What is Crooked Teeth? Symptoms and Treatment

Crooked teeth are a condition medically known as “malocclusion” or “tooth misalignment.” Simply put, it occurs when the teeth are misaligned in the jaw and the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly. Symptoms of this disorder include overlapping front teeth, gaps between them, the upper or lower jaw being positioned forward or backward, and difficulty chewing. Treatment for crooked teeth is usually done with orthodontic methods (such as braces and clear aligners); in some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the jaw structure.

Causes	– Genetic Factors: Jaw structure or tooth size discrepancy inherited from family members – Infancy and Childhood Habits: Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier or bottle use – Early Tooth Loss: Irregular eruption of permanent teeth due to early loss of primary teeth – Jaw Developmental Problems: Unbalanced growth of the upper or lower jaw – Large or Small Teeth: Disproportionate dentition relative to jaw size
Symptoms	– Overlapping or misaligned teeth – Malocclusion (misalignment of the upper and lower teeth) – Difficulty chewing and speaking – Aesthetic concerns – Pain and grinding in the jaw joint (TMJ) (e.g., malocclusion)
Treatment Methods	– Orthodontic Treatment (Braces): Straightening teeth with metal, clear, or lingual brackets – Invisalign (Clear Alignment): Removable, clear appliances used for mild misalignments – Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic Surgery): Applied for severe misalignments – Tooth Extraction: Applied to create space in cases of excessive tooth crowding
Treatment Duration	– Mild cases: 6 months to 1 year Moderate and severe cases: 1.5 to 3 years – In cases requiring surgery, the treatment period may be longer.
Harms of Crooked Teeth	– Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: Plaque makes cleaning difficult It causes tooth decay. – Chewing Problems: Irregular teeth can prevent food from being ground properly. – Temporomandibular Joint Problems: Jaw pain and joint discomfort can occur due to an improper bite. – Lack of Self-Confidence: This can have social implications due to aesthetic concerns.
Prevention Methods	– Avoiding prolonged pacifier and bottle use in infancy – Discouraging thumb-sucking and nail-biting habits in childhood – Using space maintainers when primary teeth are lost early – Maintaining a healthy oral structure with toothbrushing and regular dentist checkups

What are Crooked Teeth and How Do They Develop?

The alignment of our teeth is crucial not only for aesthetic appearance but also for chewing function and overall oral health. The condition we call “crooked teeth” results from teeth not being positioned optimally in the jawbone. While misalignment can sometimes be a very slight misalignment, it can also lead to severe malocclusions (for example, the lower jaw being positioned too far back or too far forward relative to the upper jaw).

One of the most common factors in the development of this malocclusion is genetic inheritance. When a family’s dental and jaw structure is passed down to a child, large teeth can be difficult to fit in a small jaw, or conversely, small teeth can be spaced out in a wide jaw. However, genetics alone is not the sole determinant; environmental and behavioral factors can also contribute to this situation. For example, prolonged pacifier or bottle use during childhood, thumb-sucking habits, and mouth-breathing can cause teeth to deviate from their correct positions.

The palate also plays a significant role in the development of crooked teeth. During childhood and adolescence, bone structure is still developing; during this time, improper pressure on the teeth or functional disorders (for example, the tongue pushing against the teeth during swallowing) can eventually shift the teeth. A balanced diet and chewing exercises with hard foods are also important for adequate bone development. Children who do not consume enough hard foods or who are fed liquid and soft foods for a long time may not have a fully developed jawbone. This results in a condition called “narrow palate,” and the teeth begin to crowd into a narrower space.

What Are the Common Causes of Crooked Teeth?

When trying to answer the “why” of crooked teeth, it’s possible to see that multiple factors are interacting simultaneously. The main ones are listed below:

• Genetic Factors: The jaw shape, jaw size, and tooth size inherited from families are among the most important factors. In individuals with small jaws, it’s difficult for all the teeth to fit together correctly, leading to overlapping. In wide jaws, gaps can develop between the teeth.
• Childhood Habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, pacifier or bottle use, tongue thrustingHabits such as chewing or lip sucking can constantly put pressure on the teeth in the mouth, pushing them into incorrect positions over time.
• Inadequate Nutrition and Dental Development: A diet of soft, vitamin- and mineral-deficient foods during childhood prevents the strong development of the jawbones. Chewing harder foods engages the jaw muscles and bones, which is important for proper expansion and alignment.
• Early Tooth Loss: The gap created by rapid decay or premature extraction of primary teeth due to trauma can cause neighboring teeth to shift into this gap. This can leave insufficient space for the permanent teeth to emerge, leading to misalignment.
• Mouth Breathing: In individuals who constantly breathe through their mouth due to nasal congestion or adenoid enlargement, the balance of force exerted by the tongue and cheek muscles on the jaw is altered. This can lead to narrowing of the jaw and crowding of the teeth in the long term.
• Bad Habits and Trauma: Habits such as lip biting, nail biting, or teeth clenching (bruxism), as well as traumatic events such as sports accidents and impacts, can also affect dental alignment.

How Do Crooked Teeth Affect Dental and General Health?

Crooked teeth are not just an aesthetic problem. Because oral health is closely linked to our overall health, misalignment can trigger various long-term problems:

• Difficult Oral Hygiene: When teeth overlap or are crowded, the spaces that brushing and floss can’t reach increase. Bacterial plaque and food debris accumulate in these areas, causing problems such as cavities, gingivitis, and, over time, periodontitis. Excessive space between teeth can also lead to various cleaning challenges and aesthetic concerns.
• Impaired Chewing Function: Crooked teeth can prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact with each other properly during chewing. This can make it difficult to grind hard or fibrous foods, making digestion difficult from the start. Foods that are not properly chewed put additional strain on the digestive system.
• Tooth Wear and Sensitivity: Due to improper contact points, some teeth receive more pressure than normal. This can lead to excessive wear, cracking, or breaking of those teeth. Furthermore, as tooth enamel weakens, sensitivity to hot and cold increases, and a person’s eating comfort can decrease.
• Gum Disease: Misaligned teeth also put abnormal pressure on the gums. This pressure can lead to gum recession, inflammation, and the development of serious periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
• Negative Effects on General Health: Harmful bacteria accumulated in the mouth can harm not only the teeth and gums but also other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Periodontal disease is known to be associated with various systemic conditions, particularly cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies can occur in people with crooked teeth and inadequate chewing.
• Psychological Effects: Smiling is directly linked to self-confidence. Individuals dissatisfied with the appearance of their mouth and teeth due to crooked teeth may shy away from smiling in social settings and may even cover their mouths with their hands when speaking. This can lead to low self-confidence, social anxiety, and various psychological problems.

What Are the Visible Signs and Symptoms of Crooked Teeth?

While crooked teeth are sometimes obvious at first glance, especially in mild cases, the condition may go unnoticed for a long time. Below are the most common signs and symptoms of crooked teeth:

• Overlapping or Crooked Teeth: Crooked front teeth are an aesthetically striking feature. One tooth jutting forward, another receding, or one facing away are among the most common visible changes.
• Wide Gaps: Some individuals have noticeable gaps between their teeth. A gap between the front teeth (diastema), in particular, significantly affects the smile.
• Crowding: In some cases, teeth overlap when they are too large to fit within the jaw. This can be easily observed because it makes brushing and flossing difficult.
• Crossbite or Misalignment: When the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly during chewing, it is known as a “malocclusion.” This may be felt as one side touching first or the front teeth falling back when biting.
• Speech Problems: Tooth alignment also affects how the tongue moves in the mouth. For example, difficulty pronouncing “s” or “th” sounds, a slight lisp, or whistling sounds may be related to tooth misalignment.
• Excessive Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Narrow spaces that a toothbrush can’t reach, resulting in plaque buildup.Over time, this plaque hardens, turns into tartar, and paves the way for gum problems.
• Gum Swelling or Sensitivity: Crooked teeth sometimes put undue pressure on the gums. This can cause redness, swelling, and pain to the touch.

Can Crooked Teeth Cause Jaw Deformities or Chronic Pain?

Improper tooth alignment can create unexpected stress on the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint, TMJ) and surrounding muscles. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain and impaired jaw function.

• Pressure on the Jaw Joint (TMJ)

When the upper and lower teeth are misaligned, the joints and muscles are forced into an unnatural position during biting and chewing. For example, closing the lower jaw further forward or backward than it normally should can lead to slippage or wear on the articular disc. This can manifest as symptoms such as clicking noises, severe pain, and locking in the jaw.

• Chronic Muscle Tension

A misaligned bite causes the chewing muscles to work inconsistently. When the muscles carry an unbalanced load for extended periods, they can produce pain signals. This pain can be felt not only in the jaw but also as tension that can radiate to the head, neck, and even shoulders.

• Triggered Head and Neck Pain

Tension in the chewing muscles can lead to migraine-like headaches. This risk is even higher in those who clench or grind their teeth at night. This is because when teeth are crooked, the lower jaw’s inability to find its correct position can trigger clenching.

• Jaw Locking or Limited Movement

In severe cases, jaw locking (difficulty opening and closing the jaw) can occur. This condition negatively impacts eating, speaking, and social life. The disc inside the joint can become displaced under excessive pressure or become inflamed, restricting movement.

• Posture and Respiratory Effects

Imbalanced jaw alignment can sometimes negatively impact spinal alignment. Furthermore, a narrowed upper jaw or a receding lower jaw can slightly narrow the airway and contribute to poor sleep quality and snoring.

How Do Crooked Teeth Affect Chewing and Digestion?

The act of eating begins with the grinding of food by the teeth and mixing it with saliva in the mouth. The more smoothly this first step occurs, the easier the digestive system handles the rest. Crooked teeth can negatively impact this process:

• Difficulty Grinding Properly

Missing teeth can cause some areas to receive excessive pressure while others receive no pressure at all when the upper and lower teeth meet. For example, when the molars on the cheeks don’t meet properly, fibrous foods like meat and vegetables cannot be broken down sufficiently. Foods swallowed in large pieces become difficult to digest in the stomach and intestines.

• The Role of Saliva

As the teeth grind food in the mouth, digestive enzymes in saliva come into play. If chewing time is shortened or mechanically inefficient due to crooked teeth, saliva cannot come into contact with the food sufficiently. This restricts the pre-digestion of carbohydrates and other nutrients.

• Additional Burden on the Digestive System

Improperly broken down food can remain in the stomach longer, causing discomfort such as indigestion, bloating, or acid reflux. The digestive system, constantly forced to digest such large pieces, can become more susceptible to conditions such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Changes in Food Choices

Some individuals with crooked teeth avoid hard or difficult-to-chew foods (e.g., raw vegetables, fruit peels, hard breads). This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and negatively impact their immune system and overall health in the long term.

• Tooth Wear and Other Problems

A misaligned bite can cause some teeth to come into contact too early and wear down excessively, further impairing chewing function. Worn teeth become sensitive to cold, heat, and sweets, significantly reducing eating and drinking comfort.

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Untreated Crooked Teeth?

Crooked teeth do not correct themselves over time; on the contrary, they can become more complex with age. The main risks of untreated teeth are:

• Progressive Tooth Misalignment and Malocclusion

Crooked teeth disrupt the balance of forces within the mouth. Improper pressure can shift other teeth over time, exacerbating the problem. For example, a slightly crooked tooth, if left untreated, can affect neighboring teeth, leading to a more significant misalignment.

• Tooth Loss and Periodontal Disease

Teeth that are too close together or overlapping can become difficult to clean.Bacteria proliferate in these areas. This increases the risk of tooth decay, gum recession, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Advanced periodontal disease can lead to the destruction of the supporting tissue of the teeth and even tooth loss.

• Temperature Joint Problems

Untreated misalignments increase the unbalanced load on the jaw joint in the long term. This can lead to chronic jaw pain, clicking noises, and even TMJ disorders, which can lead to locking of the jaw. Quality of daily life and nutritional comfort are significantly affected by this condition.

• Severe Wear and Fractures

Some teeth are exposed to more contact than normal and wear down more rapidly. Microcracks can form in weakened teeth, and these cracks can enlarge over time, leading to tooth fracture. Repairing cracked teeth sometimes requires additional procedures such as root canal treatment and crowns, which are costly and laborious.

• Digestive Problems

As mentioned above, if chewing is not adequate, the burden on the digestive system increases. In the long term, indigestion, reflux, bloating, and bowel irregularities can occur.

• Psychological and Social Effects

Crooked teeth, which become more noticeable over time, can undermine a person’s self-confidence. Especially in adolescence and early adulthood, poor dental aesthetics can trigger social anxiety and communication problems. Left untreated, this condition can lead to various symptoms of depression and anxiety.

• Sleep Problems and Respiratory Disorders

The position of the jaw and the alignment of the teeth also play a role in airway patency. Some people with severe malocclusion may experience an increased incidence of conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep patterns lead to cascades of problems affecting the cardiovascular system, mental performance, and hormonal balance.

What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Crooked Teeth?

Thanks to developing technology and innovations in dentistry, many effective methods are available for correcting crooked teeth. The treatment choice depends on the individual’s age, the degree of misalignment, their jaw structure, and the desired outcome. Here are the most common treatment options:

• Traditional Metal Braces (Teeth Braces)

Metal braces have been used for many years and are an effective method for correcting even severe misalignments. Braces are bonded to the teeth and the wires connecting them are used to gradually move the teeth into the correct position using controlled force. This treatment, which usually takes 1-3 years, is less uncomfortable thanks to advanced materials.

• Ceramic or Porcelain Braces

They work on the same principle as traditional braces, but because the material used is closer to your tooth color, they are less noticeable. They are preferred by individuals who are aesthetically concerned and dislike the look of metal.

• Lingual Braces

Bracelets, placed on the back of the teeth rather than the front, are virtually invisible from the outside. They are a particularly suitable option for adults with high aesthetic concerns. They require a little more care in terms of comfort and cleaning habits.

• Clear Aligners (Invisalign, etc.)

Clear aligners allow teeth to be straightened using a series of custom-made, removable trays. Aligners are usually replaced every 1-2 weeks, and each new tray straightens the teeth a small amount. They are particularly suitable for mild to moderate misalignments. Aligners should be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day, so patient compliance is crucial.

• Retainers

After active treatment (braces or clear aligners) is completed, retainers are used to maintain the teeth in their new positions. They can be fixed or removable. They can also be used alone to correct very slight misalignments, but they are generally not sufficient for larger problems.

• Palatal Expanders

Used in childhood and adolescence when the upper jaw is narrow, this appliance slowly widens the palate. This creates more space for the teeth and prevents misalignment. Because the bone sutures fuse after puberty, this method is generally not used in adults or is used in conjunction with surgical support.

• Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw Surgery)

If misalignment is due to the skeletal position of the jaws, surgical intervention may sometimes be necessary. Orthognathic surgery corrects the forward-backward or up-down position of the jaw, followed by orthodontic treatment to align the teeth. This is preferred in severe and complex cases.

• Aesthetic Procedures (Veneers, Bonding)

In cases where the tooth is slightly crooked or where aesthetic considerations are the primary concern, porcelain veneers or composite bonding can be applied to the tooth surface. These methods adjust the position of the teeth.It doesn’t directly correct the problem, but it can create the illusion of a more uniform alignment.

When planning treatment for crooked teeth, the underlying problem is first identified. Is the problem related to the position of the teeth, the skeletal structure of the jaw, or both? The treatment strategy is determined based on this analysis. Furthermore, today, technologies like digital scanning and 3D modeling have made it easier to predict the outcome.

How Do Traditional Braces and Invisalign Work?

When it comes to treating crooked teeth, the first methods that come to mind are traditional braces and clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign). Essentially, both methods aim to achieve the desired alignment by guiding the teeth with controlled force; however, there are some differences in terms of application and patient experience.

Traditional Braces

• Structure: Metal or ceramic brackets are attached to each tooth with special adhesives. These brackets are connected to each other by a thin wire (archwire). Wires and small elastic bands play a role in adjusting the forces that push or pull the teeth in the correct direction.
• Mechanism of Action: Gentle and constant pressure is applied to the teeth. This pressure causes remodeling (osteoporosis and remodeling) in the bone tissue around the tooth root, causing the tooth to move over time.

Advantages:

• Effective for a wide range of conditions, including severe misalignments.
• Under the care team’s supervision, there is no risk of the patient forgetting to wear the aligners.

Disadvantages:

• Higher visibility.
• Wires and brackets tend to accumulate food debris and plaque, so extra care for oral hygiene is necessary.

Invisalign (Clear Aligners)

Construction: Consists of a series of custom-made, removable, clear aligners. The dentist takes a 3D scan of the teeth and plans the gradual tooth movement until the desired result is achieved. Based on this plan, aligners are manufactured, which are replaced approximately every 1-2 weeks.

Mechanism of Action: Each aligner is designed to move the teeth into a more even position by a certain amount. When the aligner is inserted, a gentle force is applied to the teeth, and the teeth slowly move towards their new position.

Advantages:

• It is removable, providing comfort while eating and brushing.
• Because it is transparent, it is almost unnoticeable, providing an aesthetic advantage.

Disadvantages:

• Patient compliance is very important; If not worn for an average of 20-22 hours a day, the desired results may not be achieved.
• They may be inadequate in cases of severe crowding or jaw irregularities.

Can Retainers or Palatal Expanders Straighten Crooked Teeth?

“Retainers” are generally used as retainers after active orthodontic treatment to maintain the new positions of the corrected teeth. “Palatine expanders” are special orthodontic appliances designed to widen the upper jaw (palate). These two methods serve different purposes and are generally not used directly to correct “especially severe misalignments” on their own. However, they can be helpful in some mild or moderate cases.

Use of Retainers

• Purpose: To maintain the corrected position of the teeth. At the end of orthodontic treatment, the bone and gum tissues are not yet fully intact because the teeth have moved during active treatment. If a retainer is not worn, teeth may tend to return to their previous positions.
• Mild Corrective Capacity: In some cases, it can be designed to slightly correct incipient or very mild misalignments. However, it is not expected to provide comprehensive alignment.
• Types: Fixed retainers (thin wires bonded to the inner surface of the teeth) or removable clear aligners (worn at night or at specific times).

Palatal Expanders

• Purpose: To create more space for teeth by widening the palate when the upper jaw is narrow. Expansion is relatively easy during childhood and early adolescence because the bone suture in the middle of the upper jaw has not yet fused.
• Effect: Expansion can correct misaligned teeth or prevent future misalignments. However, this is often combined with other orthodontic treatments (e.g., braces or clear aligners).
• Adult Situation: In adults, widening the palate without surgical support is often not possible. Because the bone sutures fuse, simple appliances may not achieve the desired results.

When Is Orthodontic Surgery Recommended for Crooked Teeth?

Orthodontic surgery (also known as orthognathic surgery) is the preferred treatment approach when teeth alignment problems are severely compromised, resulting in bone or jaw structure deformities.A problem with the alignment of the teeth alone is generally not a justification for surgery; the real reason is the severe discrepancy between the jaws.

Skeletal Problems

• Excessive protrusion or retraction of the upper jaw (maxillary prognathia or retrognathia),
• Excessive or inadequate vertical jaw growth (too long or too short face),
• Significant facial asymmetry are indications for surgery.

Masturcture and Bite Disorders

• Severe open bite, crossbite, or malocclusions that are difficult to correct in the forward-backward direction may be included in the surgical planning. Because if there is a skeletal disorder in the jawbone, such as in the pelvic, leg, or arm bones, simply moving the teeth with orthodontic appliances cannot completely resolve the problem.

Respiratory Problems and Sleep Apnea

• Imbalances in the positioning of the upper or lower jaw can narrow the airway, triggering problems such as snoring and sleep apnea. Surgical intervention can open the airway by repositioning the jaw and improve quality of life.

Completion of Growth in Adult Patients

• Surgical intervention generally requires waiting until the growth and developmental period is complete, around 16-17 years for girls and 18 years or older for boys. This is because continued bone growth can affect the stability of the surgical results.

Combined Treatment

• Orthognathic surgery is not a standalone solution. It is often planned in conjunction with orthodontic treatment (braces or clear aligners). Before surgery, the teeth are aligned; the jawbones are surgically positioned, and orthodontic treatment is continued afterward, with finishing touches.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Solve Slightly Crooked Teeth?

Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of the smile. In cases of slight crookedness or small gaps, it is possible to achieve a more even smile by changing the shape and color of the teeth. However, these procedures do not always address the root cause of the crookedness (tooth position or structural problem in the jaw). Below, you can find the aesthetic methods used to correct slightly crooked teeth:

• Porcelain Veneers

These are thin porcelain layers bonded to the front surface of the tooth. The color and shape are customizable. Slight crookedness, tooth size discrepancies, and discoloration can be camouflaged with this method. A very small abrasion is made on the tooth’s surface before the procedure.

• Composite Bonding

Tooth-colored composite resin material is used to shape slightly crooked or spaced teeth. It’s a faster and more economical solution than veneers, but the material’s durability may not be as long as porcelain. However, with proper care and regular checkups, it can still last for many years.

• Minimal Orthodontic Touch + Aesthetic Appliances

Sometimes, for very slight misalignments, teeth can be slightly corrected with a few months of clear aligner treatment, followed by finishing touches with aesthetic appliances. This allows for minimal intervention, preserving most of the tooth, while achieving a functional and aesthetic result.

• Bleaching (Whitening)

The position of the teeth remains unchanged, but their color is improved, resulting in a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile. If slight misalignments aren’t visually noticeable, whitening can increase patient satisfaction.

Limits

• For moderate to severe misalignments, cosmetic dentistry alone will not be sufficient.
• If an underlying malocclusion or jaw problem is ignored, long-term problems such as tooth fractures or gum recession may occur.
• While cosmetic procedures do not radically alter the position of the teeth, they do offer a temporary and quick “visual correction.”

How Can Crooked Teeth Be Prevented in Children and Adults?

While it is not always possible to completely prevent crooked teeth, certain precautions can help maintain the health of teeth and jaws in both children and adults. Points to consider by age group can be summarized as follows:

Prevention Methods in Children

• Early Dental Checkups

A visit to the dentist is recommended when a child turns 1 or when the first tooth appears. This allows for early monitoring of dental development. By age 6-7, an orthodontic checkup can identify signs of potential jaw narrowing, loss of primary teeth, or malocclusion.

• Limiting Harmful Habits

Thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier or bottle use, and upper jawThis can cause the mouth to push forward or the front teeth to pop out. It’s important to stop these habits around age 3-4 to ensure proper tooth positioning.

• Balanced Diet and Hard Foods

Consuming hard foods like fruits and vegetables, which will stimulate your child’s chewing muscles, supports the natural development of your jaw. Limiting sugar and acidic beverage consumption prevents premature loss of baby teeth.

• Proper Breathing Habits

Children with long-term nasal congestion or adenoid problems breathe through their mouths. This affects facial and jaw development. It’s important for parents who notice breathing problems to consult an otolaryngologist.

• Preventing Tooth Loss

Premature removal of baby teeth due to decay or trauma can cause irregular eruption of permanent teeth. Regular checkups and preventive practices (fissure sealants, fluoride applications, etc.) prevent premature tooth loss.

Prevention Methods for Adults

• Regular Dental Checkups

Adults should also see the dentist at least twice a year. Any minor misalignment or incipient orthodontic problems should be identified and managed early.

• Replacing Missing Teeth

If an extracted or lost tooth is not replaced with an implant or bridge, neighboring teeth may shift into the space. This shifting can lead to a disruption in overall dental alignment over time.

• Careful Oral and Dental Care

Plaque buildup and gum disease can affect the position of teeth. Practices such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash prevent gum recession and maintain tooth stability.

• Controlling Teeth Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism, caused by stress or improper jaw closing, can cause teeth to wear down and become misaligned. This habit can be controlled by using a night guard.

• Middle Age and Beyond

As we age, teeth may experience slight positional changes. Preventive orthodontic treatments (such as fixed retainers) during this period can prevent misalignment.

While genetic factors cannot be completely controlled, it is possible to reduce the risk of misaligned teeth by managing environmental and habitual factors. Careful observation and intervention from an early age play a key role in preventing extensive and costly treatments later. In adults, regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene habits can help maintain the current position, and if necessary, minor misalignments can be corrected with simple interventions.