How to Fix Crooked Teeth

Medically reviewed by Cristian Macau, DDS

Last Updated: September 7, 2022 References

Experts agree that misaligned teeth are very common and can range in severity.^{[1]
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MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source} However, many people with crooked teeth still feel embarrassed, so it's totally normal to want to straighten out your smile. Fortunately, you may be able to get straighter teeth! Research suggests that straightening your teeth can also improve your dental health, help you bite and chew better, and change the way you speak.^{[2]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} You have several options for improving your smile, but the best place to start is your orthodontist's office.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Visiting an Orthodontist

1
Go to the orthodontist. The orthodontist will be able to assess what problems you have and suggest what courses are available to you.
2
Ask about all your options. You may need an inexpensive option, or maybe you want braces that nobody can see. Let your orthodontist know what you want and they can provide you with arguments the best option for your case.

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3
Ask if braces are necessary. Your orthodontist can assess if your teeth are causing your problems or could in the future.
4
Assess your options. If braces are not necessary for you, you may decide you don't need them, especially because they are so expensive.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Using a Retainer

1
Use retainers for minor problems. Retainers can be used to fix problems like minor tooth gaps or a single crooked tooth. They're less expensive than other options, especially since you generally must wear a retainer after having braces removed anyway.^{[3]
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- Retainers require a certain amount of attention and excellent oral hygiene because the metal wires scratch the enamel surface of your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay.
2
Have your orthodontist fit a retainer for you. Your retainer is designed specifically for you because it has to accommodate your particular problem.
- During the process, the orthodontist will make a mold of your mouth with a thick substance called alginate. They will use the mold to make your retainer.^{[4]
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3
Adjust to the retainer. It may take you a couple of days to get used to the retainer, so don't be alarmed. It can affect your speech and cause you to produce more saliva. Try reading aloud to yourself to become accustomed to talking with the retainer.^{[5]
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- If you experience moderate to severe pain or the retainer is cutting into your gums or pulling too hard on your teeth, contact your orthodontist.^{[6]
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4
Take out your retainer while eating and brushing your teeth. Removing your retainer makes both processes easier. You should also take it out if you play contact sports, as it can cause injury.
5
Keep it in its box. Make sure to protect your retainer by keeping it in its box when not in use.
- It also needs to be kept moist when not in your mouth so it doesn't crack. Your dentist should tell you how to soak it.^{[7]
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- Avoid keeping it near a heat source, as that can also crack it.^{[8]
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6
Clean your retainer daily. Your retainer should come with instructions on how to clean it, but you can usually use mouthwash or denture cleaner to remove any build-up on it.^{[9]
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7
Don't stop wearing your retainer. Wear your retainer as long as your dentist recommends. You may need to wear it for years, depending on your teeth.^{[10]
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Research source} If you stop wearing it too early, your teeth will move back to the previous stage and you will need to repeat the process all over again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using Porcelain Veneers

1
Use porcelain veneers to correct minor problems. Veneers essentially cover up problems with a porcelain or resin shell, rather than correcting them.^{[11]
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- Veneers are stain-resistant (if porcelain) and look much like natural teeth.^{[12]
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- It is suggested you get them after the age of 35, as this getting them at a younger age can affect the pulp in your teeth and decrease the longevity of the veneers.
2
Ask your orthodontist if veneers are right for you. They are a simpler option than braces or retainers because the orthodontist will put them on you and leave them. You don't need to have them removed. They can also cover stains, chips, and gaps.^{[13]
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- Veneers are permanent and can't be repaired. They're also more expensive than getting a crown, but they will definitely provide you the perfect "Hollywood" smile.^{[14]
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- If you are practicing serious contact sports such as boxing or hockey, veneers may not be even an option. You will definitely need to protect your teeth with a mouthguard when playing these sports, regardless.
3
Have your a cosmetic dentist put in veneers for you. A cosmetic dentist is the most appropriate dental specialist for this procedure. They will remove part of your enamel first, in essence to make room for the veneer. The dentist will already have created the veneer. He or she will examine how the veneer looks in place and then bond it to the tooth.^{[15]
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- You will likely have a follow-up visit to check on placement, but if you notice a problem, such as cracking or misalignment, contact your dentist.^{[16]
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4
Brush your teeth like normal. Veneers don't need special attention, but you do need to floss and brush as you normally would.^{[17]
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5
Protect against grinding. Porcelain veneers can be broken, so if you grind your teeth, you may need to wear a guard at night.^{[18]
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- You will also need to be very careful when biting hard food such as nuts, hard candy, baked bread, hard biscuits, etc.
6
Replace in five to 10 years. Veneers do not last forever, and you will need to replace them within a decade.^{[19]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Fixing Teeth with Braces

1
Use braces to correct major problems. Braces can correct crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites, for example.
2
Discuss your options with your orthodontist. He or she can let you know what the best type of braces are for your particular problem.
3
Choose the braces you want. You have the options of visible, invisible, and nearly invisible braces.^{[20]
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- Visible braces are the type of braces you probably think of when someone says "braces." These braces are brackets attached to the front of teeth and connected by metal wires. The brackets can be metal, plastic, or ceramic, and these braces are often cheaper than other types of braces. Visible braces are best for severe problems.^{[21]
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- Nearly invisible braces are plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The main brand of this type of brace is Invisalign. Like retainers, you can take out these braces to eat, and they are are also not as painful as other braces. However, they don't work as well on severe problems, and you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day. These braces may be slightly more expensive than traditional braces.^{[22]
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- Invisible braces attach behind the teeth, much as visible braces attach to the front of teeth. Each bracket is customized to your teeth, so it works faster; however, it can be difficult to adjust to these braces, such as making it harder to speak. Also, these are more expensive, as they are made from gold (this allows them to be customized to your teeth).^{[23]
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4
Have your orthodontist put in your choice. Remember, most orthodontists do provide financing, so if you cannot afford to pay for the procedure all at once, you can make payments. Alternatively, you may want to get dental insurance, which can cover part of the procedure, though usually not all of it. ^{[24]
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5
Brush and floss your teeth and braces. If you have elastics, take them out before brushing. With traditional braces, you need to brush both your teeth and the braces themselves to remove plaque and food. Once clean, put the elastics back on.^{[25]
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- Make sure you also floss and use an interdental toothbrush (with a bristle shaped like a pine tree), which allow you to clean around the brackets and between your teeth.
6
Avoid certain foods. Especially with traditional bracket braces, you need to avoid foods, such as hard foods (nuts, hard candies, etc.) and sticky foods (caramel, gum, etc.). You also need to cut up hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces.These foods can harm or break your braces.^{[26]
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Research source} You should also avoid crunchy foods, such as chips, and acidic foods, such as sodas or vinegars.
- Since you can take invisible braces out to eat, these foods aren't as much of a problem, though acids on your teeth can still affect them.
7
Visit the orthodontist on a regular schedule. The orthodontist will adjust the braces as you go and be on the lookout for any problems.
8
Have them removed. How long your braces are on depends on the severity of the problem. You'll be fitted for a retainer after having your braces removed.
9
Wear your retainer. After your braces are removed, you must wear a retainer to help keep your teeth in line.^{[27]
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- The advice in the past was you needed to wear a retainer for a year after having braces, but now the advice is you may need to wear a retainer for much longer, though you may only wear it at night.^{[28]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Preventing Crooked Teeth

1
Brush regularly. Gingivitis can lead to crooked teeth, which is generally caused by not taking proper care of your teeth.^{[29]
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Research source} You should brush at least twice a day.^{[30]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Often crooked teeth are caused by genetic problems and cannot be prevented.
- If gingivitis gets more serious and it is not treated, it will lead to periodontitis, which makes teeth change their position and become loose.
2
Floss once a day. Flossing also helps prevent gingivitis.^{[31]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
3
Visit the dentist regularly. Not only does visiting the dentist help prevent gingivitis, he or she will recognize if you have problems that could lead to crooked teeth.^{[32]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
4
Limit thumb-sucking in kids. Thumb-sucking can lead to crooked teeth over time.^{[33]
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- Also limit the use of pacifiers and bottles after age three.^{[34]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

For how many months will I need to wear braces?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Wearing braces usually takes between one to two years but in some cases where anomalies are involved the period can expand even to five years. But that is the case where surgery is also involved to correct bone development. Invisible braces like Invisalign will also take more time than the visible ones
Question

Is there a way to stop my teeth from growing in front of one another without having to go to the dentist?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic in London. He received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

If there is not enough space on the arch and teeth keep on getting crooked, only an orthodontist will be able to solve the situation. There is nothing much you can do to create a larger mandible or maxilla so that your teeth can align properly.