Crooked Teeth: Between Aesthetics and Medical Considerations
In Indonesia, crooked teeth are often associated with a sweet, natural smile full of character. Many people choose to keep them because they are considered unique and part of their facial identity.
From a dental perspective, however, crooked teeth are a form of tooth misalignment, most commonly caused by limited space within the dental arch. This means that while they may appear aesthetically pleasing to some, the condition still needs to be evaluated from a health standpoint.
It is important to understand that crooked teeth do not always need to be corrected—but they are also not always safe to leave untreated.
The Hidden Risks Behind Crooked Teeth
The main issue with crooked teeth is often not their appearance, but the difficulty in maintaining proper oral hygiene. Protruding or overlapping teeth can lead to:
Areas that are hard to reach during brushing
Easy buildup of plaque and food debris
Faster formation of tartar
Increased risk of gum inflammation (gingivitis)
In some cases, crooked teeth may also cause:
Recurrent mouth ulcers due to friction with the cheeks or lips
Easily bleeding gums
Bad breath caused by trapped food particles
At this point, crooked teeth are no longer just an aesthetic concern, but one that directly affects long-term dental and gum health.
When Should Crooked Teeth Be Corrected?
Correcting crooked teeth should be considered if you experience:
Difficulty cleaning the crooked area effectively
Repeated tartar buildup
Frequent mouth ulcers or soft tissue irritation
Discomfort when chewing due to bite interference
Early signs of gum problems around the crooked tooth
On the other hand, if crooked teeth are easy to clean, cause no discomfort, and the surrounding gums and tissues remain healthy, keeping them can be a safe option. This should be supported by regular dental check-ups and extra care in maintaining cleanliness around the crooked tooth, including the use of dental floss.
Straightening Crooked Teeth Without Losing Character
Straightening crooked teeth does not always mean tooth extraction or losing the natural charm of your smile. With modern orthodontic technology, crooked teeth can be gradually aligned to improve cleanliness and function—without making the smile look stiff or overly uniform.
Options such as modern braces and clear aligners allow for precise treatment, tailored to jaw structure and individual aesthetic goals. With proper planning, the result is not only a neater smile, but one that remains natural and healthy in the long term.
Aesthetic Consultation at Onyx: Finding the Right Balance
At Onyx Dental Center, we do not see crooked teeth as something that must always be “fixed” or always “preserved.”
Through the Onyx 360° Smile Philosophy, each patient is guided to understand:
Their overall dental and gum health
Whether crooked teeth are still safe to keep
Or whether correction is needed for long-term health
A treatment plan that suits facial character and lifestyle
This approach ensures that every decision is thoughtful, balanced, and always grounded in health.
Conclusion
Crooked teeth can indeed be part of a distinctive sweet smile. However, behind their appearance lies an aspect of hygiene and gum health that should not be overlooked.
As long as they do not cause problems and oral cleanliness is well maintained, crooked teeth can be safely preserved. But when they begin to affect gum health or comfort, correcting them becomes a wise preventive step—not merely for aesthetics, but for long-term oral health.
Reference
Portillo, F. R. L., Gámez Valenzuela, J., Rosas Alcaraz, V. M., Valle Urias, A. E., Del Rosario Martínez Pérez, D., Manjarrez Guerrero, F. M., Guzmán Celaya, G. E., González Arredondo, T., Quiroz Beltrán, M. A., Soberanes Galindo, M. L., & Duque-Urióstegui, C. (2024). Dental crowding: A review. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 12(4), 1344–1348.https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20240664
