What causes crooked teeth?

As a trusted private dentist in Blackburn, we understand how important your smile is to how you feel about yourself. Crooked teeth are something we help with every day, and if they’ve been on your mind recently, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, most people have some level of misalignment, and many choose to explore treatment not just for their dental health, but for their confidence too.

The good news is, there are lots of options available! Whether you’ve noticed changes over time or you’ve always felt a little self-conscious about your smile, we’re here to offer support, expert advice and solutions that work for you.

Today, we’re gently exploring some of the most common reasons why teeth can grow in slightly unevenly, and how modern treatments can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your smile.

Why do teeth grow crooked?

It’s probably not surprising to learn that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to why teeth don’t always sit perfectly straight, because everyone is different. It’s usually a mix of natural development, genetics, habits, and sometimes just how our mouths change as we age. Whatever the reason, what matters is how it makes you feel – and what can be done to help.

Family traits, jaw shape and early habits

Many people inherit their jaw size or tooth spacing from their parents. If the jaw is slightly smaller than average, or if the upper and lower jaws don’t align in quite the same way, the teeth might not have enough room to come through comfortably.

Even during early childhood, certain habits can gently influence the way the teeth develop. Things like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or sleeping with an open mouth are very common, especially in young children, but if they continue for a long time, they can affect the shape of the jaw and the way the teeth sit.

In some cases, childhood conditions like asthma or allergies may also play a role in jaw development, especially if they affect breathing patterns or posture while sleeping.

Tooth loss, shifting teeth and ageing changes

Teeth work together to help keep each other in place, so if a baby tooth or adult tooth is lost early, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift slightly to fill the space. This can alter how new teeth grow through, or how others develop alongside them.

Similarly, if you’ve had braces in the past but stopped wearing a retainer, your teeth may gradually move back towards their original position. It’s an incredibly common experience, and one we can often help with using gentle, discreet treatments.

As we get older, the jawbone naturally changes shape and density, which can also lead to teeth shifting slightly – even if they were once perfectly straight. It’s a slow process, but one a lot of people start to notice more in their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Gum health, injury and long-term stability

Healthy gums help to anchor the teeth in place, and when the gums become inflamed or weakened, often due to gum disease, the teeth can begin to shift or loosen slightly. That’s one reason why looking after your gum health is just as important as brushing.

Injuries and accidents, especially those involving falls or sports, can sometimes dislodge a tooth into a different position. Even if it seems minor at the time, it can have an effect on your overall alignment. That’s why we always recommend wearing a gumshield for contact sports and getting any dental injuries checked promptly.

Why it’s worth exploring treatment

Many of our patients who came to us for help with crooked teeth did so not because of pain, but because they felt a little unsure about how their smile looked or felt. However, even subtle changes to alignment can also impact your oral health, making it more difficult to clean between teeth, increasing your risk of decay, and sometimes placing extra pressure on your jaw or surrounding muscles.

If any of that sounds familiar, a quick consultation can provide you with clarity and reassurance. If you choose to proceed, we’ll help you find a treatment plan that suits you and your lifestyle.

How can we help straighten your smile?

We understand that the idea of braces can feel a little daunting, especially as an adult, but there’s no need to be scared or embarrassed. It’s actually far more common than you’d think. What’s more, at AP Smilecare we offer a carefully selected range of discreet, effective straightening treatments that are designed to fit easily into your everyday life.

Our Orthodontic Specialist can talk you through your options, including some of the most advanced and trusted systems available today. These treatments are designed to be as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible, so you can carry on smiling throughout the process!

Some of our most popular options include:

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign is one of the world’s most recognised and trusted adult brace systems. Its patented clear aligner technology fits snugly and invisibly over your teeth, using gentle pressure to gradually guide them into place. It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for predictable results without the need for visible brackets or wires.

Clear and Invisible Braces

We also offer other discreet brace systems tailored specifically for adults. These clear brace options are ideal if you want to improve the alignment of your teeth without drawing attention to the treatment itself. They’re subtle, effective, and designed to support your confidence as well as your smile.

Whatever your starting point, we’ll help you choose the right option for your needs, and support you every step of the way with expert care and ongoing advice.

If you’re thinking about straightening your teeth or would like to learn more about our discreet adult brace options, we’d love to help. Just give us a call on 01254 297000, or book an appointment online – and take the first step towards a more confident smile!