Have you noticed your bottom teeth shifting out of place or overlapping as you age? You’re not alone. Crooked bottom teeth are a common concern for many adults, even those who previously had braces. Over time, these changes can affect your oral hygiene, bite force, and confidence in your smile.
This article explains five common reasons why bottom teeth become crooked and offer practical solutions to help you achieve a straighter smile again.
What Causes Crooked Bottom Teeth?
There isn’t just one reason your lower teeth may shift out of place. In most cases, it’s a combination of everyday habits, ageing, and genetics. Below are five common causes that can lead to crooked bottom teeth, along with ways to fix them.
Natural Aging and Jaw Changes
One of the most frequent causes of crooked bottom teeth is the natural aging process. As one grows older, the jawbone slowly changes shape and becomes narrower. This gradual shift creates less space for your lower front teeth, leading them to crowd and overlap.
Additionally, your teeth continue to move throughout life due to constant pressure from chewing and talking. Without any orthodontic retention (like a retainer), these small movements can eventually become noticeable.
How to fix it:
A custom retainer or mild clear aligners can gently guide your crooked bottom teeth back into proper alignment, especially if the issue is caught early.
Tooth Loss and Shifting Teeth
Missing teeth, particularly in the back of your mouth, can trigger a domino effect. When there’s a gap, surrounding teeth begin to shift toward the space. Over time, this movement can cause your bottom teeth to become crooked, even if the missing tooth is far from the front.
This type of shifting not only impacts appearance but may also affect your bite and jaw function.
How to fix it:
Replacing missing teeth with a denture, dental bridge, or dental implant can stop further movement. Once spacing is stabilized, orthodontic treatment like braces or aligners can realign crooked bottom teeth.
Genetics and Facial Structure
Some people are simply born with a smaller jaw or uneven tooth size, which increases the likelihood of crowding, especially in the lower front teeth. If one or both of your parents had crooked teeth, there’s a good chance you might develop similar issues.
In these cases, the lower jaw often doesn’t provide enough space for all the teeth to sit in a straight row.
How to fix it:
Orthodontic treatment, such as traditional braces, can be used to correct inherited misalignment. In more severe cases, minor tooth reshaping or extraction may be recommended to make space.
If you’re looking for a complete cosmetic transformation, a smile makeover can combine multiple treatments, like whitening, orthodontics, and bonding, for a cohesive result.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
A lot of people clench or grind their teeth without realizing it, often while sleeping. This habit, known as bruxism, puts uneven pressure on the teeth and jaw. Over time, it can lead to subtle shifts, especially in the lower arch.
You may notice flattening of the biting surfaces, jaw pain, or even chips and cracks. Left untreated, grinding can cause your bottom teeth to become crooked due to repeated strain.
How to fix it:
A custom nightguard can prevent your teeth from grinding damage. In cases where alignment has already shifted, your dentist may suggest orthodontic treatment to realign your crooked bottom teeth, followed by retainer use to maintain the result.
Not Wearing Your Retainer
If you had braces in the past, you were probably told to wear a retainer to keep your teeth straight. Many people stop wearing theirs after a few years, only to notice their teeth drifting again, particularly the lower front teeth.
This is known as orthodontic relapse and is a leading cause of crooked bottom teeth in adults.
How to fix it:
If the misalignment is mild, a new retainer may be all you need. More pronounced changes may require clear aligners or short-term braces to realign the teeth.
Additional Ways to Fix Crooked Bottom Teeth
In addition to addressing the root cause of misalignment, your dentist may recommend several other treatment options, depending on the severity of the crowding and your overall dental needs. These solutions are commonly used to correct crooked bottom teeth and improve long-term alignment:
- Cosmetic bonding or veneers offer aesthetic improvements for small alignment concerns or chipped teeth
- Tooth reshaping or extraction may be necessary to create space in cases of severe crowding
- Surgical correction is considered when the misalignment stems from jaw positioning or skeletal issues
Your dentist will assess your bite, teeth, and bone structure to recommend the most suitable approach for achieving your smile goals and maintaining optimal oral health.
When to See a Dentist for Crooked Teeth
If you notice that your bottom teeth are crooked, shifting, or becoming harder to clean, it’s best to schedule a consultation. Prompt evaluation helps prevent complications like tooth decay, gum disease, or TMJ problems (conditions affecting the jaw joint that can cause pain, stiffness, or difficulty chewing).
Even if the issue seems cosmetic, realigning your lower teeth can improve your bite and make daily brushing more effective.
At Rivers Bend Family Dental, we’re here to help you restore both beauty and function to your smile. Whether your teeth have shifted gradually or you’ve dealt with crowding your whole life, it’s never too late to fix crooked bottom teeth. The right treatment can increase your confidence and protect your long-term dental health.Need help deciding the best option for you? Schedule an appointment with the best dentist in ramsey, and take the first step toward a healthier and straighter smile. You can visit us at 14061 St Francis Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN 55303, or call us at +1 763-576-1855 to book your appointment.
