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Dental conditions

Crooked teeth

Crooked teeth are common, and very few people have perfectly straight teeth. For some, it's about how their smile looks. For others, it's teeth that are hard to clean or a bite that doesn't feel right. Either way, it's worth knowing your options.

Also called: crowding, malocclusion, misaligned teeth

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874
Close-up of an adult smile with crowded, overlapping teeth

Sound familiar?

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Gaps between your teeth
  • Teeth that have moved since you had braces as a teenager
  • Food getting stuck in the same spots
  • A bite that feels uneven
  • Holding back your smile in photos

What's usually behind it

Jaw size, the size of your teeth and genetics all play a part. Habits in childhood like thumb-sucking can have an effect, and teeth naturally drift a little over a lifetime. Not wearing a retainer after braces is one of the most common reasons adult teeth move. Missing teeth can let neighbouring teeth tip into the gap, and gum disease can loosen teeth so they shift.

Why it matters beyond looks

Crowded and overlapping teeth are harder to clean, which can raise the risk of decay and gum disease. An uneven bite can also wear some teeth faster than others. Not every crooked tooth needs treatment, and we'll be honest about whether yours does.

What you can do at home

  • If you have a retainer, keep wearing it as directed
  • Clean carefully between crowded teeth with floss or interdental brushes
  • Avoid DIY or mail-order straightening without a dentist examining your teeth and gums first

When to see a dentist

  • Your teeth have started moving
  • Crowding is making it hard to clean
  • Your bite feels uneven, or you notice uneven wear
  • You'd like to know your options for straightening

How we help at Nest

Straightening starts with an assessment: a 3D scan of your teeth, a check of your gums and bite, and a conversation about what you'd like to change. Dr Sandra Pedram BDS (Syd Uni) leads clear aligner treatment at Nest. Clear aligners are removable, near-invisible trays that move teeth gradually. For some bites, fixed braces are the better option, and we'll explain why. You'll get a treatment plan with the expected timeframe and costs in writing before you decide.

Close-up of upper and lower teeth showing crowding and an uneven bite

Common questions

No. Adults of all ages straighten their teeth, as long as their teeth and gums are healthy.

It depends on how your teeth need to move. Clear aligners suit many adults. Some complex bites respond better to braces. An assessment will tell you which suits you.

It varies with how much movement is needed, usually many months. Your assessment will give you an estimate.

Some extras policies include orthodontic benefits, usually with a separate lifetime limit. Check your policy, or we can help you work out what applies.

Teeth naturally drift over time, especially if a retainer hasn't been worn. Missing teeth and gum disease can also let teeth shift.

Related

Missing teeth

Also called: tooth loss

Implants, bridges or dentures, and what happens if you leave a gap.

Learn more

Yellow teeth

Also called: tooth discolouration, stained teeth

Why teeth change colour, what actually works, and what to check before whitening.

Learn more

Teeth grinding

Also called: bruxism, clenching

A sore jaw in the morning, headaches or worn teeth, and how to protect them.

Learn more

Talk it through with us

We'll look at what's going on, explain your options and costs before anything starts.

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874

Reviewed by Dr Viki Karassellos, Dentist, Nest Dental. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own situation.