Crooked Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Crooked Teeth?
A dentist or an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in correcting crooked teeth and bad bites, treats crooked teeth. Your own dentist may provide the care, or may send you to an orthodontist, depending on the case. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are crooked teeth?
Crooked teeth are a type of bad bite, which dentists call malocclusion. Some people have naturally straight teeth that fit together well. In other people, the teeth are crowded or the jaws do not line up well.
Sometimes your teeth look straight, but your upper and lower jaws still do not meet properly.
Symptoms
Crooked teeth can show up in a few ways. Your dentist may recommend a fix if your teeth are:
- Crowded.
- Sticking out (protrusive).
- Spaced too far apart.
- Meeting in an abnormal way.
- Not meeting at all.
A bad bite that is not corrected can lead to more mouth problems. These include:
- Tooth decay.
- Gum disease.
- Trouble with speech or chewing.
- Unusual wear on the tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of the teeth.
- Jaw problems.
Causes and who gets it
Jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited, which means they run in families. They can also result from an injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.
Bad bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12. Most people who get orthodontic care are kids, but adults get braces too.
How doctors diagnose it
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that diagnoses, prevents, and corrects bad bites. If you have an abnormal bite, your dentist may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment.
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in dental and facial irregularities.
Treatment
Orthodontic care uses devices such as braces to straighten teeth, correct problems with bite, and close gaps between teeth.
Braces and aligners are the tools orthodontists use most often to guide teeth into place.
- Traditional braces use small brackets cemented to your teeth and joined by a wire. The dentist or orthodontist tightens the wire from time to time to slowly shift your teeth and jaw.
- The brackets may be metal or tooth colored. Sometimes they are placed behind your teeth.
- Removable aligners are another option, under the direct supervision of a dentist or orthodontist.
- Retainers hold the results in place after treatment.
Most people are in treatment for one to three years. A period of wearing a retainer follows.
Treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Healthy teeth can be treated at any age. In young children, treatment may guide proper jaw growth.
While you have braces, eating too many sugary foods can cause plaque build-up around the brackets. Avoid sticky foods such as popcorn, corn on the cob, and chewing gum. Ask your dentist about foods to avoid.
When to see a doctor
See your dentist if your teeth do not line up, or if your bite makes it hard to chew or speak clearly. Your dentist can tell you whether you need an orthodontist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at your mouth and refer you to a dentist or orthodontist for crooked teeth. They can also help you keep up with checkups and follow-up.
Common questions
Do crooked teeth need to be fixed?
Not always. A dentist may recommend correction because treatment for a bad bite leads to a healthier mouth. Correcting a bad bite can also make it easier to bite, chew, and speak.
Can adults get braces?
Yes, adults can get braces. Healthy teeth can be treated at any age.
How long does treatment for crooked teeth take?
Most people are in treatment for one to three years. After that, you wear a retainer that holds your teeth in their new positions.
What causes crooked teeth?
Several things can cause them. They may run in families, or come from an injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.
Who can treat crooked teeth?
Your dentist or an orthodontist can treat them. It depends on your dentist's orthodontic experience and how severe the case is.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Orthodontia
- MouthHealthy (American Dental Association) - Braces
- MouthHealthy (American Dental Association) - Orthodontics
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
