & Other Malocclusions
While genetics certainly play a role in the cards we are dealt, certain oral hygiene habits and other lifestyle factors can negatively influence our teeth’ growth. Your child may have excessively large teeth, a misaligned or small jaw, extra teeth in the mouth, or teeth that are spaced too far apart.
Lifestyle habits that can cause crooked teeth include:
Sucking on a pacifier past 24 months old
Thumb sucking
Mouth breathing
Poor oral hygiene
Inadequate or unhealthy nutrition
Injury
Tongue thrusting
It’s important to practice good oral hygiene such as brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing once a day as well as regular dental visits and adequate nutrition. This will prevent tooth decay and in worst cases, the loss of teeth. Missing teeth can cause teeth shifting and overcrowding, leading to crooked teeth.
Using pacifiers for an extended period and thumb sucking is also a very common issue that contributes to many oral health problems, including crooked teeth. Ideally, you should wean your child off of pacifiers between 12- 24 months old and discourage thumb sucking, because this is a much harder habit to break and is unsanitary.
Risks of Not Treating Crooked Teeth Early
If not treated, crooked teeth can lead to:
Chewing and digestive issues.
Speech difficulties.
Higher risk of cavities and gum disease due to poor cleaning.
Jaw pain and headaches.
Bullying at school, impacting self-esteem and confidence.
Pediatric Orthodontic Treatment Options
If you’re still wondering, “What to do if my child’s teeth are coming in crooked?”, the best solution is to schedule an evaluation with a pediatric orthodontist. At DentalOne, we offer:
Interceptive orthodontics – Removable appliances to guide dental growth.
Traditional braces – Ideal for severe misalignments.
Invisible aligners – A discreet and effective option for older children.
Treatment Process at DentalOne
Initial evaluation – Clinical and radiographic analysis.
Personalized treatment plan.
Placement of the orthodontic device.
Regular follow-ups and adjustments.
Don’t wait any longer. If you’re wondering, “What to do if my child’s teeth are coming in crooked?”, book an appointment with our specialists at DentalOne today. Early correction ensures a healthy, functional smile.
