Crooked or crowded teeth occur when teeth do not have enough space or do not develop in their ideal positions. Teeth may overlap, rotate, protrude or sit further forwards or backwards than neighbouring teeth. Misalignment can affect the appearance of your smile and, in some cases, your bite or how easily you can clean between your teeth.
Crooked or misaligned teeth may include:
The type and severity of tooth misalignment varies from person to person. A dental assessment can help determine whether orthodontic treatment may be suitable.
Several factors can contribute to crooked or crowded teeth:
Genetics and jaw development: The size and shape of your jaw and teeth can be inherited. If there is insufficient space in the jaw for all the teeth, crowding or overlapping may develop.
Tooth eruption and development: Early loss of baby teeth, delayed eruption, impacted teeth or teeth developing in abnormal positions may affect alignment.
Childhood oral habits: Prolonged thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or other oral habits during development may influence the position of the teeth or bite.
Missing teeth or tooth loss: When a tooth is missing, neighbouring teeth may gradually drift into the available space.
Dental trauma: Injury to the teeth or jaw may occasionally affect tooth position or development.
Gum and supporting bone problems: Advanced periodontal disease may reduce support around the teeth and allow teeth to shift or become more mobile.
Treatment for crooked or crowded teeth depends on the position of your teeth, your bite, oral health and the complexity of tooth movement required. At Polygems Dental Care in Yishun, teeth-straightening options may include:
Metal braces use brackets and orthodontic wires to gradually move teeth into improved positions. They can be used to manage a wide range of alignment and bite concerns and remain one of the most established orthodontic treatment options.
Ceramic braces work in a similar way to conventional metal braces but use tooth-coloured or less noticeable brackets. They may be preferred by patients who would like fixed braces with a more discreet appearance.
Invisalign uses a series of customised clear, removable aligners to gradually move the teeth. The aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Invisalign may be suitable for different types of tooth misalignment, although suitability depends on the complexity of your teeth and bite.
There is no single treatment that is best for every patient. The choice between metal braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign depends on factors such as the amount of crowding, your bite, the movements required, lifestyle preferences and treatment goals.
A clinical examination and appropriate dental records are required before a suitable treatment plan can be recommended.
Keep it compact:
1. Dental examination
Your dentist examines the position of your teeth, bite and overall oral health.
2. X-rays and dental records
Appropriate X-rays, photographs or digital scans may be taken depending on your case.
3. Treatment planning
Your dentist discusses whether metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign may be suitable and explains the expected treatment approach.
4. Treatment and retention
After your teeth have been aligned, retainers are usually recommended to help maintain their new positions.
Polygems Dental Care provides assessment and treatment options for crooked and crowded teeth at our dental clinics along Yishun Avenue 4. Patients considering braces or Invisalign can arrange an assessment at our Yishun clinics to evaluate their tooth alignment, bite and treatment options.
The cost of straightening crooked or crowded teeth depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of your case. At Polygems Dental Care in Yishun, our current orthodontic treatment fees start from:
Metal Braces – From $4,000
Ceramic Braces – From $5,000
Invisalign – From $6,000
A dental assessment is required to evaluate your tooth alignment, bite and treatment needs before a suitable treatment plan and final fee can be recommended.
If you are considering braces or Invisalign in Yishun, book an assessment with Polygems Dental Care to discuss which teeth-straightening option may be suitable for you.
Yes. Crooked, crowded, rotated or overlapping teeth can often be improved with orthodontic treatment. Depending on your teeth, bite and treatment goals, suitable options may include metal braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign. A dental assessment is needed to determine which treatment is appropriate for your individual case.
Yes. Polygems Dental Care provides assessment and treatment options for crooked and crowded teeth at our dental clinics in Yishun. Braces may be used to correct different types of tooth misalignment and bite concerns. Your dentist will assess your teeth and bite before recommending a suitable treatment plan.
Invisalign can be used to treat various types of crooked or misaligned teeth. However, suitability depends on factors such as the amount of crowding, your bite and the complexity of tooth movement required. A clinical examination and appropriate dental records are required before Invisalign can be recommended.
Neither option is automatically better for everyone. Metal or ceramic braces may be suitable for a wide range of orthodontic problems, while Invisalign offers a removable and more discreet treatment option. The most appropriate choice depends on your tooth alignment, bite, lifestyle preferences and the movements required to achieve your treatment goals.
Treatment time varies between patients. Mild tooth movement may require less time, while more complex crowding or bite correction may take longer. The duration depends on the severity of the misalignment, the treatment method used and how your teeth respond to treatment. Your dentist can provide a more personalised estimate after an assessment.
Yes. Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children or teenagers. Adults may also be suitable for braces or Invisalign, provided their teeth, gums and supporting tissues are healthy enough for treatment. Existing dental restorations, gum health, bite and treatment goals will be considered when planning treatment.
In many cases, a single crooked or rotated front tooth can be corrected. However, the surrounding teeth and overall bite also need to be assessed because moving one tooth may require creating space or adjusting neighbouring teeth. Treatment may involve braces or clear aligners depending on the individual case.
Teeth can gradually move after orthodontic treatment. This is known as orthodontic relapse. Retainers are usually recommended after braces or Invisalign to help maintain the corrected tooth positions. The type of retainer and how long it should be worn will depend on your treatment plan and your dentist's recommendations.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Chua Jin Ting*, Clinical Director, Polygems Dental Care
Last reviewed: August 2026
Dental Information Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general dental education only and does not constitute personalised dental advice, diagnosis or treatment. Dental conditions, treatment suitability, risks and outcomes vary between individuals and require assessment by a registered dentist. Please seek professional dental care if you have any dental concerns.
© Polygems Dental Care. All rights reserved. Website content is provided for patient education and may not be copied, modified, republished or represented as personalised dental advice without permission.
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