{"id":14283,"date":"2026-03-18T16:15:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T15:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/?p=14283"},"modified":"2026-06-18T21:53:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T19:53:09","slug":"crooked-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/crooked-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"Crooked teeth: why they become misaligned, what the risks are and how to correct them (at any age)."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"14283\" class=\"elementor elementor-14283 elementor-14027\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e0daff5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4e0daff5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75bc1d67 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"75bc1d67\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>There is a widespread belief that crooked teeth are \u2018a child\u2019s problem\u2019 \u2013 something that is sorted out with braces during adolescence and then forgotten about for good. The reality is quite different: <b>millions of adults have misaligned teeth<\/b>, and many of them had straight teeth when they were younger.<\/p><p>Teeth are not set in cement. They are attached to the bone by an elastic ligament (the periodontal ligament) which allows for constant micro-movements. Over the course of a lifetime, forces such as pressure from wisdom teeth, bruxism, bone loss due to gum disease or simply the natural movement of the teeth can gradually shift them millimetre by millimetre, until one day you look in the mirror and think: \u201cHas it always been like this?\u201d.<\/p><p>In this article, we\u2019ll explain <b>why teeth become crooked<\/b> (in both children and adults), what <b>real consequences<\/b> this has beyond aesthetics, and the <b>treatment options<\/b> available today: from traditional braces to invisible orthodontics and dental veneers. We\u2019ve included indicative prices so you can get an idea of the costs before your consultation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fde6160 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fde6160\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Why do teeth become crooked? The 6 real causes<\/h2><p>There is no single reason. In most cases, it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that build up over the years:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f0bc3c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"f0bc3c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style> .causes-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(260px, 1fr)); gap: 15px; margin: 30px 0; font-family: sans-serif; } .cause-item { background: white; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; border-left: 5px solid #5b9bd5; box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05); } .cause-name { font-weight: 800; colour: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 6px; } .cause-who { font-size: 0.8rem; colour: #5b9bd5; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin-bottom: 8px; } .cause-desc { font-size: 0.9rem; colour: #555; line-height: 1.5; } <\/style> <div class=\"causes-grid\"> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Genetics<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Children and adults<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">The size of the jaw, the shape of the teeth and bite patterns are inherited. If your parents had an overbite, it is likely that you do too. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Childhood habits<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Children (0\u20136 years)<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">Thumb-sucking, prolonged use of a dummy or bottle beyond the age of 2\u20133 years. These can distort the palate and push the upper teeth outwards. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Premature loss of milk teeth<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Children (3\u201312 years)<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">If a milk tooth is lost prematurely (due to tooth decay or an impact), the neighbouring teeth shift and close the space for the permanent tooth, which then comes through crooked or impacted. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Wisdom teeth<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Young adults (17\u201325)<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">When they erupt without sufficient space, they push the other teeth forwards. This is the most common cause of crowding of the lower incisors in adults who previously had straight teeth. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Periodontal disease<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Adults (aged 35+)<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">Periodontitis destroys the bone that supports the teeth. Without support, the teeth shift, tilt and gaps appear where there were none before. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"cause-item\"> <div class=\"cause-name\">Failure to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment<\/div> <div class=\"cause-who\">Any age<\/div> <div class=\"cause-desc\">One of the most frustrating reasons: patients who wore braces as teenagers and stopped using their retainer. Teeth have a \u2018memory\u2019 and will start to shift again.<\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a517787 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a517787\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-14279\" alt=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-1.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" title=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d284a3d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d284a3d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><section><h2>Crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic issue<\/h2><p>Many patients come to the clinic saying, \u2018I don\u2019t like them, but they don\u2019t bother me\u2019. And it is true that slightly misaligned teeth are not a medical emergency. But it is worth noting that dental crowding has functional consequences that go beyond what you can see in the mirror:<\/p><\/section><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a963135 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"a963135\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style> .consec-card { background: #f7f8f9; border: 1px solid #dce1e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 30px; margin: 30px 0; font-family: sans-serif; } .consec-title { text-align: centre; font-weight: 800; colour: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 25px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .consec-rows { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 12px; } .consec-row { display: flex; align-items: centre; padding: 15px; border-radius: 8px; background: white; border-left: 5px solid #d98880; } .consec-icon { font-weight: 800; font-size: 1.2rem; colour: #c0392b; margin-right: 15px; min-width: 30px; text-align: centre; } .consec-info h4 { margin: 0 0 3px 0; font-size: 1rem; colour: #2c3e50; } .consec-info p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.9rem; colour: #555; line-height: 1.4; } <\/style> <div class=\"consec-card\"> <div class=\"consec-title\">Crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic issue<\/div> <div class= \u2018consec-rows\u2019> <div class=\"consec-row\"> <div class=\"consec-icon\">1<\/div> <div class=\"consec-info\"> <h4>Increased risk of tooth decay<\/h4> <p>Crowded teeth create nooks and crannies that a toothbrush cannot reach and where dental floss cannot get in. Plaque builds up and tooth decay occurs precisely in these hard-to-reach areas.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"consec-row\"> <div class=\"consec-icon\">2<\/div> <div class=\"consec-info\"> <h4>Gum disease<\/h4> <p>Where plaque accumulates, the gums become inflamed. Chronic crowding promotes gingivitis and, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"consec-row\"> <div class=\"consec-icon\">3<\/div> <div class=\"consec-info\"> <h4>Uneven wear<\/h4> <p>If the teeth do not mesh correctly, some bear more of the load than others. This causes accelerated wear, fractures and sensitivity in specific teeth. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"consec-row\"> <div class=\"consec-icon\">4<\/div> <div class= \u2018consec-info\u2019> <h4>Joint problems (TMJ)<\/h4> <p>An unbalanced bite can put excessive strain on the temporomandibular joint, causing jaw pain, clicking, headaches and neck pain. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"consec-row\"> <div class=\"consec-icon\">5<\/div> <div class=\"consec-info\"> <h4>Self-esteem and social life<\/h4> <p>Not being able to smile with confidence affects personal and professional relationships, as well as one\u2019s self-image. It is just as valid a reason for seeking treatment as any other. <\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9670d32 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9670d32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536 wp-image-14280\" alt=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-2-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" title=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ecfdb76 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ecfdb76\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><section><h2>C\u00f3mo corregir los dientes torcidos: las 3 opciones reales<\/h2><p>Cuando se trata de alinear dientes, solo hay tres caminos leg\u00edtimos. Cada uno tiene su indicaci\u00f3n, sus ventajas y sus limitaciones:<\/p><\/section><\/section>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1a8fd0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"b1a8fd0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\n.treat-compare {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 20px;\n  margin: 30px 0;\n  font-family: sans-serif;\n}\n.tc-card {\n  flex: 1;\n  min-width: 280px;\n  border-radius: 12px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.06);\n  background: white;\n  border: 1px solid #dce1e3;\n}\n.tc-head {\n  padding: 15px;\n  color: white;\n  text-align: center;\n  font-weight: bold;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n.head-brackets { background: #7d8a96; }\n.head-invisible { background: #5b9bd5; }\n.head-carillas { background: #c0392b; }\n.tc-body {\n  padding: 20px;\n}\n.tc-label {\n  font-size: 1.05rem;\n  font-weight: 800;\n  color: #2c3e50;\n  margin-bottom: 10px;\n  display: block;\n  text-align: center;\n}\n.tc-desc {\n  font-size: 0.9rem;\n  color: #555;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n  margin-bottom: 15px;\n}\n.tc-row {\n  display: flex;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  font-size: 0.85rem;\n  padding: 5px 0;\n  border-top: 1px solid #f0f2f4;\n}\n.tc-row:first-child {\n  border-top: none;\n}\n.tc-key {\n  color: #5d6d7e;\n  font-weight: bold;\n}\n.tc-val {\n  color: #2c3e50;\n  text-align: right;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"treat-compare\">\n\n  <div class=\"tc-card\">\n    <div class=\"tc-head head-brackets\">Braces<\/div>\n    <div class=\"tc-body\">\n      <span class=\"tc-label\">Metal, Ceramic or Lingual<\/span>\n      <p class=\"tc-desc\">\n        The most versatile treatment. Suitable for everything from mild cases to complex malocclusions.\n        Ceramic and lingual braces offer a more discreet appearance.\n      <\/p>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Cases<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Mild to severe<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Duration<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">12\u201324 months<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Result<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Actually moves teeth<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"tc-card\">\n    <div class=\"tc-head head-invisible\">Invisible Orthodontics<\/div>\n    <div class=\"tc-body\">\n      <span class=\"tc-label\">Clear Aligners<\/span>\n      <p class=\"tc-desc\">\n        Removable, nearly invisible aligners that are replaced every 1\u20132 weeks.\n        Ideal for adults. They do not interfere with eating habits or oral hygiene.\n      <\/p>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Cases<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Mild to moderate<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Duration<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">6\u201318 months<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Result<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Actually moves teeth<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"tc-card\">\n    <div class=\"tc-head head-carillas\">Dental Veneers<\/div>\n    <div class=\"tc-body\">\n      <span class=\"tc-label\">Porcelain or Composite<\/span>\n      <p class=\"tc-desc\">\n        Thin shells bonded to the tooth surface. They can change shape, size and colour.\n        Suitable only for minor misalignments or as a complement after orthodontic treatment.\n      <\/p>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Cases<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Minor \/ Cosmetic only<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Treatment Duration<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">2\u20133 appointments<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"tc-row\"><span class=\"tc-key\">Result<\/span><span class=\"tc-val\">Conceals, does not move teeth<\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8bb4e65 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8bb4e65\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Braces or clear aligners? How to choose<\/h2><p>This is the million-dollar question for any adult with crooked teeth. The honest answer is: <b>it depends on the individual case, not on the appearance of the appliance<\/b>. Both systems actually move the teeth, but they are suitable for different situations.<\/p><p><b>Choose clear aligners if:<\/b> your misalignment is mild to moderate, you value discretion, you have the discipline to wear the aligners for 22 hours a day, and you don\u2019t have complex bite problems (severe open bite, skeletal crossbite).<\/p><p><b>Choose braces if:<\/b> your case is complex (severe crowding, bite problems, teeth rotated by more than 30\u201340\u00b0), you need maximum control over tooth movement, or you prefer a treatment that \u2018works on its own\u2019 without relying on your consistency in wearing the aligners.<\/p><p>There is a third, increasingly common scenario: <b>combining orthodontics with veneers<\/b>. First, the teeth are correctly aligned using orthodontics, and then veneers are fitted to perfect their shape, size and colour. This is the approach that offers the most spectacular aesthetic results, but it is also the most expensive.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ffe5b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3ffe5b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados.jpg\" data-elementor-open-lightbox=\"yes\" data-elementor-lightbox-title=\"Gu\u00eda Integral para Corregir Dientes Torcidos y Desalineados\" data-elementor-lightbox-description=\"Gu\u00eda Integral para Corregir Dientes Torcidos y Desalineados\" data-e-action-hash=\"#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dlightbox%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6MTQyODIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOlwvXC9wbGF0b25kZW50YWwuY29tXC93cC1jb250ZW50XC91cGxvYWRzXC9HdWlhLUludGVncmFsLXBhcmEtQ29ycmVnaXItRGllbnRlcy1Ub3JjaWRvcy15LURlc2FsaW5lYWRvcy5qcGcifQ%3D%3D\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1072\" src=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-14282\" alt=\"Gu\u00eda Integral para Corregir Dientes Torcidos y Desalineados\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados-1536x858.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Guia-Integral-para-Corregir-Dientes-Torcidos-y-Desalineados-200x112.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" title=\"Gu\u00eda Integral para Corregir Dientes Torcidos y Desalineados\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">Gu\u00eda Integral para Corregir Dientes Torcidos y Desalineados<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4667da8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4667da8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Crooked teeth in children: when to seek treatment<\/h2><p>If your child has crooked milk teeth, don\u2019t worry. Milk teeth often have gaps or slight rotations that correct themselves when the permanent teeth come through. However, there are signs that do warrant a visit to the orthodontist:<\/p><ul><li><b>Premature loss of milk teeth <\/b>(due to tooth decay or an impact) before the age of 10\u201311.<\/li><li><b>Crossbite<\/b> (the lower teeth bite over the outside of the upper teeth).<\/li><li><b>Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting<\/b> beyond the age of 3\u20134 years.<\/li><li><b>A very narrow palate<\/b> or chronic mouth breathing (breathing only through the mouth).<\/li><\/ul><p>The Spanish Society of Orthodontics recommends an initial assessment at <b>6 years of age<\/b>. At this age, with the first permanent molars and incisors having already erupted, the orthodontist can detect problems with space or bite and, if necessary, intervene with interceptive orthodontics (simple appliances that make use of the child\u2019s growth to correct the root cause of the problem).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fd0ebd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8fd0ebd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536 wp-image-14281\" alt=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" srcset=\"https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/platondental.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/dientes-torcidos-3-200x133.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" title=\"Picture of a person with crooked teeth\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cd90a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cd90a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>In short: it\u2019s never too late to straighten crooked teeth<\/h2><p>Whether you\u2019re a teenager with obvious crowding or a 50-year-old adult who\u2019s noticed that your front teeth have started to shift, there\u2019s a solution and it\u2019s more accessible than ever. Modern orthodontics is faster, more comfortable and more discreet than it was a generation ago.<\/p><p>The important thing is not to take shortcuts. Be wary of miracle cures found online, home-made braces and promises of straight teeth in a matter of weeks. A professional diagnosis will tell you exactly what type of treatment you need, how long it will take and how much it will cost. And from there, the decision is yours.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c34eff1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"c34eff1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style> .faq-section { background: #f7f8f9; border: 1px solid #dce1e3; border-radius: 12px; padding: 30px; margin: 30px 0; font-family: sans-serif; } .faq-title { text-align: centre; font-weight: 800; colour: #2c3e50; font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 25px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .faq-item { background: white; border-radius: 8px; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 15px; border-left: 4px solid #5b9bd5; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.03); } .faq-item:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; } .faq-q { font-weight: 800; colour: #2c5f8a; font-size: 1.05rem; margin-bottom: 8px; } .faq-a { font-size: 0.95rem; colour: #555; line-height: 1.6; } .faq-a strong { colour: #2c3e50; } <\/style> <div class=\"faq-section\"> <div class=\"faq-title\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Why do teeth become crooked in adulthood? <\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">The most common causes are <strong>the eruption of wisdom teeth<\/strong> (which push the front teeth), <strong>periodontal disease<\/strong> (bone loss allows the teeth to shift), <strong>failure to wear a retainer<\/strong> following previous orthodontic treatment, and <strong>bruxism<\/strong> (clenching and grinding generate forces that move the teeth over time). <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Can crooked teeth be corrected without orthodontic treatment?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">In cases of <strong>mild and purely cosmetic misalignment<\/strong>, dental veneers can conceal the misalignment without moving the tooth. However, if there is a functional bite problem or moderate to severe crowding, orthodontic treatment is the only option that actually corrects the position. Veneers are not recommended for severely crooked teeth.<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Do crooked milk teeth mean that the permanent teeth will be crooked too?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">Not necessarily. Crooked baby teeth or teeth with gaps do not reliably predict the position of the permanent teeth. However, if there is <strong>an obvious lack of space<\/strong> or habits such as thumb-sucking, an orthodontic assessment is advisable from the age of <strong>6<\/strong> to intercept problems in good time. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Can teeth be straightened at home?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\"><strong>No.<\/strong> Attempting to move teeth using elastic bands, homemade braces or internet \u2018tips\u2019 is extremely dangerous. It can lead to tooth loss and damage to the roots and bone. Tooth movement requires controlled forces, monitored by a professionally trained orthodontist. <\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">How much does it cost to straighten teeth?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">It depends on the treatment and its complexity: <strong>metal braces<\/strong> range from 1,500 to 3,500 EUR; <strong>aesthetic braces<\/strong> (ceramic\/sapphire) from 2,500 to 4,500 EUR; <strong>invisible orthodontics<\/strong> from 2,000 to 5,500 EUR; and <strong>veneers<\/strong> (for mild cases only) from 250 to 600 EUR per tooth. Most clinics offer finance plans.<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">I only have one crooked tooth. Do I need full orthodontic treatment?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">Not always. If there is only <strong>one misaligned tooth<\/strong> and your bite is correct, there are options such as <strong>partial orthodontics<\/strong> (braces or aligners on just one arch), or even a <strong>veneer<\/strong> if the misalignment is minimal and purely cosmetic. Your orthodontist will assess which option is most appropriate.<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Can veneers be fitted if the teeth are very crooked?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\">It is not recommended. Veneers correct minor aesthetic flaws (shape, colour, slight rotations), but <strong>they do not move the teeth<\/strong>. If the misalignment is severe, fitting veneers straight away would require grinding away too much healthy tooth structure, and the result would look unnatural. The ideal approach: orthodontic treatment first, followed by veneers if you wish to further improve the appearance.<\/div> <\/div> <div class=\"faq-item\"> <div class=\"faq-q\">Is it too late to correct crooked teeth as an adult?<\/div> <div class=\"faq-a\"><strong>No.<\/strong> Orthodontic treatment works at any age. The difference is that in adults, treatment may take slightly longer (the bone is denser) and it is more likely that any pre-existing periodontal problems will need to be treated before starting. But the end result is just as good.<\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have crooked teeth and wonder why they\u2019ve moved? We\u2019ll explain the real causes (in children and adults), the implications for your health, and the treatments available: braces, clear aligners and veneers. Find out which one\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14279,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[209,212,210,211],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orthodontics","category-invisible-orthodontics-invisalign","category-metal-brackets","category-orthodontics-with-ceramic-braces"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14283"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14295,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14283\/revisions\/14295"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platondental.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}