When a child is losing first teeth and getting permanent teeth, the jaws are still growing and there is a lot of rearranging going on in the mouth. Often, crooked teeth straighten out when other teeth come in around them. Your dentist will be able to advise you whether there is a potential malocclusion (bad bite) problem. See similar questions...

Generally speaking, crooked teeth are genetic. Uneven teeth or jawline can lead to poor chewing and digestion, which may eventually cause tooth decay and gum disease. We try to detect crooked teeth early on, so we can help young patients avoid serious treatments later in life. See similar questions...

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They don't look like they're doing much just sitting there. but in fact, every moment or your orthodontic treatment, there's something happening in your mouth. Something good for you. The brackets we place on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them, are the two main components.The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. See similar questions...

Normally you would have been given advice regarding the condition and development of the bite during visits to the cleft clinic. If you are still uncertain, then you should see your dentist first who will refer you to a specialist orthodontist for an opinion. There are great benefits in seeing your family dentist for regular dental care regardless if there is a cleft condition or not. However, do not let any teeth be removed without consultation with the Cleft Palate Clinic orthodontist. See similar questions...

Even though most children that age have a number of teeth, some children may have delayed tooth eruption. There is usually no concern about this. See similar questions...

Teething, the process of baby (primary) teeth coming through the gums into the mouth, is variable among individual babies. Some babies get their teeth early and some get them late. In general the first baby teeth are usually the lower front (anterior) teeth and usually begin erupting between the age of 6-8 months. Children's teeth begin forming before birth. See similar questions...

In spite of the careful attention given to informing the patients how important retainers are to prevent the teeth from returning to their crooked position, relapse occurs disconcertingly to the patient and the orthodontist too frequently. This occurs because teeth need time to "permanently set" or grow into their new positions like poured cement setting around a newly placed parking meter. See similar questions...

There may be several options. Only through an examination will I be able to discuss the best option for you. However, there are new treatments now available that are virtually pain free and much more convenient for my patients. Several of these options are found on this website. Our professional whitening work very well. You will notice a change after the first 2-3 applications with your best results after 2 weeks of continuous use. See similar questions...

Teeth can be straightened with orthodontics (braces). This is usually done during the teenage years, when the teeth are going through a period of growth. However, many adults also have treatment to straighten their crooked teeth or to approve their appearance. The procedure can take much longer in adults and is therefore more expensive. See similar questions...

Beyond the loss of self confidence many people feel, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes it's harder to chew certain types of healthy, high fiber foods, causing either digestive difficulties or avoidance of the offending foods. Other people may experience discomfort in their jaw joints from the improper alignment of teeth and gums. If your teeth protrude, they may be more likely to chip or fracture. See similar questions...