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Dentist Disaster

Crooked teeth & bite

Crooked teeth

Routine6 treatment options

Twisted, tilted or uneven teeth are very common. Here is why they happen, when they matter, and the realistic ways to straighten them.

How urgent is it? Routine

Not an emergency. Mention it at your next check-up; your dentist can refer a child for an NHS orthodontic assessment or discuss private options with an adult.

What it is

Crooked teeth are teeth that sit twisted, tipped or out of line with their neighbours. For many people it is purely a question of looks, but uneven teeth can also be harder to clean properly, and a bite that does not meet well can put extra strain on some teeth and on the jaw joint.

Straightening works by applying gentle, steady pressure so the bone around each root slowly remodels and the tooth moves. That is why orthodontic treatment takes months rather than weeks, and why the result has to be held in place with retainers afterwards.

You do not have to do anything about crooked teeth if they are healthy and do not bother you. If they do bother you, a proper assessment by a dentist or orthodontist, including X-rays where needed, is the safe starting point before choosing any brace or aligner.

Signs and causes

Common signs

  • Teeth that overlap, twist or lean forwards or backwards
  • Food regularly getting trapped between particular teeth
  • Areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss
  • Teeth that catch or wear against each other when you bite
  • Feeling self-conscious about how your smile looks

Usual causes

  • Not enough room in the jaw for all the adult teeth
  • The size and position of the upper and lower jaws
  • Teeth naturally drifting over time as we get older
  • Teeth moving back after earlier brace treatment if retainers are not worn
  • Gaps left by missing teeth, which neighbouring teeth can tip into

Ways to fix it

The options a dentist may discuss with you, and when each one tends to be used. Which one suits you depends on an examination.

  1. Clear aligners

    Mild to moderate crowding or twisting in adults and older teenagers who want a discreet, removable option and can wear the trays nearly all day.

    Usually private onlyOrthodontics

  2. Metal braces

    Most types of crookedness, including more complex tooth movements; the standard NHS brace for eligible under-18s.

    Sometimes on the NHSOrthodontics

  3. Ceramic braces

    Similar problems to metal braces when you want brackets that blend in more, usually as a private option.

    Usually private onlyOrthodontics

  4. Lingual braces

    When you want fixed braces hidden behind the teeth and accept some tongue soreness and speech changes at first.

    Usually private onlyOrthodontics

  5. Veneers

    Occasionally used to disguise slightly uneven front teeth without moving them, but this removes tooth enamel and is not a substitute for orthodontics.

    Sometimes on the NHSCosmetic

  6. Retainers

    Needed after any straightening treatment to stop teeth drifting back; they hold teeth still rather than move them.

    Sometimes on the NHSOrthodontics

What you can do now

  • Take extra time cleaning around overlapping teeth, and ask your dental team which interdental brush sizes fit your gaps
  • Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes, as hard-to-clean areas are more prone to decay
  • If you have had braces before, keep wearing your retainer exactly as your orthodontist advised

Preventing it

  • Wear retainers long term after orthodontic treatment - the British Orthodontic Society says teeth tend to move back without them
  • Keep up regular check-ups so problems with a child's developing bite can be spotted and referred early
  • Replace missing teeth where appropriate so neighbouring teeth are less likely to tip into the gap

Common questions

Can I get braces on the NHS?

Children and teenagers under 18 can be assessed for NHS orthodontic treatment, and it is provided free when their need scores highly enough on a standard index called the IOTN. Adults usually pay privately, although NHS treatment is possible in some complex cases, such as when jaw surgery is needed through a hospital service.

Am I too old for braces?

Age on its own is not a barrier. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as the teeth and gums are healthy, and the number of adults having orthodontic treatment is growing.

How long does straightening take?

It depends on the problem. Simple straightening of the front teeth can sometimes take around six months, but correcting how the teeth bite together often takes one to two years, and longer for complex cases.

How do I know who is qualified to straighten my teeth?

Any registered dentist can legally provide orthodontics if they are competent to do so, but only dentists on the General Dental Council's specialist list can call themselves specialist orthodontists; they have at least three extra years of training. You can check anyone's registration on the GDC register.

Products that may help at home

These support good daily care; they don’t replace treatment from a dentist. Some links may be affiliate links.

OPRO Gold mouthguard for braces

A self-fit sports mouthguard shaped to sit over fixed braces. Braces can change fit over time, so check with your orthodontist –…

Features & who it suits

TePe Bridge & Implant Floss

Pre-cut spongy floss with stiff ends that thread under wires, bridges and around implants – handy for anyone with fixed braces.

Features & who it suits

TePe Compact Tuft

A single-tuft brush for precision cleaning where a normal brush struggles – around brackets, along the gumline, crowded teeth…

Features & who it suits

Sources we used

Checked September 2026. Guidance changes, so always follow the advice of your own dental team. About our sources.