Guide to Crooked Teeth (MalOCCLusion)

The following guide can help with identifying crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, and misaligned bites

What “Crooked Teeth” Means

Crooked teeth usually reflect one or more bite problems (malocclusion) that affect smile aesthetics, chewing, speech, and long-term tooth/gum health.

Types of Malocclusion

  • Crowding – not enough space, teeth overlap/rotate.

  • Spacing/Diastema – gaps between teeth.

  • Overjet – top front teeth protrude forward.

  • Overbite (deep bite) – upper teeth cover too much of lowers.

  • Underbite (Class III) – lower teeth/jaw sit ahead of uppers.

  • Open bite – front teeth don’t meet when biting.

  • Crossbite – some top teeth bite inside lowers (front or back).

  • Midline discrepancy – dental midlines don’t line up.

  • Impacted/rotated teeth – teeth trapped or twisted in the arch.

Why It Happens

  • Genetics and jaw growth patterns

  • Early tooth loss, prolonged dummy/thumb habits, tongue thrust

  • Mouth breathing, enlarged tonsils/adenoids

  • Jaw trauma or poorly timed extractions

  • Limited space from large teeth or small jaws

How to Tell If You Need Treatment

  • Teeth overlap, twist, or have obvious gaps

  • Frequent biting of cheeks/lips or jaw discomfort

  • Front teeth don’t meet or meet too deep

  • Chipping/wear on edges, difficulty cleaning some areas

  • You hide your smile or feel self-conscious in photos

Fixing Crooked Teeth: WHAT Your Options ARE

  • Braces – reliable for simple to complex cases; precise control of tooth movement.

  • Invisalign – clear, removable aligners that fit around work, school, and sports.

  • Damon Braces – a low-friction, self-ligating system that can mean fewer adjustments and shorter visits.

Not sure which is right? If you are a patient at Choice Dental we’ll assess your bite, tooth movement needs, hygiene habits, and lifestyle to match you with the most effective and comfortable plan.

What Treatment Involves

  1. Consult & 3D records – Photos, scans, and a bite analysis.

  2. Personalised plan – Timeline, costs, and expected results.

  3. Active alignment – Braces, Invisalign, or Damon Braces with progress checks.

  4. Refinement – Finishing steps to polish your bite and smile line.

  5. Retention – Custom retainers if necessary to keep results stable.

Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth

  • Easier cleaning and healthier gums

  • Reduced enamel wear and jaw strain

  • More balanced bite and clearer speech

  • Confident, natural-looking smile

Ready to Start?

If you are in the Browns Plains or Brisbane area and want to start on your journey to straightening teeth and resolving your bite, book your assessment so we can map out the fastest, cleanest path to a confident smile. Contact Choice Dental in Browns Plains: (07) 3809-3320 or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gum disease is primarily caused by a build-up of plaque — a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque isn’t removed daily with brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, irritating gums and leading to infection.

The most common signs include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, swollen or tender gums, and gums that pull away from the teeth. In more advanced cases, teeth may feel loose or shift.

Yes — the earliest stage, gingivitis, can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. However, once it progresses to periodontitis, it can only be managed, not fully reversed. Early detection is key.